Could I love another dog?

[Fluffypompoms]

I lost my darling dog a year ago. She was 16 years old and I absolutely adored her. She was like a child to me - my soulmate and I miss her so much. My 10 Yr old daughter would love another dog. I'm reluctant though. Aside from the practical considerations, I don't know if I could love another dog like I loved my dog who passed away. It's such a huge commitment- almost like having a child. Has anyone lost a dog who was their soulmate but was able to love another dog? I'd appreciate to hear from you.

Sorry for all the typos! Eyes misted up at memory of old dog and the thought of the love and joy new dog has brought to our house.

It’s a persona decision. I have a cat not a dog and when my cat passed away I didn’t think it was possible to find another cat as perfect as she was. I adopted another cat quite quickly and didn’t take to her straight away but wanted to give her a home.

I surprised myself as within a few weeks I was besotted with her and adore her. I don’t love my previous cat any less and I think of her often but I’m always happy that I gave another animal that needed a home a safe place to live and see that as my previous cat’s legacy (who was also adopted by me when homeless)

You can.

We got a guide dog puppy to raise because I didn't know if I could love another family pet the way I loved our first Lab.

We loved the guide dog puppy hugely and cried loads when he went into full time training at 15 months old. Then we got our own puppy 2 weeks ago thinking he wouldn't be as dear to us as the guide dog puppy had been. But we love him a lot already! Puppies have a way of making you love them, they are so sweet and vulnerable and bring out our nurturing instincts.

Dogs and children are different. But to equate them as you have done is wrong given people do as you have implied isn’t possible/the same, often.

But, more broadly, you don’t ‘replace’ dogs just as you don’t replace children. However people who exhibit unpleasant behaviours are easily replaceable, I think. 😊

Thank you all so much. You've written some lovely kind words. @Gingercar that's a beautiful analogy. It really broke my heart losing my lovely girl. I loved her so much through all stages of her life - as a cheeky, mischievous puppy who loved cuddles and falling asleep in my arms to when she grew old and frail, didn't like cuddles as much, but was calm and wise and always by my side. She was my best friend and I'm still grieving for her.

I think I will be able to love another dog and give them a loving home. Maybe now isnt the right time, but maybe in a few months, when I'm ready.

I'm so sorry for your loss OP and everyone else on here who has lost their beloved pets. It's an indescribable pain.

Speaking from another angle, I lost my beloved girl two years ago after 14 joy filled years where we spent almost every minute together. I was bereft for her but also for the bit of me that was a dog person who so enjoyed caring for my pup. After a few months I started to feel the pull towards getting a new dog to care for but I too worried if I could love him/her enough.

In the event I haven't adopted a new dog and, as time goes on, I am starting to find the person I was before I was a dog person. I'm valuing the freedom to do things I never did when I had my dog (museums, theatre, travel abroad). Whilst I'm still so sad about my old girl and would have her back in a heartbeat if I could, I am settling into and enjoying this new stage of my life.

I would never say never and can almost certainly see myself loving another dog in time. However I would also say that allowing a new way of happy into your life does take time, but can be worth considering.