So do I get another dog or not?

[Monte Cristo]

My 14 year old Maltese Terrier (pictured) passed away 2 weeks ago and needless to say that the entire family is absolutely devastated. She was the family's and my first pet.

So what do you do now?

Do you get another dog knowing that the new one could never fully replace her?
If you do get another dog, do you get the same breed or a different one? If the same breed is it too much of reminder?
Can you really love the new one as much as the previous one?

Inputs and experiences are most welcome!

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1346483573.930316.jpg

[tattooedfagin]

Sorry to hear about your terrier, I know friends & family that have lost good pets & most vow not to have anymore but eventually give in & welcome another into their home.

[bayerische]

IMHO getting a new best friend actually helps the grief.

Your new dog will become just as a good friend and just as loved.

Sorry to hear about the little Minnie's passing.

[MoBe]

I understand it`s better to get another dog sooner rather than later.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by bayerische

IMHO getting a new best friend actually helps the grief.

Your new dog will become just as a good friend and just as loved.

Sorry to hear about the little Minnie's passing.

X2

[FeelingTheBlues]

It is up to you and it depends on your state of mind Alex, I know I wouldn't be ready to buy another dog two weeks after losing mine, I would rather get the time to fully "move on" because I'd rather be able to be 100% rational while choosing my new puppy. It is, after all, an 8-15 years contract (although you probably know that). If you feel like you are ready to get a new dog and are not buying it just to fill an empty space left by your first one then, by all means, get one and be very happy but I know I wouldn't at this moment. As for the breed, whether it's the same one or not it always depends on your lifestyle. If you liked this terrier then you can always get another one, otherwise you can always do some research to see which ones would "suit" the family best.

I say with all the respect I have for you Alex, I am deeply sorry for your loss and I know you'll make it right whether you decide to take one or not. I am confident that you will take the time to think about all the possibilities.

[travisb]

Sorry to hear.
We have a 12 yr old Akita who we got when our 1st child was 1 month old. We now have 3 kids and our dog is, as I'm sure you know, truely part of the family.
We've discussed what will happen once he's gone and all agree that we will never get another Akita because I don't think there could ever be another like him. That said, yes we will get another dog one day but definately a different breed.
Best of luck.

[East Bay Rider]

Good question and I'm sure it's different for everyone. There is no right or wrong answer.
When my dog Bandit died I was crushed. He was a rescue, a mutt and just about the best dog anyone could ask for. His only vice was that he hated riding in cars so he couldn't go out and enjoy other places with us. He developed a tumor that nearly completely filled his bladder. It was only four days since he started showing any signs until he passed. Though it was nearly 3 years ago I still get choked up if I talk about it. He was a gentle giant and everyone in the neighborhood loved him. I still miss him.


When he died it left a huge hole. We're pet people. Our pets are all over the house/yard with us and we constantly interact so it all seemed so quiet. That's the good thing about critters though. There are plenty out there needing homes and if you lose one you can always find another. I only lasted a month.
Enter Murphy, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.


I admit that I wasn't instantly in love with Murphy as soon as he arrived, but I was happy he was here and I was very busy raising a new young puppy. Pups are a lot of work and a great distraction. Well you can't put that much effort into someone without developing the strong emotions and now he and I are very close. He follows me everywhere and goes everywhere he can with me in the car.
He's no Bandit but then Bandit was no Murphy either. Both awesome just different.

So the shorter answer is that a new pet can help ease the mourning of the old pet because the new one keeps you busy and distracted. It's not like losing a loved one (human) where you can't rush in and replace as necessary. Obviously the feelings for the new one will come as you spend time together and care for it. The new pet doesn't know the motivation, only enjoying the attention and care. Before long you will be happy again and have only the happiest thoughts for the pet you lost.

[rolio]

Wait until you are ready. Both of my neighbors lost two dogs each within weeks. One neighbor never replaced his dog; the other after two months. It all depends on how each of us feel--these are close family members, afterall.

