I have really been pondering the idea of getting a new dog. It hasn't even been a week since I lost Pox, but I feel extremely lonely. I know that through all the hard times, Pox was always there for me. She was the one I leaned on and was who I cried on. She was also the one who I have shared many happy memories with. My boyfriend says it is a good idea...but to wait a month. I have felt so empty inside since she has been gone. I feel like I have no purpose. I had to quit all of my classes because I missed so much school this semester due to caring for my Poxy girl. I have been sleeping allllllll day long. Thinking about a new puppy has been the only thing to really light up my life (other than thinking bout Pox, of course). Frankly, I have nothing that is really driving me to get out of bed. I know depression is part of the grieving process...but a month feels like forever. I know this sounds like it is all about me...but I really think I need somebody to love....somebody tangible...huggable...and I would be such a great mommy to a puppy that needs one. What do you all think?

Well, I can only tell you what I am doing. My Dakota died only 1 week ago yesterday and we have already adopted a new puppy from the humane society. He comes to his new home with us on Monday of next week. We are all excited and feel it will bring some joy back in the house. I know that its different with everyone and you have to do what you think is best. Others on this board have been supportive of my decision. If you feel like you want to give love to another little soul then I think that you should. Do it whenever you feel that the time is right. Some people have said that we have moved too fast getting another puppy so soon. others think its great. I dont think were moving too fast because we are not trying to bring our Dakota back, we just love a house full of pets. My children are older and my daughter will be leaving for college next fall. I plan on just getting more furbabies to fill up my empty nest ! LOL!

I think you should go for it whenever you feel its time.

God Bless
Cammy

I think you should. I know how you feel. Since I have been thinking about a new puppy it has changed me. I can get out of bed a go on with my life. I am going to plan this out more, but that is what is right for me. When I got Stymy he was 5 years old so I cut out all that puppy stuff. Now I want a puppy. So that means late night potty, chewing, and all that wonderful stuff. I need to go shopping for all the right equipment before I bring a new addition home.

I know Stymy would want me to be happy. That was his main goal when he was living and I don't think that changes when they go over to the rainbow bridge.

I just want to warn you ... the first time I started looking, I got my heart broken and was depressed for a week. So you can have your ups and downs or maybe you will get lucky the first time. Who knows but having an animal in your life is so well worth all the downs ... because the ups are soooo much better.

Best wishes,
Vicki

You should get another pet when you think you need one. It is not disloyal to your other dog. It just means that you have a lot of love to give to another fortunate fur buddy. I believe that it is a very personal choice, and that it is your own timetable - don't worry about anyone else's. Pox's spirit will probably be very happy for you!

Dee Dee

Darebaby,

There is no set timetable for when you should or shouldn't get another dog. That is a decision that is intensely personal and only you (not your boyfriend ... you) will know when its time. Your boyfriend means well but you need to decide what is best for you because from my experience the grief will not be any less a month from now than it is today. I lost my Snoops over a year ago and I still miss him and cry over the loss (although not nearly as much as I used to).

From what you have written, it sounds like you are ready for another pup. I got not one but two puppies a week after losing my best friend in the whole world. Like you I was so depressed I could barely function and the emptiness in the house was so unbearable that I didn't even want to come home after work. For me, getting the puppies was the best thing that I could have done. It gave me a reason to come home and it gave me someone to take care of again and love again.

The only advice I can give you is that getting a new puppy will not replace your lost pup nor will it keep the sadness from happening. What a new little furbaby will do is fill up the emptiness in the house and he/she will help you to begin to function again (at least that was my experience). It also gave me a little furry guy to hold onto when the crying started which was a great comfort to me.

I think it is admirable that you want to share your life with another little furbaby. Wanting to share your love again is a testament to the relationship you had with your lost little one. What a great affirmation of all the things you shared and learned together that you want to share your love with another dog and I'm sure you lost little one would support that decision.

I wish you the best and please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss. Please keep us updated on your decision.

Hugs,
Beth

Hi,

I can't think of a single thing to add to what the other nice folks here have said. I'm just writing to say I agree: it's an entirely personal decision. If you feel you're ready, then you are.

Best wishes,

-- Daryl

I am a little scared to have a puppy...it's been a long time. Just thinking bout it brings back so many memories of Pox when she was a puppy...she was wild. There were so many things I had forgotten...not too mention I was very young.
I figure the worst part would be chewing and poddy training. Chewing I can work that out. Poddy training...well Pox didn't have much control those last 6-9 months...picking up poo wont be anything new I have ordered some books so that I can do this right. Somebody mentioned equipment...refresh my memory.
Just the idea of having a new little angel to take care of has brought a simple little joy to my life.
Thanks for all of your support on this. I seriously think that coming to this site has given me something to look forward to each day. I get very excited to hear from all of you. It is also nice to be able to let my feelings out. I think this is a great place and I am so glad I stumbled upon it. You all have made such a huge impression on me during the most difficult time of my life. Thanks

I know its not what you want to hear but the grieving process takes a long time and while I am 100% with you all for giving another bundle of joy a new loving home they will be their own little spirit and not a replacement for the pets that have gone.

Having said that time and again people have come on this site and adopted a new furbaby within a relatively short time and been all the happier for it.

Only you can know if the time is right.

Love Sue

Of course not. I would never try to replace my baby. Even if it were possible...it would be impossible...ya know what I mean. I am going to give it some thought. I may try to hold out until Pox's funeral. I haven't set a date yet because I am waiting for her ashes. I am also having a beautiful memorial done for her. My brother is a graphic designer and he is taking one of her pictures from when she was younger and creating this scene like what I Imagine "Rinbow Bridge" to look like where she is right now. I am gonna hang it in the living room for all to see. I am also planting a flower bed for her. I am gonna keep her ashes but I may bury some of them in the flower bed. There is something about "burying" and "planting" that seems to feel so natural when it comes to losing my babies. I read a book that said even elephants bury there dead under big leaves. Interesting...I thought. There are a lot of plans to be made...plans to get a new furbaby give me hope for a reason to get outta bed. I really need to start taking care of myself...but I just don't feel like it. I don't feel like anything right now.