when do you decide to get another dog?

[carolc]

i'm definitely NOT ready, but just wondering when others here were able to get another one? How long did you wait and was it painful at 1st? Or did any of you decide you just couldnt do it again?

[Lchow022]

I’ve lost two pets and it doesn’t get any easier..
Each pet you have will have a different story and will leave a huge impact to your heart.
My cat passed when she was 14. She was our first pet that I had since I was 10 years old. When I was a child I took care of stray cats that were abandoned by my drugged up neighbors. I used my 5$ a week allowance to buy a box of cat food once a week for the cats..my parents called the spca without telling me and when I came home from school one day they were all taken away..I cried and cried for days. My parents felt so bad realizing that I loved animals so they got me that cat..she was going to get put down with the rest of her brothers and sisters..I wanted to save them all..but we could only save one... When we had to put her down I cried and couldn’t eat for days. I still think about her and have her pictures up..

My dog Oscar was ran over by a car when he was only 4 years old...he was brought home from my sister. He was best friends with Krunky(they were the same age and he would be turning 14 this year as well). My dad always walked them without a leash because they were really obiedient. But Oscar was so small..and he was only a few steps behind my dad while crossing the street and a car ran him over...he was gone before I could get there from work. My dad went crazy and I couldn’t eat for weeks. I went on a long trip a couple weeks after and during my trip I decided to get Mochi..(my now diabetic white Pom and the reason why I’m in this forum). I bought him a couple months after Oscars passing so krunky wouldn’t be depressed and will have a new friend but he wanted nothing to do with mochi because of the 5 year age gap..

It is soooo painful to lose a pet because they’re like family. But I must say I think the bond I have with Mochi(my diabetic) is so strong that it will tear me into pieces if I lose him. I cry thinking about it...
Sorry for writing such a long response..your questions just really got me reminiscing...getting a new pet is always up to you and whether or not you’re ready. Some people can’t handle the pain of losing their pets so they don’t get another one ever again. But I would definitely adopt and keep adopting...

[k9diabetes]

We surprised ourselves and got one just two months later... I just hated being without a dog. Didn't know who I was without a dog to take care of after all those years of daily management with Chris.

And though it probably was too soon technically, I've never regretted it. He's another rescue like Chris and needed someone to open their home to him. We got him at about 1-1.5 years old and he will be 11 this summer.

Natalie

[MomofGus]

It has been a little over a month since I lost my Gus. The urge to get another dog was there right away because I just had a void, and I still have the huge void. We have gone from 3 dogs to 1 dog in the last 6 months. I never dreamed I would lose my 2 schnauzers 6 months apart. They were "my" dogs, and our big dog is more my husband's dog. However, I'm trying very hard not to rush into it. I keep watching rescue sites to adopt. There was a beautiful 6 yr old schnauzer available, 2 weeks after my boy died, but something held me back from going to look at her. I decided it was just too soon, and have since decided against another schnauzer even though I love the breed and have had 4 in total. Too many predisposed health issues. So, when the time is right and I feel the right one has come along, I will adopt. One thing for us to consider is our age. I just turned 65, so, is it wise to get a puppy? I'm not sure I am up for the training part. After the ridgid routine of the diabetes for almost 3 years, I am beginning to be able to feel a little more freedom. And, then the guilt sets in. We sure have a different routine now since his passing. Our one big dog is 10, and he's not been very socialized. So, getting another dog is questionable in his accepting one, especially a puppy. I am taking him to a trainer next week to have him "evaluated" in that regard and see if I'm even getting my hopes up of even having another dog.

[Daisydog10]

My mom and her little chihuahua, Louie, lived with me since Louie was about 2. When my mom passed away in 2014, it was me and Louie and we were both grieving horribly. In 2016 at the age of 16, Louie suddenly stopped eating and was throwing up blood. I took him to the vet and it was time. I swore I would never get another dog. It was just too much heartbreak.

Six months later the grandkids wanted a dog. I told them no. No puppies, no chewing, NO! Please can they have a dog. An older dog that won't chew. One of the doctors at the hospital needed to re-home his dog. She's 7 years old, housebroken and trained. Can we?? Please? Her name is Daisy. I finally caved in but I wasn't taking care of the dog. I didn't want a dog.

