I lost Digweed just a few weeks ago and I feel as if I need a new dog to help heal my heart. Is it too soon? I feel bad for my other dog because her best
friend is gone and she has no one to play with.

I belong to a group here in Houston that helps bereaved parents. It's amazing that the grief process
is the same whether you lose a child, a pet, or some other loved one. Anyways...we always tell the parents not to get pregnant again too soon because
you have to go througih the whole grieving process first. A new child won't replace the one who died.

Well, I KNOW I can't replace Digweed, but can't I get another dog to help me through and fill a little of this giant hole in my heart? Sorry to compare losing
pets to losing kids, but I've lost both and it's hard either way. I also know you guys love your pets just like children so I'm sure you can relate.

So, I guess I just wanted some input from everyone. How long did you wait or how long are you planning on waiting to get a new pet? Did you get the same breed or something totally different? I found a dog at a shelter who is the same mix as Diggers, but she's a different color and looks a little different.

I hope I'm making sense. Thanks!

Jaimie

Hi Jaimie,

I'm so sorry to hear about Digweed.

How long you wait is different for everyone. Generally, you'll know when you're ready.

I got Kali about two weeks after Qorqui was killed. They're the same breed and even the same basic coloring. Kali has a "rusty" look to the fur on her head and more white in the collar, but they're similar enough that someone that had only met Qorqui once or twice might easily think they're the same dog.

At first I occasionally wished Kali was Qorqui, but she was also exactly what I needed to help me through some of the early stages of my grief. Now of course I no longer wish Kali was Qorqui, but I do sometimes wish they were both with me.

Some folks decide to get a completely different breed and color than their passed furry. Still others get the same breed with different coloring. Whatever you feel is best for you is the right decision.

If your heart is telling you that the dog at the shelter is the right one, by all means, go for it. If you're unsure, maybe it is still too early. You may want to take your dog to the shelter and see how the two of them get on. Maybe even let the dogs make the decision.

Let us know what you decide to do. It's always nice to hear when people that lose special furries find another to give a good home to.

Tim

Jaimie,

I have to agree with what Tim has said. When to get another pet depends on the person. I got my two a week after losing my little guy and I have never regretted it. For me, the only way I was going to be able to move on was to share my life with another little furry one (I ended up getting two). I think of it as a lasting tribute to what a wonderful guy my Snoops was ... he showed me how to love and I wanted to pass that lesson on.

If your heart is telling you you are ready then you are ready ... just remember that any new furry one can not replace in anyway the one you have lost. Also, I discovered that having another furbutt in the house did not take the pain of having lost my Snoops away but it did give me someone to hold while I cried.

Hugs,
Beth