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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

Another dog? What should we do?

11 replies

WoodRose · 24/10/2010 12:42

Hi. Hope you can help me sort out my head on this one.

A bit of background: We lost our lovely female collie in June. It was expected as she was 14.5 years old and had been ill with a massive liver tumour for 2 years. Our male collie 12.5 years has always lived with other dogs and was not happy being a singleton. We adopted a young Springer (18mos-2yrs) at the end of August. Last Thursday, whilst playing fetch in our garden, our Springer suddenly collapsed and died. Our vet thinks he must have had an undrelying heart/ neurological defect.

We are all shocked by the sudden death of our young dog and our elderly collie is very sad to be on his own once again. I was looking at a rescue site last night( I'm addicted to these for some masochistic reason) and saw a 6mos springer who is the spitting image of the springer who died. I am very tempted to apply for him, but my DH thinks it is too soon and I am trying to replace the springer we lost. To be honest, I think he is partially correct. I can't quite believe our young dog has died. We only had him 2 months, but he had become a much loved member of the family. On the other hand, we got our springer in the first place because we like being a 2 dog family and our collie misses canine company.

What do you think? Is it too soon? Would a 6mos Springer be too much for our elderly collie?

OP posts:

Scaredandalone · 24/10/2010 12:52

Hi I am really sorry about your poor dog I think only you can answer whether or not it is to soon to get another dog have you considered fostering for the time being until you can sort out your feelings and that way your dog is not lonely

Original poster

WoodRose · 24/10/2010 13:08

Thanks for your swift reply.

I have considered fostering in the past but DC(8&6) say they don't want to foster because it will make them too sad to give it away to another family.

OP posts:

SpookyNoise · 24/10/2010 13:12

What a sad thing to happen.
In the past, I have waited as little as 3 days between getting a 'new' rescue from dog from the previous one dying. I have found that it helps to ease the pain - and I firmly believe that if you have room in your home for a dog, then why let one live in a kennels?
Go for it - you know you want to.

FlorenceDaphne · 24/10/2010 13:26

Get another one! It's not a replacement, but it will help you all get over a traumatic dog-loss time. But are you sure you want one which looks just the same? Our much loved Jack Russell died aged 17 and, while we got another after two months, we were all adamant that we wanted a one in a different colour-scheme so we wouldn't compare too much with the old one, iykwim.

You clearly love dogs, and I'm really sorry about both yours. Quickly, go forth and get another one! and I hope this one has a long and happy life with you.

Bellaween · 24/10/2010 17:07

Go for it. I would [hwink]

Original poster

WoodRose · 24/10/2010 17:27

Thank you all for your replies. I have bitten the bullet and contacted the rescue to ask for more information about the Springer puppy. I will let you know what happens.

I feel so angry our poor Springer knew love and kindness for only the last few months of his life, that I am determined to give another dog the life he deserved. I will let you know how we get on!

OP posts:

SpookyNoise · 24/10/2010 17:28

I think you're making the right decision.

Original poster

WoodRose · 24/10/2010 17:51

Thanks SpookyNoise!

OP posts:

kid · 30/10/2010 16:51

I am so very sorry to read about your lovely dog. You say you are angry that he only knew love and kindness for the last few months of his life. Many pounds put their dogs down so he wouldn't even have experienced that time with you had you not rescued him. Take comfort in the fact that he did receive some love and attention, even though it was just for a short time.

My springer puppy died at 7 months old, during a botched neutering operation so I understand the shock of losing a young dog so suddenly. I imagine it would be so much worse to actually see it, I am glad I was spared that.

I wasn't sure what to do about getting another dog, but we decided to go for it and picked out another puppy 6 weeks later.
He is now almost 5 months old and is a lovely addition to our family.

Original poster

WoodRose · 30/10/2010 18:28

Kid - Thank you for your kind words. It was pretty traumatic, but at least the kids weren't at home. Poor DD(6) told me today "I don't like it when the dogs keep dying"

OP posts:

kid · 30/10/2010 23:09

Your poor DD, it is heart breaking for them and very hard to be able to explain things to them, especially when you don't actually know the answers yourseld.
My DS still asks for our puppy to come back, its been 5 months since he passed away.
Sadly, death is a part of life and it is very important that children are exposed to this. In a way, it prepares them for death of a human family member.

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