Has anyone experienced a resurfacing of grief for your Bridge dog after you decide to get another dog? I am really struggling. I am very excited about my new rescue pup that is coming off the transport truck this Saturday. It seems like I have felt my Dawson closer to me for the last two days since I decided to adopt this puppy. I honestly had a feeling, in my being, my heart, my gut, that I should do this. Like Dawson was in with me on this. And, I was not really looking at getting a rescue dog. I was actually having a conversation with a breeder who had an upcoming litter. But this Golden mix puppy popped on my radar last Friday and it seems as if it was just meant to be.

Yet, every time I think of Dawson since then I start to cry. After weeks of no tears, they have started up again. I wonder if it is because I am physically (not mentally) closing a door on such an amazing chapter of my life by getting another dog. It is not that I feel guilty..I just feel sad when I think of Dawson. Before this I could think of him and not be sad.

Anyone else experience this?

Nancye


A tribute to Dawson, my heart dog
http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...boy-dawson.htm

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Simply put, yes. We adopted Tayla a little over a month after Cheyenne passed. Tayla was nothing like we expected and I spent the first couple months crying ever day. Things have gotten much better but there is hardly a day that goes by that I don't shed a few tears for Cheyenne. Christmas this year will be really hard. Tayla has gotten so much better, but she will never be a replacement for Cheyenne. She is so different in so many ways, yet...there are moments when I see something she does at it reminds me of Cheyenne. I think it's Cheyenne looking down on us.

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Barb, Rick and Tayla (STAR Puppy)



Cheyenne (CGC) and Jesse (CGC) who will be always loved and never forgotten.

Yep, me too!
Read this...http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...t-want-do.html (I don't want to do this....)
But now that I have Jordan, I am happier than I thought I could ever be again. It will be fine, you are still grieving, the new puppy will help. Take care

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I think each new love brings back memories and sadness for the ones we've lost.

All of my dogs have been rescues and I think there is a paw or paws involved every time. I turned Copper down the first time the shelter called me to take "a senior who was male dog aggressive" and they had to call back and tell me I was his last hope to make me take him. I sure learned to love that old boy dearly and miss him every day.

It takes a while to accept that we even needed to get a new one because that means we lost one, but it sure helps heal my heart with time.

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Copper's Mom (always)
Gotcha 10/2004 - lost ya 10/2010

When we got Vinnie, it made me miss Lucy more. It's hard to transition for a well behaved sweet dog to a puppy but Vinnie quickly captured my heart and defiantly helps fill the void. He will never take her place but I love him just as much.


Sent from my iPhone using Petguide.com Free App

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Jodi

My story is 19 months long now. It is all said in "I miss my Buddy" thread, my ups and downs. If it is meant to be then it will happen. Wish you all the best.

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9 & half short years in my life but forever in my heart http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...-my-buddy.html
"He took my heart and ran with it, and I hope he's running still, fast and strong, a piece of my heart bound up with his forever" - Patricia McConnell

Charlie could watch birds for hours and I could watch Charlie for hours too http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...n-morning.html

I cried my eyes out for my two doggies that passed the night before I picked up my rescue golden and they were gone for 8 years! I had to use my bigger dog's collar and leash and felt like I was being so disloyal to him (got a replacement for my current boy right away). I still cry over them and probably always will but I've made room for this new guy too.

I think it is very normal to feel sad for the dog you lost when a new one comes in the door. They have big hearts so open yours up for the new doggie coming in.

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Cocasse
Golden Retriever X Collie
Born October 17, 2008 (?)
Adopted November 23, 2009

It's been almost two years since we said goodbye to our old guy. Within a few weeks after losing him, I adopted a young male from my County Shelter. My girl was missing her big brother and needed to be with another dog as soon as possible. We weren't ready for this boy at all, but I felt I needed to put my girl's needs before our own. He helped her tremendously and us to heal as well.

We still miss our old guy, a few nights ago I was really missing him. You can never replace one dog with another, each are very unique and special in their own way. You can chose to open your heart and home to one to love. I don't look at it as closing the door or chapter on a part of your life because they're a part of who you are. Your bridge boy will always be with you, he's a part of your heart and soul and those memories stay with you forever.

Yep, when I got Meg, 5 weeks after losing Sandie my faithful, devoted, obedient, intelligent, trusted collie golden mix, I cried all the way home in the car after collecting her
1) because she wasn't Sandie (in my head I kept apologizing to Sandie for doing it)
2) because Meg was crying too (and my Mum)
3) because I was taking her from her mother and sibling (on Mothers day too)
4) because I wasn't sure I was doing the right thing!
and finally because I knew I would never have the same relationship with her as I did with Sandie, and I didn't. She was never faithful, devoted, obedient or particularly intelligent but she wormed her way in to my heart and I loved her dearly for her own qualities and different character. I find it odd to look back and remember how I felt about her in the beginning because she was so worth every tear drop! She has been gone for 5 years now too and I miss her every day.

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"Wherever a golden soul has been
remains a trail of beautiful memories"

First, please do not think that you are closing the door on a chapter of your life. Yes, you are beginning a new chapter but think about any book, the story would not be whole if even one of the chapters is missing. And, I always feel that by adopting a rescue whether they are a pup or adult, you are carrying on the golden tradition and have given a dog a second or maybe even third chance at life. I think you will surprise yourself and realize just how much room there is in your heart for the dog you lost and the new pup who will occupy another corner of your heart.