I came home from a trip, walked in the house and here's this adorable chubby little mini schnauzer. She barked at me and I sat on the floor and our eyes met. We connected immediately. It was the strangest thing. I said "You must be Daisy." I petted her then got my luggage out of the car and went in my bedroom to unpack. She followed me in my bedroom. It was late so I got ready for bed, Daisy went out in the living room and I shut my door.

About a half hour later the kids open my bedroom door and in comes Daisy. She's staring at me. I asked my daughter why isn't Daisy sleeping with the kids? Her reply was "because she's been standing at your door for 20 minutes." I looked at Daisy and said "Do you want up here?" She jumped on my bed and we've been joined at the hip ever since.

So much for not wanting another dog.

[MomofGus]

Love your story, Daisey's mom. I too hope that the "right" dog will speak to me. All puppies speak to me, but I have to get past that puppy cuteness, and find that rescue that no one wants and it chooses me.

Carolc, you'll know when the time is right. The heartbreak is still raw for both of us, I think. I'm a dog lover and have always had a dog in my life since a young child. Can't imagine my life without one.

[Soaphie & Sydney's Mom]

Oh my goodness! What a beautiful story!!!!!!! love love love this!

Originally Posted by Daisydog10

My mom and her little chihuahua, Louie, lived with me since Louie was about 2. When my mom passed away in 2014, it was me and Louie and we were both grieving horribly. In 2016 at the age of 16, Louie suddenly stopped eating and was throwing up blood. I took him to the vet and it was time. I swore I would never get another dog. It was just too much heartbreak.

Six months later the grandkids wanted a dog. I told them no. No puppies, no chewing, NO! Please can they have a dog. An older dog that won't chew. One of the doctors at the hospital needed to re-home his dog. She's 7 years old, housebroken and trained. Can we?? Please? Her name is Daisy. I finally caved in but I wasn't taking care of the dog. I didn't want a dog.

I came home from a trip, walked in the house and here's this adorable chubby little mini schnauzer. She barked at me and I sat on the floor and our eyes met. We connected immediately. It was the strangest thing. I said "You must be Daisy." I petted her then got my luggage out of the car and went in my bedroom to unpack. She followed me in my bedroom. It was late so I got ready for bed, Daisy went out in the living room and I shut my door.

About a half hour later the kids open my bedroom door and in comes Daisy. She's staring at me. I asked my daughter why isn't Daisy sleeping with the kids? Her reply was "because she's been standing at your door for 20 minutes." I looked at Daisy and said "Do you want up here?" She jumped on my bed and we've been joined at the hip ever since.

So much for not wanting another dog.

[carolc]

i havent been on here in a long time. I haven't adopted another dog yet. i'm taking your advice, that I will just know. I have been looking. I'm waiting for the school year to be over (my daughters a teacher, I watch the grandkids) so I can be home to get to know each other.
We moved over the summer, and I keep thinking how much bandit would love it here. 13 acres, mostly woods and hills. there isn't a day that goes by that I don't make him talk. (he had his own voice ) we did get ducks and plan on goats and other farm animals. again, bandit would have loved that.
Tinky is still with us, she's still sad since he left us. but then again, she's 13 and cranky.
it will be a year the end of march, it still hurts, I do need to find another to fill the void.
thank you!
carol

[Susan M]

I'm sorry for your loss, I'm sure you loved and must miss your baby very much.
I don't think there is any right or wrong time to get another dog. You won't question it when you meet the right fur baby. You will just know it's right.
I had just moved and my circumstances were not ideal for having a pet so I wasn't even thinking about getting another dog, but when I came across a pic of my boy Max I had to meet him. When we met I instantly knew we were meant to be together. I think since he was diagnosed with diabetes earlier this year we have grown even closer.....I'm sure everyone that frequents this forum understands and feels the same way.
Weather it be sooner or later I'm sure the right dog will find you!
Take care

[Abby's Mom]

I know this is an old thread and I am not on here much any longer. Since we lost our Abby which was 4.5 years ago, we did get another pup, Duncan. We waited one year, but I can tell you the year we did not have a dog, was just the saddest and loneliest year.

Life was not complete for me until we got another. You will know when the time is right.