[Puffy]

sorry to hear alex

i've always wanted a dog and when i get one, it'll be a labrador i think.

i think you should get another dog to fill the void and make everyone happy

maybe look at a different type of dog, maybe a nice kelpie.

wikipedia describes kelpies as " loyal, friendly, intelligent, energetic", pretty much like a rolex, so you could name him Rolex

[masterserg]

Sorry for your loss.

If I may, and very respectfully, I would say make sure you have enough time time to mourn her.

[Kinnakeet]

I can't agree more with Bill's "from the heart" answer- you nalied it MR.East Bay Rider!
Monte Cristo- I'll keep you and you family close in my thoughts; When you are all ready to think about another dog- know that you are not "replacing" your sweet pup; I believe she would understand that you are going to be providing a home and great family life for another one of God's creatures- this being one of the greatest "works" we as humans can do on this earth!

[mjclark32]

Well said EBR.

[Brushpup]

I know and understand the pain. I have a dog now that I love more than any other in my life. When he goes, it will kill me.

As for advice, wait a while.

[G8RDPM]

Jack and I are sorry for your loss.
There is no right or wrong answer.
Follow your heart.

[Kingair]

Sorry to hear the sad news Alex.
Our Dachshund Bourvil passed away a little more that 3 years ago and I said I would never ever get another dog.
Until last december we adopted a Greyhound (ex racer) that my daughter choose on internet.
Only problem was that Baron was in the Stansted, UK and we in Belgium . . .
So daddy piloted us 3 to Stansted airport and it was only a 5 minute drive to see him . . .
Immediately lost . . .
We had to wait for 6 weeks to get all arranged and so I flew back to pick him up.
Baron arrived the 17 december so it was the most beautiful Xmas gift my little daughter ever received from Santa Claus . . . ;-)

And he is so sweet . . .

The best dog I ever had in my life !

HAGWe

[GoldenBear]

I lost my 13-year old yellow lab, Murphy a couple of years ago. It was devastating. He was my first dog and nothing will ever replace him. I have two now and they bring me so much joy and happiness, I couldn't imagine living without dogs. The pain of losing is awful but the joy of having them on a daily basis far outweighs the loss. Also, my second was a rescue from an owner who had to leave the country and couldn't bring the dog. Rescuing a dog gave me much more satisfaction that raising a puppy.

[Dr.Brian]

Originally Posted by bayerische

IMHO getting a new best friend actually helps the grief.

Your new dog will become just as a good friend and just as loved.

Sorry to hear about the little Minnie's passing.

X3.
When we lost our buddy last year, we were devastated. However he went suddenly, which was a blessing. We decided to take a few years off, travel extensively, spontaneously, etc. It's so much easier without dog sitters, kennels, dog friendly rentals, etc. Right?
Nope! We lasted a couple weeks before we were researching new rescues. Ultimately we only went about a month before we saved our new best friend. The house just wasn't the same without a dog, and my wife, who works at home 1/2 the time, was miserable alone during the day.
We went with a different breed, but we would probably get another Great Pyrenees if something happened to this one. They're great, in a big and goofy kind of way.


YMMV.

[chicfarmer1]

Sorry for your loss. Many of us have been there.

When our Rex passed a couple of summers ago, we got a new boy within a month. Very helpful emotionally--plus, our other dog was visibly distraught, so the new entry was a bonus to us all.

Our practice is to always get a new pup who looks nothing much like the other... in order to not project old feelings of loss, and to see the new one as the individual it really is. This is easy for us because our particular dog breeds aren't consistent in look, like typical AKC breeds are. Regardless, for anyone, I think it's a good idea.

[bewithabob]

Originally Posted by bayerische

IMHO getting a new best friend actually helps the grief.

Your new dog will become just as a good friend and just as loved.

Sorry to hear about the little Minnie's passing.

+1

In my experience of having lost a pet, I immediately contacted my breeder for another- it helped to quickly move on for or family, as well as our other dog.

We have also adopted a pet from a breed rescue- there is no better salve for the feeling of loss like bringing another pet into a loving home.

[Monte Cristo]

I have had mixed emotions over replacing her. On one side I was thinking that a new pup will help the healing process for the family, although the flip side is will it be too soon?

What's obvious to me now after all your kind thoughts is that I should allow enough time for us to mourn and then make a decision based on whats right for the family rather than just jumping in and getting another pup just to try and make the pain go away.

