Comments on: How Do You Know When It’s Time To Get Another Dog

By: Kimberly Gauthier

Kimberly Gauthier — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 00:47:59 +0000

After we lost Blue, J said that he never wanted to get close to another dog; and then I saw him getting closer to Rodrigo and Sydney. And then he found a poem that was a will by a dog and he came to me and said that he wanted to give Blue’s space in our family to another dog. Then he started looking for a new dog.

For the first time, I was the logical one and worked the numbers, asked if we had the time and space, suggested projects to be done. When he chose 2 puppies, I was stunned, but I knew that he was ready. I’m always ready.

I love seeing him with our dogs.

By: Allen Pearson

Allen Pearson — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 13:02:40 +0000

In reply to Pamela.

Yes it is- they are both great!!

I have always had a passion for dogs. When I was an artist photographer, I featured some dogs and cats in an exhibit- that didn’t go so well. The Director was one I could depend on to be honest- she suggested I pursue the field and with the help of a rescue, I did.

And you are right, Noah contributes quite a lot to my work- we are a wonderful team and he does provide insight- and good practice since he’s a shiny black d0g.

By: Donna

Donna — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 15:09:56 +0000

Good points on why sometimes it is better to wait. When we lost our doberman Harley, I immediately said, “I don’t want another dog. Ever.”My heart was broken and I didn’t want it broke again. And while the broken heart lasted, the “I don’t want another dog” did not.

Only a few weeks later my heart was crying out for another dog, and that’s how I ended up finding Leah. It also did not help that at the time a suspected drug dealer lived across from our house at the end of a dead end block (I mean the guy’s name was “Money” and cars came and went all day) so not only did I miss having a dog, I felt afraid without one.

Of course, then they became like potato chips and we added two more down the line, but Toby and Meadow weren’t to replace anyone. Toby came along so Leah could be a companion, and years later, Meadow came along when I stumbled upon her on Petfinder – as YOU would say, when I was browsing through Puppy Porn. LOL!

By: Jen K

Jen K — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 00:23:14 +0000

Yep, yep, yep – especially to that last section. Though I prefer “thorough, logical, and objective” to “emotionally retarded” (both are accurate ;)). There’s a long list of requirements and considerations, but emotional considerations aren’t on them – timing, logistics, being properly planned and prepared for. Sounds stale, but it’s my way.

By: Ruckus the Eskie

Ruckus the Eskie — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 21:30:11 +0000

My sapiens are trying to figure out this very question. I’m not sure how I feel about having another pup. I love the attention but I do admit it can be lonely being the only “child”

By: Clowie

Clowie — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 16:07:23 +0000

I don’t think it’s callous to think of the things you can do without a dog – and I’m a dog! It makes perfect sense to do those things while you can. If more people thought about the things they can’t do when they have a dog and the commitment it takes, there would be far fewer dogs in rescue.
My bipeds generally use a combination of head and heart when making decisions like that, but I sometimes suspect that they make the head say what the heart wants!!

By: 24 Paws of Love

24 Paws of Love — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 06:51:46 +0000

I trust my heart and I find myself being lead to the dog that was meant for me. I went through the same thing with my cats. And I trust I’ll know what to do when there’s a next dog in the house.

I’m glad you had Shadow in your life after Agatha and Christie. She must have been such a good dog for you.

By: Jana Rade

Jana Rade — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 06:26:35 +0000

Jasmine, the dog of my life I lost last April, actually solved this dilemma for me. She really wanted me to adopt another Rottie girl. I was happy that I could still do something for Jasmine so I listened.

By: Callie, Shadow, and Ducky's Mom

Callie, Shadow, and Ducky's Mom — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 06:21:21 +0000

Having “survived” 4-1/2 months between losing Kissy and getting Callie, I know I never want to go through it again. But until Ducky came along, Sam and I didn’t want another dog. We had decided that we would foster needy dogs once Callie and Shadow were gone to the Rainbow Bridge, but only after enjoying several long vacations. Funny how one little dog can change your plans! I guess we’re just not meant to go to Hawaii, Normandy, or Casablanca. But I would rather stay home with my girls than spend even one day without them. So I’m a homebody. Sam wishes — I know — that I wasn’t so attached to my dogs. But that’s the way I’ve been for more than 10 years, since Kissy got so sick.

By: houndstooth

houndstooth — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 04:05:35 +0000

For me, I follow my heart. When I have lost a dog as an adult, I’ve had specific criteria I’m looking for in a new companion, and I think that has helped me some. I wasn’t sure I was ready when we went up to visit the adoption kennel in July, truth be told, but Flattery made the decision much easier for us. The fact that she’s turned out to be such a funny and adorable dog is frosting on the cake.