Pet Forum / Miscellaneous / Animal Health / December 2004

If you feel emotionally ready to open your heart to another dog, then by all
means do so.  There is no hard and fast "6 month" rule about getting another
animal following the loss of a beloved companion.  Some people may need a
longer time; some people can't tollerate the emptiness and look for another
animal soon after their loss.
Since you are considering Lab rescue, how wonderful it would be to give a
loving forever home to a dog in need.
As you know, a new dog will not replace the one you lost, but will create
new memories for you and will be special in their own way.

Margaret

i think it totally depends on you, your family, and what is in all of
your hearts. some people lose a dog and can't even think about getting
another dog for years. i was looking for another dog before i even put
my old poodle to sleep, because i knew how big the hole in my heart
was going to be, and i wanted to fill it right away.

i got the new dog three weeks after her passing.

i'm sorry about your loss.

--
petey was a pit bull
http://shattering.org
x-no-archive: yes in headers

All the right reasons.  There's no "rule" that applies to everyone.   Follow
your heart and rescue a dog who needs someone like you.

It's never too soon.  I lost my Rufus and within 3 weeks was looking for
another rescue.  He's finally here and adjusting.  He's not the instant
companion Rufus was... but we're working on it.

I'm really sorry for your loss Joyce, there is nothing in the world that can
make up for loosing someone we love. I lost my QT 5 years ago, and my heart
is still broken,nobody can possibly replacehim, but then, that is an odd way
of looking at things. you can;t replace anyone, you can only try and find
new love, and someone special to share your life with. " months after my QT
died, the silence in the house and my and Shadows (his soulmate) pain drove
me bananas.  I needed someone to shake us up and bring new life into the
house,not I had a home to give again.So Tigger came and made me laugh
again.Then came Charlie then Lil One. None of them replaced QT. But they
brought me some more love, and more joy and happiness.

I completely agree with others. Do what feels right. 2 weeks, or 6months,
whatever time isright for YOU. People grieve differently, and for different
periods of time. I still grieve for QT. Its been 5 yrs.

But if I can advise you on anything, is to get a dog that LOOKS different to
the one that has passed away. My Tigger looks too much like QT and I had
even more difficult time at first because of that. I needed to love Tigger
for being Tigger not because he looks like QT. I wasn't looking to replace
him, I just didn't see the kitten until I brought him home so I didn't know
they looked so much alike. I'd definitely would;ve chosen a different
looking kitten had I had a choice. But now, 5yrs on, its cool, I love my
Tigger to bits, for him, but that took time, a long time. So choose maybe a
different colored lab, or even a different type of dog altogether. Perhaps
check the local rescue centres, there are so many dogs there pining for a
good home that would give you so much pleasure.  Rescue dogs tend to be even
more loving, cos they've suffered so much.

So by all means, get another pet, and enjoy life again. Its hard, but
suffering in loneliness is worse. New pet will help you smile again.

Pls let us know what you decided :)

Gee

You know in your heart. Listen to it. Bless you for rescuing a
dog in need. It will be a lucky dog!

I'm very sorry for your loss. It will never hurt less--just less often.
The time between dogs differs for all of us. Your vet might have
suggested six months because sometimes people believe they are ready,
but actually are not ready. He probably knew your dog better than he
knows you.

Getting a new dog will be a tribute to the dog you lost. If you could
possibly adopt a rescue/shelter dog, it will also be a tribute to you,
for having such a kind and loving heart. Black labs arrive at the local
shelter so very often. Many of them seem to be perfect in every way:
great personalities, intelligent, flawless coat--yet they were unwanted.

In some ways, your new dog will never equal the dog you lost, but in
some ways, if given the opportunity, s/he will give you new reasons to
love.

Based on your expressions, I believe now is a perfect time to seek a new
companion.

Peace be with you.
Michael
Zildjian: world class cymbal of excellence.

Hi Joyce,

If  you miss and are ready for the companionship of a buddy, then all I can
say is "You go girl!"

Judy

Joyce, I am so sorry for your loss.  I'm sure you are devastated, and
I hope that your pain will lessen in time.

There really is no set time for when is best to adopt again, and I'm
surprised your vet said what s/he did.  Only your own heart knows when
you are ready again.  That you feel you will be ready at some point is
wonderful.  I've heard many say they would not adopt again because the
pain of losing a beloved pet is too great.  I, however, believe that
if you love animals, you always want to have them around you, and that
adopting another one to love -- especially a rescue -- is a tribute to
your lost one.

It sounds from your post like you are wise enough to understand you
can't replace your dog by adopting another.  It sounds like you just
miss the compansionship and love that comes with a pet companion.  I'd
say if you feel you are ready, then you *are*.

Best of luck to you.

Blessings,

Ginger-lyn