Thank you all for you kind words and pics.

[East Bay Rider]

You've made the right decision. The right decision for you and your family. Best of luck.

[Art 1]

Why not.

[Darlinboy]

Always tough to lose a beloved pet.

There is no replacing one, but a new pet can, in time, be just as beloved.

Unless you no longer want a pet... get another.

[316lad]

Originally Posted by Monte Cristo

My 14 year old Maltese Terrier (pictured) passed away 2 weeks ago and needless to say that the entire family is absolutely devastated. She was the family's and my first pet.

So what do you do now?

Do you get another dog knowing that the new one could never fully replace her?
If you do get another dog, do you get the same breed or a different one? If the same breed is it too much of reminder?
Can you really love the new one as much as the previous one?

Inputs and experiences are most welcome!

Attachment 310547

Get another dog of course!

Don't get the same breed or the new pup (however cute) will never measure up!

DO NOT (AND THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT) GET A CAT!

[keschete]

Sorry for your loss....

[InTime]

yes. new dog. you will love your new dogs personality just as much as your old one. just need to be patient. make sure to microchip the new dog, they can hide under beds and not make any noise! and sometimes get out of the house! a neighbor lost their 3 month old pup and looked for their pup. They finally found it after 4 days!

sorry to hear. best wishes.

[keschete]

I have to add, we rescue Min Pins and Dachshunds and the occaisonal mutt. I have lost more than a dozen dogs in my life...I love them all for their own personalities.

I also have MY dogs and the Rescue dogs that are looking for homes. They are all treated equally, but I always get more attached to the permanents,

I have had dogs live to be 17 with us. I have had the dog I was given as a birthday present at 15, pass away while I was in graduate school. It was a huge deal when BJ passed and I had nightmares for weeks. Now my two special buds are Max (Mad Maximum Overdrive) and Kahlua. They are my special guys. One is a 10 year old Min Pin and the latter a 4 year old dachshund.

We always have 10 or 12 dogs here.....and try our best to place dogs on loving homes.

My point is dogs make us more human and they love us unconditionally. I couldn't see myself in a home without dogs.

If you choose to get a new pup, please look at the shelter or breed rescue. They have thousands of pure bred dogs that are available for adoption. There are thousand of dachsunds, maltese, yorkies, min pins and everything else in shelters nation wide. I rescued two Rhodesian Ridgebacks in the last 8 months....very rare breed, bred to hunt lions in South Africa.

Max and Kahlua

[Gaijin]

Originally Posted by East Bay Rider

Good question and I'm sure it's different for everyone. There is no right or wrong answer.
When my dog Bandit died I was crushed. He was a rescue, a mutt and just about the best dog anyone could ask for. His only vice was that he hated riding in cars so he couldn't go out and enjoy other places with us. He developed a tumor that nearly completely filled his bladder. It was only four days since he started showing any signs until he passed. Though it was nearly 3 years ago I still get choked up if I talk about it. He was a gentle giant and everyone in the neighborhood loved him. I still miss him.


When he died it left a huge hole. We're pet people. Our pets are all over the house/yard with us and we constantly interact so it all seemed so quiet. That's the good thing about critters though. There are plenty out there needing homes and if you lose one you can always find another. I only lasted a month.
Enter Murphy, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.


I admit that I wasn't instantly in love with Murphy as soon as he arrived, but I was happy he was here and I was very busy raising a new young puppy. Pups are a lot of work and a great distraction. Well you can't put that much effort into someone without developing the strong emotions and now he and I are very close. He follows me everywhere and goes everywhere he can with me in the car.
He's no Bandit but then Bandit was no Murphy either. Both awesome just different.

So the shorter answer is that a new pet can help ease the mourning of the old pet because the new one keeps you busy and distracted. It's not like losing a loved one (human) where you can't rush in and replace as necessary. Obviously the feelings for the new one will come as you spend time together and care for it. The new pet doesn't know the motivation, only enjoying the attention and care. Before long you will be happy again and have only the happiest thoughts for the pet you lost.

Great answer. Very well thought out.