Should I get a dog?

[Passmealargewine]

I really want a dog but dont know if I'm too scared to go for it.

I had a beautiful pup a few years ago & she was just amazing. gentle natured, full of life I loved her to bits. Unfortunately she got cancer & she died, she was only 3.

I was completely traumatised, I miss her so much & it still upsets me now to think about how unfair it is she didn't get to live as much as she deserved.

I'm finally at the point where I feel ready to get another dog, I've been thinking about it for about a year now and I definitely want one & can offer one a great home. But I'm terrified of going through the same thing again. I know I'm being unreasonable, I know I was just really unlucky.

Please someone talk some sense into me! I adore dogs & definitely feel like there's a gap in my life without one. Has anyone else been through similar? Did you get another dog?

You have been very unlucky, 3 is very young. I’m sorry about your dog but even though you only had them for 3 years I bet you would rather have had those 3 years than not have had your dog in your life at all. There is no guarantee sadly, all you can do is mitigate the risk by going to a registered good breeder, picking a breed that has a longer life span and investigate the breeds anticipated health problems. You may be better going for a breed like a westie rather than a Great Dane for example! I think you are ready and once you take the leap the joy of your new pup will help you recover from your loss.

Why not go to a rescue and put your name down? often fewer health problems and you are giving an amazing home to a discarded dog. Especially after lock down dogs being given up.

I think you want a dog, you know what it involves and would give the dog a loving home. I think you should get one, but you need to deal with the inevitability of the dog’s death.
Your poor dog did die prematurely and I should hope you won’t be so unlucky with your second

Thank you all for the comments @AmberLynn1536 you are completely right, I would have much rather had those 3 years with her than not.
I have been researching different breeds & looking at health issues, life expectancy etc. I think I just need to spend more time thinking about all positives rather than just thinking about the worst bit!

I'm so sorry for what you went through. It's totally understandable that you're hesitant. But of course you should go for it! We never know how long we'll have with our pets. There is no way to predict it. Our job is just to give them the absolute best life possible and to enjoy our time with them. You sound like a lovely person, and there is a dog out there that deserves a loving home with you!