How Long Should You Wait to Replace a Pet?

Hi ladym, I think it's wonderful that you had such a close bond with your dog. 15 years is a long life for any dog. I'm sure you took very good care of it and gave it a great life ! Nobody can tell you when is the right time to take in another dog. That ladym is totally up to how you feel. I have a friend that took in a pupply because her lab is getting old and her health isn't very good so that she will not be without a dog when the lab passes. I don't think that's something I would do . I would rather set my attention on my old dog friend toward the end , instead of putting my attention on a new pup. There is no set amount of time for something like this . Who know's maybe a dog will wonder up to you someday looking for a kind person to love him , and then you will know it's right .

It really depends on the individual. For some right away seems the right course to take. For others, weeks, months, years later seems right. So sorry for your loss. Don't worry about the whens, and hows. If or when you decide it is time that is a choice you make. You will know when the time is right.

I don't wait I get one right away, whether you wait or don't wait it never brings the deceased dog back, the new dog is for you so whenever you want one that is the time to get one

I won't use replace this word. I would be very sad when my pets passed. I would probably get another pet but I won't say replacing them.

i thiknk you should get a puppy, i think it will help ease the pain. seeing a cute little puppy running around, it will give you the feeling that you had when you first got your other dog. believe me, she would want another dog there with you, to help protect you.

About 3 years ago my "family" dog passed away. I had this dog since he was a pup (I threw a temper tantrum in the mall to get him), named him & took care of him the best I could being a young kid up to my teenage years. (Mom did most of it but we helped as much as we could) My parents moved further south than where I was living and one day I called my mom from work. She couldn't catch her breath enough from crying and my heart dropped. She told me to call her later that night when I wasn't at work. I told her I wanted to know what was going on and she had told me my dog had to be put to sleep. He was very very sick, almost 17 years old, couldn't walk, etc. This killed me. I kept it together pretty well at work, but to this day I still tear up thinking about it. (I am now) It's never easy losing something that means so much to you. I had waited a few months before I adopted a dog. Since I was living on my own I wanted that companion as well as the "watch dog" for when I was home alone - this was before I knew he passed away. I started looking into getting another dog and found this puppy who was about to be euthanized. Something called out to me and told me to go get him. So I did. I sat up at the animal shelter for almost 2 1/5 hours waiting for them to let me in because he was suppose to euthanized that morning. I brought him home and honestly I felt like a part of my dog's "soul" was with him. "Toby" - my little jack russell had the spunk like my old dog, ate ice cubes like my old dog and laid on the ac vents like my old dog. I never look at Toby as a replacement to "Buckley" the family dog. But it did help me ease the pain of losing something so close. I still have Buckley's picture out in my house now, with my three other dogs. I honestly feel that it is up to you on when to get a new dog if you are considering it. I have watched my grandmother go through 3 dogs in 2 years. She took in sick dogs to give them a chance and they would pass. It seemed to help her get past her dogs deaths when a new one arrived. But again, she never forgets them. I'm sorry for your loss.

I really don't think anyone can help you with that, as each person grieves in their own way! I can only tell you that I did have a dog for 15 years, 4 months & 3 days...(see, it still hurts), and many things remind me of him, as I have his brother, whom just turned 15 on November 10! A year and 2 months after I had to have the oldest dog put down, I was on line, and there was a JRT desperately looking for a home.....it just felt right, and it has turned out wonderful, except that he was a bit of an Alpha dog, but now all is well! I grieve for you, and I just think you will know when it's right! Sometimes, the new dog, will shorten your really desperate grieving, as they will require your time & attention! The hardest thing is not comparing! Good luck!

I agree with what others have said. That is really a personal decision and only you and your family can make the decision as to when the right time will be to get a new dog. I know there is a part of you that really wants another dog, but another part of you that does not want to take the plunge because you are afraid to go through that pain again. You will know when you are ready.

This is why I won't let my kids get a pet, and because we travel. You should get a pet if you want one, if its for companion then look for one that won't replace what you had but one that will create new memories.