When one pet passes, how long do you want to get another one? (1 Viewer)

[Grady Wilson]

We had to put our dog down this weekend. We had him for 15 years, so needless to say he was and is part of the family and will never be replaced. We will get another dog, but not sure how soon. Some have said get one as soon as we can and others have said give it some time. We have two kiddos that still don't understand the concept of family pets, but we want to make sure they are at least involved in the deciding of our next dog.

My question is, how long have you all waited to get another dog?

 

[Quint]

first, sorry to hear about your dog.

second, i'm in the "get a new dog right away" camp. right away can be subjective, but i'd probably say at least start looking for another dog (with the kids' input) in the next month to six weeks. it may take a little while to decide on the right one.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

So sorry for your loss...

We have almost always had two dogs. We tend to get another one when the current one we have is 8-10 years old.

 

[Grady Wilson]

Thanks for the responses so far. It was really tough. This weekend has been a depressing one. Should we get one that looks like the one we had or go with something completely different?

 

[Amused to Death]

We waited about 6 weeks before rescuing another dog from a shelter. Having worked with a rescue group for a few years now, I've found 6 weeks is fairly common before people start the adoption process on a new dog.

Obviously there's no correct answer, you'll know when you're ready. If you find a local rescue group, they will work with you to find a good match for your family and most will accept the dog back if things don't work out.

And of course, condolences on your recent loss.

 

[McGarnicle]

We lost a pup suddenly two years ago and got a new one two weeks later. It was much sooner than I wanted but my wife fell in love with a puppy on the humane society website. This dog was a challenge because she's got a lot of hound/beagle in her, but honestly after training her I couldn't love a dog more. We've mourned porkchop all along, a lot at first, less now, and the new dog has just been there with us in the meantime, like dogs do. I love her so much.

 

[Grady Wilson]

We waited about 6 weeks before rescuing another dog from a shelter. Having worked with a rescue group for a few years now, I've found 6 weeks is fairly common before people start the adoption process on a new dog.

Obviously there's no correct answer, you'll know when you're ready. If you find a local rescue group, they will work with you to find a good match for your family and most will accept the dog back if things don't work out.

And of course, condolences on your recent loss.

Thanks... I appreciate the info. My wife has been looking online this weekend and found a few dogs that she likes, but I have a feeling she will want to wait a little while.

 

[Grady Wilson]

We lost a pup suddenly two years ago and got a new one two weeks later. It was much sooner than I wanted but my wife fell in love with a puppy on the humane society website. This dog was a challenge because she's got a lot of hound/beagle in her, but honestly after training her I couldn't love a dog more. We've mourned porkchop all along, a lot at first, less now, and the new dog has just been there with us in the meantime, like dogs do. I love her so much.

I know exactly what you mean.

 

[NutterButter]

Took us about two weeks to start looking. The first week, I was an emotional mess. Made sense for us b/c we had the space to rescue another dog and it really helped the heart. We actually wound up adopting two.

 

[Grady Wilson]

Took us about two weeks to start looking. The first week, I was an emotional mess. Made sense for us b/c we had the space to rescue another dog and it really helped the heart. We actually wound up adopting two.

That's another thing we're debating... do we go to a rescue shelter or find one from a home? I know it's up to us, but that's an even tougher decision.

 

[Amused to Death]

Took us about two weeks to start looking. The first week, I was an emotional mess. Made sense for us b/c we had the space to rescue another dog and it really helped the heart. We actually wound up adopting two.

That's another thing we're debating... do we go to a rescue shelter or find one from a home? I know it's up to us, but that's an even tougher decision.

A rescue group won't try to sell you a dog you may not want or be ready for. They will work with you to find the right match - especially since you mentioned you have young kids. Plus you'll feel good about saving a dog! A lot of them are somewhat trained and housebroken.

 

[NutterButter]

Took us about two weeks to start looking. The first week, I was an emotional mess. Made sense for us b/c we had the space to rescue another dog and it really helped the heart. We actually wound up adopting two.

That's another thing we're debating... do we go to a rescue shelter or find one from a home? I know it's up to us, but that's an even tougher decision.

