topic Re: After losing a pet, do you wait before getting another? in Community Chat

After losing a pet, do you wait before getting another?

bosmama — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 21:08:58 GMT

I lost my sweet boy Friday,he was a 13 year old lab. I can honestly say he was the best dog I've ever had. After losing pets before, I have always gone and gotten another one soon after, it seems to help some, however this time I just do not seem ready. I'm just curious what many of you do.

Re: After losing a pet, do you wait before getting another?

shamalamadingdong4 — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 21:11:11 GMT

I don't get one right away, but I start looking after a month or two. There are always animals who need a good home, and I want to provide one. I'm so sorry about Friday.

Re: After losing a pet, do you wait before getting another?

bosmama — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 21:14:24 GMT

Thank you so much!

Re: After losing a pet, do you wait before getting another?

doxie1 — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 21:19:47 GMT

The right answer is that you do what is right for you. If you do not feel ready then wait. If you do not want one now but want some companionship you can think about fostering for a shelter or a rescue. You really have to search within yourself to decide what you want to do.

I am sorry for your loss. It is always too soon that we lose our special friends. Take time to grieve. When the time is right you will know it.

doxie

Re: After losing a pet, do you wait before getting another?

bosmama — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 21:24:35 GMT

Doxie I know you are right. Thanks for your reply.

Re: After losing a pet, do you wait before getting another?

Pandalady — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 21:42:05 GMT

I agree...do what is best for you. I lost my sweet dachshund, Heidi almost 5 years ago at the age of 13. DH and I don't have any children so she was honestly our child. She even slept with us. We got her six months after we married so she was always there until that November. It is still heartbreaking for me to think about getting another furbaby, even now. I also have health issues so that taking care of a furbaby may be difficult for me now. Perhaps in the future, God will bless us with another furbaby, when it is just the right time!

bosmama, you sound like a lady with a heart of gold. I am offering hugs and prayers to you that you will know when it is the right time for you. I can tell you are and will be a wonderful furbaby mommy again!

God's blessings, dear,

Panda lady

Re: After losing a pet, do you wait before getting another?

colliemom4 — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 21:55:49 GMT

Within a month or so I always get another one and it's helped me tremendously. I'm really sorry about the loss of your precious pet.

We are all different. A friend of mine never got another dog after the loss of her last which was about five years ago.

Maybe you just need some time whatever you decide.

Re: After losing a pet, do you wait before getting another?

Pinkroses — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 22:10:33 GMT

My cats have all lived a long time 10 or more years. I wait at least 6 months.

Re: After losing a pet, do you wait before getting another?

JamicaJammer — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 22:25:49 GMT

I usually wait several years, like 5-10 yrs.

Re: After losing a pet, do you wait before getting another?

bosmama — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 22:30:04 GMT

Thank you so much for the sweet reply panda lady, it brought tears to my eyes!! I thought after I posted this topic, that it was kind of a strange one... I guess I'm being kind of goofy in my grief!!!

Re: After losing a pet, do you wait before getting another?

Hooty — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 22:37:37 GMT

I am so sorry about the loss of your sweet furbaby!

We lost our Beau at 10 1/2 about 5 yrs. ago, and we waited a year before we got another bulldog! Our Max will be 4 in Sept.

Re: After losing a pet, do you wait before getting another?

Bird mama — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 22:42:48 GMT

bosmama, I am sorry for your loss. In my family, we don't go looking for any of our companion animals, they literally seem to find us (usually strays). When my first dog passed away in January 1992, I lay like dead for 6 months. I continued rescue type related work after Spottie's passing but didn't feel the draw to have another permanent companion. In January 1993, Max (dog) crossed my path and something between me and him clicked. He lived until 3 months shy of his 16th birthday and passed away in September 2008. I currently do not live with any dogs as my life seemed to go in the 'bird' direction. I joke that God has me on a 4 year schedule with the foundlings, orphans and injured. My first set of birds joined the family in June 2005. I lost my original female this year at the age of 9 years. Her brother is still with me. The next bird came along in 2009 and the next in 2013.

I'm telling you, they find me

Re: After losing a pet, do you wait before getting another?

Pandalady — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 22:55:30 GMT

On 8/31/2014 bosmama said: Thank you so much for the sweet reply panda lady, it brought tears to my eyes!! I thought after I posted this topic, that it was kind of a strange one... I guess I'm being kind of goofy in my grief!!!

You are very welcome, bosmama! I don't feel your post was goofy. We all grieve differently. Pet lovers know what you are going through and want to be there for you. I want to personally invite you to the Pet Chat Corner. The friends in this group are all supportive of one another. I joined nearly three years ago after missing my sweet baby. I rambled on and on but everyone seemed to care. Although I don't currently have a furbaby, this is still a special group of friends to me. We would love to have you join us!

Hugs, love and prayers!

Panda

Re: After losing a pet, do you wait before getting another?

bosmama — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 23:01:04 GMT

Thanks for the invite. I may do that.

Re: After losing a pet, do you wait before getting another?

bosmama — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 23:19:21 GMT

Hooty, I see you lost a Beau too, that was my dogs name. His was spelled bo. I just cried like a baby again, hope I stop soon cuz I'm tired of swollen eyes!!!

Re: After losing a pet, do you wait before getting another?

lolakimono — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 23:34:25 GMT

((Bosmama))

I also lost my sweet companion of 16 years over a long holiday weekend. It was a sad and lonely house. I met two new friends on a purrsonal ad.

It doesn't mean that I am replacing my best kitty ever, but these two were in need of a good home (he was a "teenage" kitten and she was about 2-3). My home has been a much happier place since they came tumbling through the door. I still see pictures of my beloved catpanion and get teary, but they have been a joy to have in the family.

I noticed on the rescue site (where I adopted the girl kitty), they have animals who can be "sponsored" so that their adoption fee is waived. If you would like to honor your Bo but don't want to bring another pup home, that might be something to consider, so you can "pay it forward" in his name.

Re: After losing a pet, do you wait before getting another?

bosmama — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 23:45:52 GMT

Lolakimono-that.is a nice idea- thank you! I am glad that your home is happy again! What cute kitties!

Re: After losing a pet, do you wait before getting another?

glmama — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 00:52:49 GMT

bosmama--I'm sorry for your loss.

For me, my experience has been primarily as a cat owner (we've had our dog for under 5 yrs.) And luckily, cats generally live long lives. My last cat lived to be almost 16. And for the first time in my life within a month of her death we adopted another cat. It just seemed right at the time and worked out well and seemed to be what I needed to do at the time. I say this b/c I can see both sides and completely understand how and why someone may way a very long time to be a pet owner again.

We have a family member that has gotten new pets the day of another pet's death. Now, for us would this be our choice, so quickly? I don't think so. But she is a life long pet owner and a wonderful pet parent. So it is her personal decision to make.

Re: After losing a pet, do you wait before getting another?

Kachina624 — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 01:22:10 GMT

I've always had more than one dog at a time. I now have three, so it makes losing one a little easier. The house doesn't seem so quiet. Then as time goes along, a new one usually appears to add to our pack. I help with a rescue group so there is no lack of candidates. Give it time and when you're ready, you'll know it.

Re: After losing a pet, do you wait before getting another?

Hooty — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 01:46:56 GMT

On 8/31/2014 bosmama said: Hooty, I see you lost a Beau too, that was my dogs name. His was spelled bo. I just cried like a baby again, hope I stop soon cuz I'm tired of swollen eyes!!!

Aww, I am sure he was a sweet Bo, (((HUGS))) to you.