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The doghouse

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Original poster

Should I get another dog?

22 replies

InaGardenSanctuary · 19/04/2025 11:26

Just lost our lovely Daisy. She was a rescue. I'm heartbroken. She was a lovely, loyal dog. I must admit when we first got her I was a bit regretful. I got her for my son who wanted a dog. He was 8 at the time. Not being able to go out on day trips without arranging for someone to look after her did worry me and it probably stopped us doing some things but my mum looked after her when we went on holidays. Now I've lost my mum. I'm losing everyone that I was close to.

The house is so empty without a dog.

OP posts:
Stardust286 · 19/04/2025 11:28

If you have the time, love and commitment for a dog, get one.

IsItAllRubbish · 19/04/2025 12:08

I think you should put it off while you are still grieving, but keep it in mind for the future, OP. Sorry you’re going through a rough time.

faerietales · 19/04/2025 14:38

Ah, I'm sorry for all your losses. I hope you have lots of support Flowers

I wouldn't make a decision while you're grieving.

tinyspiny · 19/04/2025 14:43

Entirely personal decision . We lost our lovely dog in November 24 and I have absolutely no intention of getting another , he was the dog of my life ( I’ve had others) and I can’t do it again .Sorry for your loss 💐

Purplecatshopaholic · 19/04/2025 14:44

I did. Couldn’t not in the end, it was meant to be.

NewAgeNewMe · 19/04/2025 14:48

We’ve already decided when our perfect lovely girl (also a rescue), goes we won’t be getting another. She’s an our most loved family member (everyone’s favourite) but we can’t make plans without thinking of her.

We have a great dog sitter, but she has already told her clients, she won’t be taking on new dogs. I would not take the risk for another dog sitter or dog.

AcquadiP · 19/04/2025 14:55

I'll be in your situation in 2 or 3 years time and I'm absolutely dreading it. I've kept dogs since 1992 but my existing dog will be my last due to my age (62) and a health issue which will get worse over time. I have no remaining family.

If you are willing and able to commit to another dog I would say go for it.

JustAnInchident · 19/04/2025 14:58

Sorry for your loss. Personally I wouldn’t rush into it while it’s still so fresh. I’ve done that before and regretted it as I was clearly looking to replace the dog I’d lost, not to get another individual if that makes sense! Of course if you get further down the line and you still feel you want another dog, absolutely go for it but don’t rush.

SpanielsGalore · 19/04/2025 15:05

Sorry for our loss. x
You could volunteer to foster for a rescue if you are undecided about getting another dog. They're crying out for good foster homes at the minute.

Iheartmysmart · 19/04/2025 15:16

I’m sorry for your loss. Personally I’d wait a while. When I lost my old boy around 18 months ago, I was desperate to get another dog straight away and scoured the rescue websites looking for a suitable dog, applied to rehome a few and was gutted every time I was turned down. However, I’ve totally changed my mind over the last year.

Yes, I miss the walks and company but am now embracing the freedom of being able to do whatever I want without any ties. I will get another dog in the future no doubt but for now I’ll just enjoy fussing the ones I meet out and about.

bugalugs45 · 19/04/2025 16:24

I lost my first dog ( too young and suddenly ) and was only without a dog for 3 weeks , live alone and couldn’t stand the empty house .
It felt quick and I worried that people would judge me for ‘replacing’ so quickly , but 4 years on I’ve never once regretted my decision

Fennelseeds · 19/04/2025 20:19

Im two days in after my beautiful boy was PTS. I know I never can replace him. He was my everything. We do have another family dog but he is my partners I don't consider him mine.
I can't even bring myself to think about ever getting another, as he was irreplaceable. I'm still grieving though, i feel guilty for making the decision did (he was failing), and i feel utter grief. The house is so empty without him.

Tiggy321 · 19/04/2025 20:44

Lost my gorgeous 12 year old dog on Monday. As much as I miss him, I could not contemplate having another dog for a while. I need to grieve him. Borrowed a friends dog for a walk yesterday which made me cry as we used to walk miles altogether. It’s tough and you have my deepest sympathy.

YourAzureScroller · 19/04/2025 20:57

For some people getting another dog very soon is the right thing and for others waiting longer or even never again

I have always said get a dog when you miss having a dog not becuse you miss a departed dog and want them back.

I lost my heart dog 3 years ago when he was 18 months, 6 weeks later we got another dog but as a family dog and last month we added our pup to the family who is most definitely my little shadow.

I am so sorry for your loss

HappyToSmile · 19/04/2025 21:07

I already knew we would get another one, my life is just right with one, or not right without one.
But I'd suggest giving yourself a bit of time, don't rush out and get a another Straight away.

Branleuse · 19/04/2025 21:26

Yeah. I think its miserable without at least one dog

Kardamyli2 · 20/04/2025 11:31

No, don't get another dog.

Cherrypies · 20/04/2025 15:55

I lost my wonderful red and white setter when she was only 10, November 2014, heartbroken, loved that girl so much.
By December, I had rescued a cross English setter, I dont regret it for a moment, she is in no way a replacement, she has her own ways, her own personality.
As she is now coming up to 13, I am dreading the inevitable, but will always keep her comfortable.
I will probably do the same again, there are so many homeless dogs out there, there is nothing wrong in homing another dog.

Original poster
InaGardenSanctuary · 20/04/2025 16:24

Kardamyli2 · 20/04/2025 11:31

No, don't get another dog.

Why?

OP posts:
officelady · 20/04/2025 18:08

We lost our perfect dog when she was 16. We had already decided we wouldn’t get another, she grew up with our children and had a fabulous full and long life. We do really REALLY miss the pitter patter of paws and the long walks at the beach though, so I “borrow” friends dogs from time to time, when they are on holiday or just so they can have a long day out without worrying about their pooches. It works really well for us because we can still have the doggy love but without the long term commitment. I’m not 100% ruling out getting an older rescue dog when I retire though, but for now, we are happy with our part-time doggos.

LoveMySushi · 20/04/2025 18:34

We applied for a new rescue 2 months after our dog died. We were grieving hard and for me, i need a new challenge when something major like this happens.

New dog didnt completely take away the sadness, but she definitely helped by being cute and keeping us busy. It was amazing to see the kids lighten up too. Before every time someone mentioned a dog we would all be in tears and once we had our new dog my kids started telling happy stories about the old dog and remembering the good times without completely breaking down.

The house became lively again and everyone was busy 😄
Best decision ever.

cashmerecardigans · 20/04/2025 19:03

We lost our best and absolutely adored boy at Christmas. We’d agreed we would wait, partly because, as someone else said, if we get a new dog we want to have a new dog, not a replacement. We miss our boy terribly, but for now have decided to try and see how we do without, so make the most of the freedom. Having said that, we’ve been on rescue sites this weekend

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