How Long To Wait Before Getting Another Dog

[RebusCJ]

We have just lost our beautiful dog Bella due to a spinal injury while chasing a ball - her favourite sport. we are grieving her loss massively. We got her as a rescue dog, and gave her two lovely years - lovely for her and the family. We thought we might get five or six years.
If you have had a similar experience, how long did you wait before getting another dog?

I know every dog - owner relationship is different, but I would appreciate your opinion and experience, if you have been in a similar situation.

Kind regards,

CJR

[Rockrose]

We never waited longer than a week cat or dog.
It’s not that we didn’t love our furry friends that had passed more that there were always more rescues that needed the love we have

[dannyk13]

.Hi CJ, I think that everyone is affected differently, but in my opinion it is better to get another dog as soon as you can. When I lost my first dog I got another one a week later.I can assure you that having another companion does help with the grief of losing a companion.

[woofgang]

All three times we got another dog after a loss it has been because circumstances put one in our path. Longest gap was 2 months, every time we intended it to be longer.

[ummmm]

I can only comment on cats but within a couple of months. It would have been sooner if a cat was available.

[RebusCJ]

Thank you all for your kind responses.

Dk thank you especially for yours - that really strikes a chord.

Kind regards,
Have a lovely 2019

CJR

[Canary42]

Why wait at all - it's obvious from your post that you are an ideal owner for one of the many dogs awaiting rescue - get on with it :-)

[Tilly2]

Get another dog as soon as possible. Looking after, and getting to know another grateful animal will help you to forget how much you are hurting inside.

[Buenchico]

Some years ago my friend had asked me to drive her to pick up a rescue dog from the other side of the country as a companion for the elderly dog that she'd already got.

On the morning of the day that we were due to travel though she had to have the old dog (who'd been suffering poor health for a while) put down. We were committed to picking up the new dog, so we went ahead with our planned journey, meaning that she was back home with her new friend that same evening.

She later said that it couldn't have worked out better, as she'd only been without a dog for a few hours, so I know that her advice (if she was still with us) would have been "Don't wait. Act".

[ladybirder]

I agree the sooner the better. When my last rescue died on 13th of the month I got another on 29th and that was over 5 years ago. I got an older dog as they are harder to rehome. If you feel you can, why don't you sit down this evening and have a look at what's available at your local rescue - nice way to spend an evening yes??? Good on you for taking a rescue dog whenever you decide to do it. I'm afraid the pain when we lose them sadly comes with the deal.

[RebusCJ]

Again, thank you all for such wise and encouraging answers.
The family has already started looking!
We know we can never replace Bella, but we can fill the aching void with another dog.
Our spirits are hugely lifted.

thanks again,

Kind regards,

CJR

[rockyracoon]

I lost my dog in March and I still feel the loss so badly that I don’t think I could take another one on yet. Part of me really wants to but if it’s not him, I don’t want anyone else.

[ladybirder]

So pleased to read your 20.12 post Rebus. You sound so much better today. Do let us know which lucky dog you give a loving home to.

[Baldric]

Good luck, there are so many deserving cases out there you will find one to suit soon enough, we have two rescues at the moment, luv 'em to bits.

[Chipchopper]

Sorry for your loss CJR, providing you have a safe and secure area for a new best friend, I'd start looking pretty soon.
I'm also looking for another dog but firstly, I need a new fence, that's all whats holding me back.