[gloamingone]

Obviously I'm still grieving the loss of my Boston terrier on Tuesday, but my thoughts now are on my health.

My dog helped me get up in the morning and gave me a reason to do normal, every day things. Taking care of him gave me the oomph to get though the day. He wasn't trained to do anything special--he just kept me company. Without him, I am terribly lonely. I don't work, and my kids are in school all day, so having him kept me sane.

I am thinking of getting a new dog. The pound is having a $7 sale tomorrow, and it also has a high euthanasia rate. I know Otis would want me to give the gift of love to another dog in need.

Would it be unreasonable to get another companion dog? I feel like I'm drowning in isolation right now.

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[lizardlady]

Gloamingone, I believe the person grieving the loss of a pet is the best one to decide when the time is right. What do your heart and gut say? If you feel you need another dog right away, go for it! Why not go to the sale and see if a particular dog appeals to you? At worst you come home without a new dog, so no change in your current situation. Or you come home with a new canine buddy. Do what feels "right" for you.

I'm going to share a couple of personal examples. I had to put my Lab Al down last May. I'm still not ready for another dog.I just don't feel ready yet.

Many years ago my favorite horse died rather traumatically. I started looking for another horse within two weeks. People told me it was too soon, but in my heart I knew I needed to look for another immediately. I found another horse within a couple of weeks. We had many happy years together.

[gloamingone]

Originally Posted by lizardlady

Gloamingone, I believe the person grieving the loss of a pet is the best one to decide when the time is right. What do your heart and gut say? If you feel you need another dog right away, go for it! Why not go to the sale and see if a particular dog appeals to you? At worst you come home without a new dog, so no change in your current situation. Or you come home with a new canine buddy. Do what feels "right" for you.


I'm going to share a couple of personal examples. I had to put my Lab Al down last May. I'm still not ready for another dog.I just don't feel ready yet.


Many years ago my favorite horse died rather traumatically. I started looking for another horse within two weeks. People told me it was too soon, but in my heart I knew I needed to look for another immediately. I found another horse within a couple of weeks. We had many happy years together.

Thank you! My innards are telling me I need another dog. Not to replace Otis (no dog could), but just so I'm not so isolated all the time.

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[lizardlady]

Oh, I agree. No pet replaces another, but they can help heal us.

Another personal example, the same day I had Al put down I had one of my cats put down. Callie, the cat was special to me. Not only did we have a special bond, she had been my Mom's cat. She was my last living connection to Mom. The day before I had Al and Callie put down I took in an itty-bitty kitten who had been abandoned by his mother. Mikey is also one of the special ones in life. He and I bonded at first sight. Someone asked if he filled the hole in my heart. No, he doesn't. That hole will remain, but he sure has helped me heal the pain of losing two of my furbabies.

[KathyM]

Originally Posted by gloamingone

My innards are telling me I need another dog.

I'd say that's the time to get another dog. Who knows, maybe Otis can help you find just the right match.

[gloamingone]

I just talked to my boyfriend, and he's ok with it. So we're going to the pound tomorrow.

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[UnderRugSwept]

Originally Posted by gloamingone

I just talked to my boyfriend, and he's ok with it. So we're going to the pound tomorrow.

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I want to wish you well finding the right dog for you and I am very sorry for your loss.

I found some comfort in getting another female cat fairly soon after I had to put to sleep my first cat, also a female...although she will always be my favorite and can never be replaced.

[Fresia]

Hoping Otis is with you to guide in your search today. They can never replace the hole in our hearts but they can help us to heal. Best wishes in finding your new family member.

[lizardlady]

Gloamingone, please let us know how it went today.

[gloamingone]

We got a ten-month-old terrier mix from the pound yesterday. He's sweet, energetic, and affectionate, and he already has excellent manners!

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[gloamingone]

I tried to get a picture of him. :-)

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I certainly hope you went & found yourself another dog! If not, please do so asap, if not from the pound, from a reputable companion animal rescue organization. Good luck!

[lizardlady]

Originally Posted by gloamingone

I tried to get a picture of him. :-)

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Gloamingone, he is a cutie!! Congratulations!!!

Does he have a name yet?

[gloamingone]

Originally Posted by lizardlady

Gloamingone, he is a cutie!! Congratulations!!!


Does he have a name yet?

Yes, his name is Izzy. :-)

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[lizardlady]

He looks like an Izzy! Again, congratulations.

[haleylaurel]

Originally Posted by gloamingone

We got a ten-month-old terrier mix from the pound yesterday. He's sweet, energetic, and affectionate, and he already has excellent manners!

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so happy for you. i put my lab down in 2012. waited until 2013 to get a new dog. cried myself to sleep every night in between. my new puppy will never replace my baby (i got her when i was 5, she died when i was 19) but he's doing a damn good job keeping me going. and i love him so much.

[haleylaurel]

Originally Posted by gloamingone

I tried to get a picture of him. :-)

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SO CUTE love the ears!

[Fresia]

Congratulations! Best wishes and enjoy your new adventures together.
((((((Gloamingone & Izzy)))))))))

[too SHy]

My very elderly father lost his dog. But he has the sensibilenesss not to get another one. They truly members of our families

[gloamingone]

Originally Posted by haleylaurel

so happy for you. i put my lab down in 2012. waited until 2013 to get a new dog. cried myself to sleep every night in between. my new puppy will never replace my baby (i got her when i was 5, she died when i was 19) but he's doing a damn good job keeping me going. and i love him so much.

I'm crying for my Otis right now, and looking at my favorite picture of him. He truly took a part of my heart and soul with him when he died. I only had him for five of his seven years (he died too young!), but those are years I will never forget.

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[Sabrina]

I hope Izzy helps fill a little of the void left by Otis.

[gloamingone]

Originally Posted by Sabrina

I hope Izzy helps fill a little of the void left by Otis.

I think the best past about Izzy is he's still a pup. He's keeping me quite busy. After Otis died, I'd just lay there crying all day. The true test will be when my boyfriend goes back to work tomorrow and it's just me and the dogs!

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[UnderRugSwept]

Congrats on your new addition; Izzy is so adorable!!

[bounceback]

I had to put my cat down on August 3. Because I live alone I knew how lost I would be without another animal so I got another cat within 4 days. I still miss my other cat. I had her for 18 years. I got her when she was 4. She had been with me through everything including my mom's death. She was the last connection I had to my mom also. I knew though that I had to go on and didn't want to deal with the world alone. The new cat doesn't replace my other cat and never will nor does it diminish the love I had for my other cat. It just feels up the emptiness in my life and she is so lovable.

I am so glad you got another companion. It will help you heal.