We lost 11 1/2 year old Tango on Feb. 4th. We have always had 2 dogs. Poor Bailey (8 yrs old) is missing him too. My husband thinks we should get another dog so that Bailey isn't lonely for doggie companionship. I disagree. I am 63 with serious health problems. My husband is 75 with bad knees. I don't think either of us have the energy or ability to give a new, particularly a young dog the kind of attention it would need, such as obedience classes, etc. In good conscience, the only way I can see us getting another dog would be a senior dog, and I'm not ready to do that either. At this point, I don't want ANOTHER dog. I just want Tango back. Also, the pain of losing him is still so fresh and raw, having to face that again with another dog is too much. There is no dog park in our area. Bailey really will not have any contact with other dogs. He is getting more attention from us now, since there is no competition. Is this enough for him? Does he need the companionship of another dog? Maybe my husband thinks so just because we've always had two dogs. Can Bailey adjust to being a happy "only dog"? Any advice? Here is Bailey.

Hi, Caseysmom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Bailey are doing. There are many factors involved in making a decision to embrace another companion into our hearts and home, and the decision is a very personal one.

To answer your question if your precious Bailey can adjust to being an "only dog" - - the answer is yes - - absolutely. Does he miss the companionship of his housemate Tango - - yes. However, this does not mean Bailey would accept the presence of another housemate for the sake of companionship.

From what you share with us it sounds like you are not ready to adopt another companion, and this is okay. If YOU are not yet ready, your precious Bailey will not be either - - for your Bailey senses your hesitation and may / could resent the new companion as an "intruder."

My precious feline companion Noah is the sole survivor in a household that used to have 4 companions - - including Noah. About 4 months after his beautiful sibling baby sister Abbygayle joined the angels in March 2010 due to end stage Fibrosarcoma, I tried introducing a little feline brother to Noah for companionship. Noah rejected the kitten, and me for bringing the kitten into the hosue - - and I ended up having to return the kitten to the vet's office for adoption by another loving family. Noah let me know that he needed my undivided attention, and I cherish this opportunity to give it to him. Noah will be 11 years old in May. Over the past year he has suffered two major life endangering health crises that either one of them could have resulted in his transition home to the angels. I am a very senior citizen with physical challenges even on the best of days, and have come to the realization that Noah will be my last companion.

I know you and your husband will be able to make a decision about embracing a new companion that is the RIGHT ONE for you, Caseysmom. And please let your hearts be at peace in knowing that your precious Bailey is content with whatever decision you make.

I hope today is treating you, your precious Bailey, and your husband kindly, Caseysmom, and that you will have a peaceful evening blessed with your beloved Tango's sweet Living Spirit to comfort you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you Moonbeam, for your support, your kindness and your wisdom. I think you must be an angel put here to help the grieving! It has been one month today since we lost Tango. I'm starting to adjust, have had some days when I didn't cry and I'm just pouring all my doggie love onto Bailey, who enjoys the extra belly rubs. Bailey is learning to adjust. He always let Tango take the lead in any unfamiliar or scary (to him) situation, like having to go outside when its raining. He was always timid. Now with no Tango, we are trying to encourage him. You are right. I'm not ready to add another companion into our lives. My heart is still entwined with Tango's. You said you have come to accept that Noah will be your last companion. That is a hard thing to accept, isn't it? Was it for you? Your words have helped me so much. I don't believe I would ever have gotten this far by now without you. God Bless You!

Hi, Caseysmom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Bailey are doing. This grief adjustment journey does take time, and I'm so glad you and your precious Bailey are enduring together one day at a time.

For most of my life I have always enjoyed the companionship of a precious companion, and I have never imagined my life without one except for brief periods of time. Now in my senior years due to both physical challenges and financial constraints I realize that my precious Noah will be my last companion on this side of eternity, and it has been a difficult "new reality" to adjust to. But I know in my heart that it would not be a "right" decision for me to bring another companion into my heart and home when I know I may very well not be able to take care of him / her appropriately, and may very well be faced with having to surrender my companion to the local rescue shelter for re-adoption because of my inability to continue to care for my companion. This possibility would truly break my heart. So, I treasure my time with my precious Noah.

I hope today is treating you, your precious Bailey, and your husband kindly, Caseysmom, and that you will have a peaceful evening blessed with your beloved Tango's sweet Living Spirit to comfort you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam