Does anyone get another dog after their dog died?

Question

My dogs died a couple months ago and I have been feeling empty ever since. Yesterday I went to the SPCA and met this great dog that I wanted to adopt. Thing is the image of the moment my dog died kept popping into my head.

I really want to adopt this dog but am afraid of dealing with the fact that it too will one day die.

How did you guys deal with the loss of a pet and getting another one knowing it will end up the same and feeling that feeling again when your new dog dies?

Answer 1

It is simple, either you can enjoy what you have with a dog while you have it and choose not to dwell on the fact that it will die at some point in the future, or you cannot, in which case perhaps purchasing another dog would not be a good idea.



When my mind is ready to accept the idea of having a new dog in the household and it would not be judged against the previous dog and found wanting, it is time to find the next dog that will find its own place in my life.

Answer 2

I lost a 16 year old dog that I'd had for 12 years. It left a huge void in my home and life. Prior to that dog, I had lost a 7 year old dog to liver disease. Within 2 months, a family member was threatening to put down that dog I had for 12 years and so I offered to take him. I never wanted the dog, because I was still grieving for the dog that died of liver disease. Looking back though, it was the best thing that could have happened. You're always going to be sad about the loss of a pet - but somehow getting another animal can help ease that sadness/void. Just my thoughts. After I lost my 16 year old, I started volunteer work with a rescue group where I fostered pregnant dogs and puppies. I ended up adopting one of the puppies that no one seemed to want and he's definitely a handful - but has helped me get through the loss of my previous dog.

Answer 3

I got a puppy from this breeder lady who seemed really legit. But she wasn't actually legit at all. And it was my families first time getting a dog so we didn't really know the difference between a good breeder and a bad one. Long story short Ivy, our puppy, was really really really sick. She had a level four heart murmur. We took her to get ultra sounds and we took her to surgeons. But they couldn't do the surgery because her pre op blood work came back bad and showed that she had something wrong with her liver too. It was really sad. We ended up having to put her down so she wouldn't be in pain. It was terrible.



Then about two months after that I was on petfiinder just to see if any of the dogs sparked an interest. And one did. I showed my parents and sister and they all loved her. We put in an application for her and now shes ours. We made sure this place was legit this time. It was a rescue center and they gave us all her vet records. Sadie, our new dog, fits in perfectly with our family and we love her so much.



Sometimes I regret getting another dog so soon because I feel like my parents and sister are always comparing her to Ivy. I feel like they are not ready for another dog. But I am. I'm the one who takes care of Sadie the most because I love her the most. I moved on quickly because that's the kind of person I am. However, my parents and sister are still mourning and there way of getting over her death was to get another dog. And it may have not been the best thing for them. I suggest you take your time and think about what type of person you are before getting another dog.



Knowing that Sadie will die eventually is really sad, but shes here now and that's all that matters.

Answer 4

Our dog that we had for over 15 years died this summer. Last year we got a puppy, partly because we knew our older dog probably didn't have a whole lot of time left. It's sad thinking about the fact that they will die eventually, but I'd rather have them around than not have them at all. I like dogs too much to let the thought of them getting old and dying keep me from them, and I think having other pets when one dies makes it a bit easier because you're not suddenly left without that companionship.

Answer 5

People grieve in their own time and way. Some people, like a friend of mine couldn't bear to get another dog right away. It took her over a year to get a new dog. My other friend got another dog the day after her dog died because she had to fill that gap. If you are ready to get another dog, get this one that you have already fallen in love with. I know exactly how you are feeling about being afraid of knowing that the new dog will die too. My dog will be 15 in January and I am scared to death. I know I am going to fall apart. But, I will get another dog. The bad thing about dogs is that they don't live very long and when they do, it's even harder to deal with because you are so attached. But, everything dies. You or I could drop dead tomorrow. There are no guarantees that anyone will live very long. Even babies can die. You can't live your life being afraid of loss. It sounds like you have a lot of love to give and so does this new dog. We have to enjoy our pets and our loved ones with no certainty of how long they will live. It's hard I know but, you should get the new dog and enjoy him for no matter how long he may live.

