[photomel]

Hello everyone.

We just lost our wonderful dog about a week and a half ago from Lymphoma. Even though we had been "preparing" for his passing for 5 months it was still a shock to us when it was time for him to go.

My wonder right now is how long should we wait before getting another dog? I know no dog will replace Porter, but the house is so quiet I can barely stand it. I have heard both theories. Wait, ad you will know when it is time. Don't wait and pour your energy into a new dog.

How long did you wait after your golden passed before getting a new puppy or doggie?

 

[arcane]

I am very sorry for your loss of Porter. Bringing another in, is a purely individual choice, some need to grieve for a while and others need that companionship right away, whatever your choice you will not be replacing the one you lost. Best of luck to you.

 

[Oaklys Dad]

So very sorry for your loss. Like Arcane said it varies by the individual. I only lasted two weeks coming home to an empty home before I brought Oakly home. For me it was the best decision I could have made. The new puppy kept me so busy and laughing so much I didn't have time to feel sorry for myself.

 

[Allan's Girl]

I tried to last after Goldie past, I really did. I only lasted 2 weeks before we got Bailey and I don't regret it one bit. We are a two golden house and it just didn't feel right to only have one. Not to mention that Molly was so depressed about the loss of her big sister, that I just couldn't stand it. I swear her face turned totally white in two weeks. It really is a matter of how you feel though. If you feel it is time and you have the time to devote to a new puppy, then I say go for it!

 

[Abbydabbydo]

I am so sorry for your loss! Are you thinking it is disrespectful to his memory to bring a new pup in soon? It is not, it is proving how much you loved him and love dog companionship. Porter would be thrilled for you to have a new puppy!

Having said that, good luck with the puppy stage after years with a grown up golden!

 

[FlyingQuizini]

Very sorry for your loss. Big hug to you.

I think it's a personal decision. The only advice I'd offer is that if you want to get a dog right away, don't let your emotions sweep you into getting a dog w/o proper research on the breeder and the litter if going that route. In other words, don't just adopt a puppy from the first breeder you find who has an appropriate-aged litter on the ground.

 

[janine]

So sorry for your loss. We didn't lose a dog recently but we did get a new puppy last weekend. When you feel ready go for that puppy...they can make you so happy. Just a word of advice....sleep for a week and rest up...them little buggers can wear you out!! Good luck....

 

[msdogs1976]

So very sorry for your loss. Like Arcane said it varies by the individual. I only lasted two weeks coming home to an empty home before I brought Oakly home. For me it was the best decision I could have made. The new puppy kept me so busy and laughing so much I didn't have time to feel sorry for myself.

Same here, 2 weeks is all I could stand. I went the rescue route and got a lab mix. For me, a change was in order. But I will get another golden someday.

Best of luck with whatever you decide.

 

[KCN]

Hi,
We lost our Champy about 2 weeks ago, and all we do is think about her and cry....but we have guiltily started to look at new puppies, and it does make us feel better when we go visit breeders and get to hold the cute little furbabies. We are going to get one soon. We can't stand coming home from work to an empty house. We hope Champy will understand

 

[FlyingQuizini]

FWIW, I've always felt that one of the nicest ways to honor the pet you lost is to open your heart to another one. Dogs are so selfless, the last thing they want (again, IMO) is for us to live w/o the joy of canine companionship.

 

[photomel]

Hi,
We lost our Champy about 2 weeks ago, and all we do is think about her and cry....but we have guiltily started to look at new puppies, and it does make us feel better when we go visit breeders and get to hold the cute little furbabies. We are going to get one soon. We can't stand coming home from work to an empty house. We hope Champy will understand

That is how I've been feeling. I so miss having that tail wagging excitement when I get home.....my husband just doesn't seem as excited to see me!! ; )

I have been feeling a little guilty for even looking, but it doesn't make me love Porter any less. I just know the joy of having a loving dog to hang out with.

Thanks for the input....it does help to hear how others have felt and dealt with their own loss. I know there is no best way......

 

[grrrick]

We lost Ruby in August. We are getting a puppy in 3 weeks.... so we will have waited 3 months.

I can tell you we are sooooo ready for another dog. The "empty house" thing has not gotten easier over the last two months. We still miss Ruby dearly. I just mentioned something about her last night and my wife immediately teared up.

Obviously, it's a personal decision but there's nothing wrong with opening your heart up to another one sooner than later.

 

[AquaClaraCanines]

I cannot libe without a dog- so I always have more than one anyway. But if all mine god forbid passed, I'd get another asap.

 

[amy22]

I waited a year before I got another Golden after my angel Sandy passed and I think I waited to long. I would not wait that long again. My heart was broken and I think having another puppy sooner would have lightened my heart. This is my personal opinion for me. I know you will know when the time is right for you and your family. Good luck...

 

[esSJay]

The only advice I'd offer is that if you want to get a dog right away, don't let your emotions sweep you into getting a dog w/o proper research on the breeder and the litter if going that route. In other words, don't just adopt a puppy from the first breeder you find who has an appropriate-aged litter on the ground.

Excellent post. We only lasted about 3 or 4 weeks from the time that we lost Skokie to bringing Skoker home. As FQ said above, make sure that you leave enough time to do the proper research on your next pup!

 

[Laurie]

We only last 1 1/2 weeks after Phoenix passed away before we got a new puppy. Mainly we got a puppy so soon as his brother spent the days crying...they were best buds for 8 years. We have no regrets. 1 month after we got the first puppy, we also brought in another one......no regrets there either.

 

[Willow52]

We only waited about 3 weeks. Our Maggie went to Rainbow Bridge on July 20, Hank came home on August 12. My daughter surprised me with an early birthday present.

 

[Bogey's Mom]

The only advice I'd offer is that if you want to get a dog right away, don't let your emotions sweep you into getting a dog w/o proper research on the breeder and the litter if going that route. In other words, don't just adopt a puppy from the first breeder you find who has an appropriate-aged litter on the ground.

As usual, I totally agree with Stephanie. It's easy to get swept up in the excitement and not to proper research. I would hate to see you come home with a puppy that wasn't healthy after just watching your Porter suffer.

 

[Florabora22]

As everyone else has said, it's an individual thing. I couldn't bear the thought of having another dog around me after Carmella passed. After many months the pain lessened, and I realized how much I missed having a furry friend around. I got Flora about 7 months later.

I'm so sorry about the loss of your dog. It's so difficult and painful, but it does get better over time.

 

[tennisball]

I'm so sorry for your loss, both photomel and KCN. I went through the same thing last year. I lost my Cody on October 6th and didn't bring in a new dog until the following March. I felt like I couldn't have another golden because it would remind me too much of Cody, but boy was I wrong! The golden I brought home is the exact opposite of him! And when my new pup does something like Cody would, it reminds me of him and brings me joy. I felt guilty at first, too, even just thinking of getting another dog, but I knew it was the right thing to do and Cody would have wanted it. Bringing in a new dog also really helped my sheepdog mix come out of his slump after Cody passed.