I will always encourage going the rescue route. There are so many good dogs out there. I've lost track of the number of fosters I've had in my house before they found their forever home. It'll make you feel good knowing that you've saved one of these dog's lives.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I agree that if you can, rescue is the way to go but know going in - there is a reason (most of) those dogs are there. We found there was always an issue-

Dog 1 : loves dogs but hates kids

Dog 2: Loves kids but hates other dogs

Dog 3: loves both dogs and kids but will attack any man

Just rinse and repeat. We looked for 3 months before finding a dog that fit our family.

Another option that also saves dogs but might fit your family is a dog that has been fostered . These are usually dogs which are a little better behaved but will cost you about $300-$600 to adopt.

You're going to pay out of pocket one way or another for any dog you get so we went this rout a different time.

 

[NutterButter]

I agree that if you can, rescue is the way to go but know going in - there is a reason (most of) those dogs are there. We found there was always an issue-

Dog 1 : loves dogs but hates kids

Dog 2: Loves kids but hates other dogs

Dog 3: loves both dogs and kids but will attack any man

Just rinse and repeat. We looked for 3 months before finding a dog that fit our family.

Another option that also saves dogs but might fit your family is a dog that has been fostered . These are usually dogs which are a little better behaved but will cost you about $300-$600 to adopt.

You're going to pay out of pocket one way or another for any dog you get so we went this rout a different time.

Maybe it depends on where you live, but here in NJ, my rescue gets so many wonderful dogs from down south. I don't know what's the deal down there, but they just have a surplus of great dogs. I have 2 young kids, 2 dogs and 2 cats and I hardly ever have a problem with any of my fosters. The biggest problem is they're so timid from being neglected (not saying abused, but just unloved) that it takes some time to get them out of their shell. I think we charge $275.

 

[Mr.Pack]

We never got another dog after ours passed

The wife and daughter always wanted another one, but not happening.

 

[sports_fan]

Sorry for your loss. Putting down a pet is one of the hardest things to do.

I generally start looking right away but sometimes it takes a while to find a dog that will be a good fit. Don't feel guilty if you find one quickly. You're just looking for another companion, not trying to replace anything.

 

[snogger]

Sorry to hear your loss. (

We made a decision when we got our first dog that when it reached 10 years old we'd adopt another one. We are now onto dogs 2 and 3 and probably will try to keep at least 2 as I can't imagine not having 2 now. We always search petfinder.com for our dogs.

 

[Johnny Rock]

When our first dog got older we rescued one of the same breed who is much younger. It will be so sad when the first goes but having the second will make it easier I hope. Best dog ever.

I feel for you.

 

[Judge Smails]

It took us over a year after our 16 month lab passed. Now have a chocolate lab pup and we are loving it.

 

[Grady Wilson]

Thanks again everyone. My wife has reached out to a couple of rescue shelters. One already emailed her back and said the dog wouldn't be good around kids. She hasn't heard from the other one.

 

[Sabertooth]

Wait until spring. You don't want a puppy in the winter. New spring, new puppy. That's what we did. Glad we waited a couple months. Mourn the loss of your friend, then invite new life into the house after everything's had a chance to settle down.

 

[tom22406]

Sorry for your loss and I certainly feel your pain because it's one of the toughest things you will have to do.

I waited about a month before I found another pet but thought at the time I waited too long so I would say 2 weeks would be fine.

 

[Patriotsfatboy1]

I already have a date for the funeral.

Oh!!!! Pet, not wife. Sorry.

 

[NutterButter]

I already have a date for the funeral.

Oh!!!! Pet, not wife. Sorry.

A lot less mourning in the other case

 

[Ketamine Dreams]

We waited six months and that seemed about right. (The kids wanted one sooner, and I wanted to wait more.)

 

[Grady Wilson]

Wait until spring. You don't want a puppy in the winter. New spring, new puppy. That's what we did. Glad we waited a couple months. Mourn the loss of your friend, then invite new life into the house after everything's had a chance to settle down.

That's kinda what I'm thinking as well. One benefit we have right now is we are staying in a duplex while our house is being built, so if the puppy is not house broken we will be able to get him trained before we move into our new house. I want to mourn the loss of our dog for a while. I certainly don't want to rush into anything.

 

[Short Corner]

lost our cat this year (20 years old). we got another within a couple weeks. my 8-year-old named her the same as the previous cat.