When to get another dog
By leenie50
@leenie50 (3992)
United States
September 27, 2008 10:24am CST
About a month ago, I lost my precious Miniature Dachshund named Bogie. He was poisoned, I believe by accident when the next door neighbor put weed killer around his house and a couple other places that Bogie always ventured to. He should have let me know about it but I guess he didn't think about my Bogie.
Here is my question. When do you think I should get another dog?
My heart says now, because I miss him so much. My head says I should wait a while until I quit grieving over Bogie.
My husband has just started working again after being out of work for over a year. I am home all the time now because of a lower back disability.
Yes, I do miss Bogie terribly but I also feel insecure without having him here to alert me of possible danger or just visitors. This feeling of vulnerability is really weighing on my fears. At least when Bogie was here, he would immediately let people know I wasn't alone. He may have been little but he made me feel a whole lot safer.
So, please me with this emotional and pratical dilemma.
leenie
3 people like this
14 responses
@cobrateacher (8432)
• United States
27 Sep 08
Hi, Leenie!
I don't think anyone's ever been as ready for a new dog as you. That sense of vulnerability has to go, and Bogie did it while he was with you. Now you need a new pet to spoil, and to help you feel safe. You might want to go to a different breed so Bogie will rest in memory and not in constant reminders, but that's up to you. Yes, dear, get a new one and lavish it with love. 
1 person likes this
@cobrateacher (8432)
• United States
27 Sep 08
Please avoid chihuahuas. They're so nervous, they make everyone around them nervous!
Poodles don't shed, and the toys and teacups are too cute for words. They're also very loving and loyal. I had one many years ago, and I still miss her
xxoo
Joanne
1 person likes this
@leenie50 (3992)
• United States
27 Sep 08
Hi cobra,
I think you are right. Maybe a new breed would be a good idea. It has to be small so I can hold it. Also probably short hair because of Dennis's asthma. I'm sure there are a lot of breeds that fit that description but my experience with little dogs is very limited. Maybe that will be my next post. Thanks sweetie, you always have the right words to say.xoxoxo
leenie1 person likes this
@miller23231 (873)
• United States
27 Sep 08
I lost my dog about 3 months ago, someone ran over her and killed her instantly. I was devastated! I got another puppy about a week later. I just couldn't stand not having a dog in the house. I still miss my Rona, but Chakra is a beautiful puppy and she has really helped me.
1 person likes this
@leenie50 (3992)
• United States
27 Sep 08
Hi miller,
I feel that it is also time for me. I really miss having my Bogie around. My husband called him my outfit because he followed me everywhere. He was such a precious companion. Now that my husband is working again, I really need the companionship. You should post some pictures of both Rona and Chakra. Love the names. I only have one of Bogie and hubby. I'll let you know when I get another puppy.
leenie
@miller23231 (873)
• United States
27 Sep 08
I put both dogs pictures on my profile. You should look at them... they are so cute! Rona is the white and brown one and Chakra is black and white.
1 person likes this
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
28 Sep 08
Sure sounds to me like you're ready for a new little companion in your life. I think you should start looking and be careful in making a good choice. I think getting them as babies are the best. You do the training. Good luck.
1 person likes this
@leenie50 (3992)
• United States
28 Sep 08
Hi Grandma,
I have to agree with you. I now know with the help from you and all the mylotters that I am without a doubt that I am ready. I do intend to take my time and I will be looking for a puppy. I need to do the training myself. Thanks Grand.
leenie
leenie
@ellie333 (21016)
•
27 Sep 08
Hi Leenie, Sorry for your loss of Bogie, I saw the lovely pic of him with your husband only recently. There is no set time it is whenever you feel it is right for you, for me I knew I wanted another dog about two years ago but it has taken me until now to get one and that is nine years after my other two but another myLot friend has almost immediately purchased another dog after losing her one. Whatever feels right for you. The house must feel very empty now especially with your husband out at work so for feeling secure and safe and hapy in your home another dog would be a good thing. However, this time you are aware of what you neighbour has done and be very careful not to let the doggie venture anywhere near and if a puppy most certainly will so think carefully about that factor, although I am sure you wil especially after the loss of Bogie. Please let us know what you decide to do and share a pic when you do feel he time is right for a new addition to your family. Huggles. Ellie :D
@magnolia917 (112)
•
28 Sep 08
i'm sorry to hear about bogie. it's so difficult when we lose our wonderful pets, the grieving can take time. maybe getting another dog will help with the grief, as well as give you piece of mind while your husband is away. good luck.
@leenie50 (3992)
• United States
28 Sep 08
Hi Magnolia,
With all the encouragement from all my mylot friends, I'm not only ready now to get a new baby dog, but I am beginning to get excited about the possibilities. When you feel sad about anything, mylot is for sure the place to come. Everyone has been so kind and supportive. Thank you.
leenie
leenie
@zulito (174)
• Germany
28 Sep 08
yes well you should get one for sure! look it this way, maybe youll make a good thing in the memory of your old dog, by giving a warm and nice home to another one. Nowadays every dog needs help, and its better than just ending up on the streets..
@ronaldinu (12422)
• Malta
28 Sep 08
If you think you are able to take care of another dog, bring one over. I am sure that you are able to take care and love your dog as much as the other one you had. Don't let him trepass in your neighbour's garden if I were you.
@rosedust82 (2066)
• Philippines
28 Sep 08
Hi Leenie...
Sorry to hear about your dog... 
