All those who have lost a beloved dog, please share advice!

[gritsar]

When you lost your canine companion how long did you wait before getting another dog or did you decide instead not to get another one at all?
I'm finding I can't stand the thought of being alone on this farm without a dog for love & companionship. My DH works nights and long hours and that's a factor. It's not that I am afraid to be alone. I have firearms at my disposal and I'm not afraid to use them. It's just I need someone to lavish my attention on.
After a long talk about it, we have decided that to honor Charlie we should get another rescue, as she was, rather than buying a puppy. I have found two sisters, 18 months old, that really need a family. Thru several e-mails with their adoption counselor I feel like these girls would be a good match for us.
I just feel disloyal to Charlie by thinking aboout another dog so soon, but maybe it's what she would want me to do?
My DH and I cried all night about Charlie. I'm still crying now.
Please help!

 

[hikerchick]

My Boston Terrier died in April. I haven't replaced her only because I have a 9 year old Boxer who would resent it.


Had she been my only dog, I would have a BT on my lap right now/

Charlie wont' mind. He wants you to be happy.

 

[DeerFangRanch]

If something happened to you and your DH wouldn't you have wanted Charlie to find a loving home soon? Go see the "girls" and let them help heal your heart.

 

[SpringChickens]

YOU are the only one who can answer that question. Different people grieve differently, and it sounds like you have already made a decision. You will not be disloyal to Charlie by choosing another dog; it doesn't mean you are giving this other dog the spot in your heart. It honors her instead, by showing how devoted you were to her and her presence in your life.

Kudos to you for choosing a rescue as well.

 

[MagsC]

I always have looked for another dog after losing a beloved family dog.
For me, it just seems to help heal the heart.

 

[wishin4chicken]

I think you should go look at those girls. Sounds like they could use a loving family like you and your husband. Charlie would be happy!

Michele.

 

[Cara]

When i've lost dogs i've gone through the 'that's not my dog' or 'you're not like my old dog..." feeling with the new ones, no matter how long its been since the old one passed. The feeling passes though, it's just hard to not try and replace the dog that is gone. It seems easier to me to go with a different breed or color, but I guess it's all psychological! Focusing your attention on a new dog that needs help does ease the pain though

 

[PurpleChicken]

My x and I always had two dogs, usually rescues. We lost one in 92
when she was hit by a car. That sucked but having the other dog helped.

I'm sorry you lost your dog. It's not an easy thing.

Get another dog. Get it today. Don't let grief hold back the love and kindness
you are going to give the next pooch.

No, it won't be Charlie, it will be a new family dog who will develop his own
special place in your heart.


Cmon G, go get it. Tell Hubby "Let's go". My boy Jake laying here next to me
says "roof roof get 5"

Don't forget the pics.

 

[NGT ANGL]

Follow your heart...to get another dog(s) isn't a disloyal though but a true tribute. Good for you for looking at rescues. The sisters need someone to lavish their love and attention on just like you do.

 

[Bluemoon420]

So sorry gritsar...

We lost Sampson in April, and even though we didn't plan on getting a puppy right away, it just happened that way. There isn't a set amount of time to let go by after you loose a friend. Just do what you think feels right.
We don't expect or new puppy to be just like him, and we know she won't look like him either. We chose her because of that.

I would at least go see the dogs, and don't expect anything when you go. Only you guys will know for sure if it's right or not. You aren't being disloyal to Charlie. You are honoring Charlie's memory, and there is nothing wrong with that!

Like someone else mentioned, the feelings of missing Charlie won't go away, but focusing your attentions on a new one will help ease the pain.

Keep us posted, and

It's hard I know, I've been there..

Bluemoon