Answer 6

Yes, dogs grieve when one in every of them passes on. I had a 14-12 months historical springer, and my boyfriend has a ten-year ancient beagle. My dog died last week, and the beagle cries always. He lays in the spots which she favored. He misses her like loopy, and i have to take him in all places with me for organization - even work. I will be able to see the disappointment in his eyes; he is lonely without his chum. However, like humans, they get over it. Let your dog grieve in her own way. She simply lost her excellent friend. Exhibit her extra awareness and let her comprehend you understand how she is feeling. I do know this may increasingly sound sort of loopy, but it would make you and her suppose better. Puppies are sensative to the sound of your voice, and she will experience that you're lacking her friend, also. It practically appears that they be aware of what we are pronouncing - they are so wise. I inform Hunter (the beagle) that sure, I miss her too, pal, but she was once sick and you're going to see her again at some point. I do that at the same time petting him. I do not know if this helps, however writing to you and others about their pets is good treatment for my loss, as well as sharing advice. I desire you success.

Answer 7

Here is the key that re-opens the door for you:

Our dogs are only really lent to us by God (or other higher spiritual power you can respect). It is our part of the bargain to look after them as well as we are able until God calls them back home.



So, now it is time and the natural healing process of Grieving has moved you along, you have been at last able to visit the SPCA to look for your next dog. What a wondferful thing... what better way to honor your last dog than to rescue another and teach it all you learned from your dog!



Those bad images are handled by the grieving process in such a way that all the other images you have of the life you shared with your last dog are the ones that truly define the experience... you can be glad that your last one lived and you walked the same path together.,

Answer 8

Here's the main point. Everything dies, but with proper care you can expand and give your new dog a long happy life. Yes when a dog dies a big gaping hole is in your heart. But getting a new dog helps with that hole a lot. Just remember your not replacing your old dog just giving a great life to another.

Answer 9

Yes I have had dogs all my life. I am now retired. Yes it is devastating when your dog dies but I love having dogs around so after a few days I go to the shelter and adopt another. You do not forget that previous dog but you are happy you can share your home with one who needs you.

Yes the new one will die too but it's years in the future and meanwhile you get all that companionship and fun. What's the alternative? - never have another ever in case it dies? Save as many as you can.

Answer 10

It is always sad when a person's dog dies, but as heart-breaking as it was, at least you KNOW what happened...when a dog loses his or her person, there's no real way to explain to the dog where they have gone, which is far sadder...



You will probably always remember the best times with your dog who is now gone, and their absence has created a space in your world for another special friend....and it sounds to ME as though that friend is waiting for you at the SPCA...



Thank-you so much for looking there instead of in one of those awful pet stores that sell puppies...



http://www.flickr.com/photos/photosightfaces/6107948667/in/pool-1094988@N24/lightbox/

Answer 11

I would not have dogs if I never got another one after one died. Death is a part of life. Treat each dog as the individual that he is. You will never be able to replace the dog that died. He will always be in your heart.

Answer 12

I get new pets. It helps me heal so much better, because I find it enjoyable to spend time around my new pets. May sound cold, but it doesn't mean I don't still think about and love the pets I had before. Death is a part of life, so I try not to focus on it.

Answer 13

i have had many dogs over the yrs and when they pass it is really hard but i always get another to fill the void. go get the pooch and give him a good home,u will always carry ur lost pooch in ur heart and the new one will help u and he will become part of ur family. there are so many that needs a good home and he is waiting for u. it is too bad dogs don't live as long as we do but they are here for us to love and take care of and vice versa for a long as they live. good luck

Answer 14

Well I had a Rottwieler and i loved her to deth and she died of inlarged heart ! I was soo sad I got a german Shepard pup your new dog will not make it completely better but it feels the empty hole in ur heart !! hope this answer helped !!

Answer 15

Once you get a new dog and have it for awhile, the sad memories from your dog that passed away will fade. Time heals wounds.

Answer 16

Nothing lasts forever.

You cannot spend the rest of your life with nothing and nobody to love because one day it will end.

You will die alone and unloved.