I guess since you feel a little vulnerable right now without a dog, why don't you go and get a new one? Of course, the new dog will not be able to replace Bogie but at least you have someone new to keep you company. I do like the idea of you getting maybe another breed of dog. However, you did talk about your husband's asthma... We had several dogs and several breeds as well. Had a poodle, a pekingnese (I don't think I spelled that one correctly. Lol.), a collie and a cross between a Siberian husky and another breed that I don't remember.
Go with what your heart says my friend.
I guess since you feel a little vulnerable right now without a dog, why don't you go and get a new one? Of course, the new dog will not be able to replace Bogie but at least you have someone new to keep you company. I do like the idea of you getting maybe another breed of dog. However, you did talk about your husband's asthma... We had several dogs and several breeds as well. Had a poodle, a pekingnese (I don't think I spelled that one correctly. Lol.), a collie and a cross between a Siberian husky and another breed that I don't remember.
Go with what your heart says my friend. 
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
27 Sep 08
If you really want another dog.....get one. Don't wait or you will end up not getting one at all.....that's what happened to me. When I lost my beautiful little Reggie I didn't want another dog right away....and to this day I don't want to have to face that again. But if you get one right away I think that you move on..I never moved on. I don't want the responsibility of having to put another family member down....and he was a very big part of my family!
1 person likes this
@leenie50 (3992)
• United States
28 Sep 08
I know what you mean Jill,
I have suffered this loss many times before and I always think of my dearly departed pets. They all leave a little piece of themselves in my heart. I used to live in the Southern Sierra Mountains of California and lost many cats to the wild. I almost always had females and they would have litters. Out of every litter I always kept one and found homes for the rest. The females were such great hunters. They always brought critters home for their babies. Eventually one by one would never come home. But I was never left without. With the exception of Bogie and my first dog, the others were all labradors. I remember each and everyone of my pets. They always brought me such joy.
I could not live the rest of my days without another puppy dog. I look forward to the next little joy of my life. Don't worry Jill, there will be another. Maybe it's time for you to think about a new addition.
Leenie
@cortjo73 (6498)
• United States
27 Sep 08
Hey Leenie. I know how long it can take to grieve for a pet that has passed. I can only tell you that I know the joy of a new pet. I hate to say this because most people don't understand but, the only thing that has helped me manage my pain at losing a pet in the past was a new pet. I know a lot of people consider that replacing my deceased pet with another. I don't. It felt right for me to get a new pet and it helped me. Believe me. I never got over my other pets that I lost. I just healed a little with the love of another pet.
If you're feeling like you want a new one, follow that feeling. If you feel you are ready, only you can know it is right for you. There is nothing wrong with loving another animal who needs your love. I don't think it is dishonoring the memory of Bogie. Bogie would want you to be happy. You can still miss him and love another pet.
I say go for it. Give the love you have waiting to give to a new pet.
1 person likes this
@leenie50 (3992)
• United States
28 Sep 08
Hi Sweetie,
Thanks for joining me in making this very important decision. Like you said it takes a long time to grieve. In fact I have never completely gotten over the loss of any of my pets. They were all a very big part of my life. After everyones responses, I do think I need to fill this void in my heart very soon. I thought it was getting easier but now I know I have a need to fill. I just hope it doesn't take too long to find the one.xoxo
leenie
@guybrush (4658)
• Australia
28 Sep 08
I'm so sorry about Bogie, Leenie. It was a horrible thing to happen and there should be far more restrictions on household pesticides and warnings about how to use them safely. I don't think there's a right time frame before getting another dog - and you'll never forget Bogie; he'll always have a place in your heart and can never be replaced. A new little companion would do you the world of good right now though, and I think you should find one as soon as you can. Seeing a new puppy frolicking will bring a smile to your face. I hope you find the right little friend really soon!
1 person likes this
@leenie50 (3992)
• United States
28 Sep 08
Hi guy,
It's so hard to call you guy. Thanks for responding. When you talk about seeing a new puppy frolicking it does bring a smile to my face. Thank you for that. And you are right, I will never forget Bogie. He was the smallest of my precious pets, but left the biggest hole in my heart.
I hope I do find a new baby really soon!! When I do, everyone will know. Thanks for being here for me.
leenie
@TessWhite (3146)
• United States
27 Sep 08
Since you are home I see no reason you can't get one now. I know when I lost my last dog I couldn't stand the quiet, so I went out a couple weeks later and got another dog. Its not like you can replace one for another, but you can add a new family member to love. I personally see no reason to wait. Its not like replacing a husband who has passed. :)
1 person likes this
@leenie50 (3992)
• United States
28 Sep 08
Hi Tess,
It's good of you to respond. I am really feeling better about getting another dog. My animals over the years have brought nothing but pleasure and companionship. They truly know how to love with no strings attached. I hope my husband will see how much it would help me.I know he worries about me being alone. Thank you for helping me get through this day. There are so many caring people here at mylot and I consider you to be one of them. Hugs
leenie
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
28 Sep 08
if i was in your position and something happened to my little chihuahua, coco, i think i would. because i used to have another dog besides her and when he passed, she was and still is a great comfort for me when i miss him or anyone else really.
@leenie50 (3992)
• United States
28 Sep 08
Hi bunny,
After posting this I have had so many positive responses and I am so appreciative of all of you responding to me. I think you are right. I really do need a little canine companion. They make you smile even when you are sad. They comfort you when no one else can. At first I was so angry that I told myself, no more. But as time goes on I realize how much I depend on God's little gifts to us. I can't have a cat because of my husbands asthma, but I can have a puppy. So, when I have a new arrival in the house, you will all be the first to know.
leenie