My mom had a dog that died recently after 14 years. I know she loved her so much and it has been very difficult for the past few months.
My question is: Should we get my mom a new dog or is that insensitive?
Hi mC, I'm so sorry for your mom's loss. I know that pets are like children; therefore, it's very difficult when they pass. From past experience, as well as what I've heard from others, usually allow no more than one month and then get a new dog. Because, it's such a difficult thing to prolong and a new dog will infuse new life and companionship again. I hope this helps. Good luck!
Yes do wait a while, throughout my life I've always had animals of some sort more dogs the past 30yrs. & they all lived to ripe old ages, my last dog was 14yrs. & died in '05 from cancer, the vet called me 2mos later to rescue some abandoned pups when Hurricane Katrina hit so I told her I'd consider it, I waited 48hrs & called her back & NOW I have 2 dogs (brother & sister) 5yrs. old now :). Maybe in a few weeks you could go to a shelter & rescue a fluffy pup & take it to her just to see how she reacts it might be love at first sight.......if shes older think small dog.
That's such great advice April. I love that you rescued two wonderful dogs post Hurricane Katrina. They're two very very lucky dogs :-)
I agree with you that I wouldnt wait too long to get a new dog. Of course each person is different and I have met a few who prefer to wait a while. I worked with animals and vets a lot when I was younger. I have had animals of all kinds all my life. Mostly dogs. I recently lost two old doggies within three weeks of each other. We used to call them the "three old farts" then my little boxer girl who was 10, Miz Charm, developed a brain leision and after six months on seizure meds the time came to put her to sleep. That was not as bad since we had time to grieve, we knew she hadnt got long. But then one night we came home and found our 13 1/2 yr old boxer pup was quite ill, and within a week he had to cross the rainbow bridge also as he had a liver tumor that was bleeding. Now we have the last of the group, 15 1/2 yr old "boxador" a lab boxer mix.We also got a boxer pup rescue who is a huge silly baby now 2. Ironicly we got him because we thought Duke, the oldest , wouldnt be around long. One never knows what might happen.For me I would want another dog immediately, and when Duke does go I will get a playmate for Dexter the pup. But one important thing I did learn is do not get a dog as a present for another person without them knowing. You may find she is not ready. And most people like to pick out their own dog, the one they bond with. Good luck to you both and I hope your mom has a new companion soon.
dr
Get a new dog right Now and pretend that part of the new dog is a reincarnation of the last dog. I'm dead serious. This has saved me ample grief because chance are that you will out-live the next dog and the next and the next.
landofUZ, that's such a phenomenal outlook and what a lot of people have told me. I think that it's so important to fill your life with a new dog as soon as possible and not wait too long because it's far too painful.
i dont actually agree with this because i think each animal should be given a chance to be themselves too. you shouldn't always think about the pet that passed when you look at the new one you should think about it individually. animals have such great personalities too and they should be able to come out with it without expectations form the owner to be like the predecessor.
generally i don't think there is THE solution to this. everyone deals differently with their grief.
i would suggest though mC, that you consider bothe the feelings of your mom and the welfare of the dog. what if your mom really isn't ready? or what if you like the dog but they don't get along? it could always happen. and then you'd have to return the dog either way.
have you spoken to her about a new addition? why not suggest a trip to a shelter or the spca? she might even fall for one herself...
let us know what you decide.
love
maedi
One can only make this jump while in the throngs of torment.You are obviously not there and prefer to psychobabble.
I think that each pet is incredibly unique and one will never replace the other, but they are so amazingly loving and fulfilling. Dogs love you unconditionally, thus once they're yanked from you life, there's an empty feeling. I think that everyone should grieve and for everyone it's different. But the majority of people think it's healthy to get a new pet soon after the other has passed on. Again, one will never replace the other, but it's a new friend to add joy, compassion and company to your life and that's priceless.
When to get another dog is an individual choice. Sometimes, am opportunity will show itself.
I recently lost my 16 and 3/4 yrs. lab. I adopted her at nine, when she was already deemed a throw away for her age.
I already had another doggie in the house, so I feel blessed.
Some people need more time until it is the right time for another doggie.. Some people never want to feel the loss of a pet again.
things will work themselves out.
Geri, I totally agree, I think that it's so different with everyone as to when and if they are ready to adopt another dog. I have friends and family who adopted another dog within 1 month and then others who waited for over a year.
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