Should I get another dog?

[HouseworkIsASin10]

My beloved BT was pts last summer age 15. I dream about her a lot.

We are a family of dog lovers and would love another dog, not a Border as she could never be replaced.

I have done a lot of research and am considering a Cairn Terrier.

But, this is where the guilt kicks in.
It has been so liberating not having to worry about an animal.
My life revolved around our dog for 15yrs, I still walk around the kitchen and look down so not to tread on her. Every waking minute was about Tilly, nipping home from work every day to check on her. Paranoid the front door would be left open and she would escape, leaving her in kennels every holiday.
I am torn, life would be so more complicated with a dog but we managed before?
We all work full time now, though DH on shifts.

My sensible head says wait until we retire, (another 15yrs!) but we have so many good memories of our girl.

Any advice?

I felt the same when the cats died. Waited a good couple of years then my dson wanted a dog and now I couldn't imagine not having him.

Maybe borrow someone else's dog - do you have a friend who is going on holiday and needs a dog minder? That might give you a feel for what it would be like having a different dog in the house. Or walk dogs for your local rescue centre for some dog contact while you decide? It's always a compromise between the freedom you get without a dog and all the benefits of having one, so maybe you need to wait a bit longer until the balance it clearly tipped in favour of a new dog.

I wonder if it helps to not think the decision is either get a dog now or wait 15 years. Instead, the suggestion of borrowmydoggy (or similar, Cinnamon Trust, for e.g.) for a few months and make a real effort to enjoy your freedom - at least for this summer.

That way, if you decide to get a dog in a year or two you know that you had a really good run at being dog-and-fancy-free...

I would wait, myself. We have a dog and she's fab, as good as gold (for an 11 month old adolescent!!) and I can't imagine getting another one once she's gone - the DC will be grown by then and I plan to take plenty of weekend breaks. ;)

That way, if you decide to get a dog in a year or two you know that you had a really good run at being dog-and-fancy-free...

Yes we don't have to plan a sitter whenever we go away, we can come and go as we please which is amazing after so long!

My sister has a gorgeous dog, but she is as mad as a box of frogs. We were so lucky with our border, she was an absolute angel from the minute we brought her home. So we wouldn't be guaranteed another dog with the same nature.

I suppose it's still too soon, she is on my mind so much.

Thanks for the advice

It sounds like you are enjoying the freedom, I'd go with that for now. There is no massive rush, when you are ready you will do it.