I know this is a general question but when do you feel is a good time to get another dog after you lose one that you have had?
I talked to the shelter where I got Kaia from and they cannot believe what is wrong with her, they have offered me a free dog with no time limit to get it(whatever dog I choose). I know that most of you will say that you will just know when the time is right but I am curious as to when you would start looking if you were in that position. I didn't see the perfect dog when I was there yesterday and I am not really looking. I am grateful that they are doing this for me but when should I start looking? I got Koda almost a week after Chuka was hit by a car. Koda wasn't planned at all but I worked at the shelter then and I played with him constantly and when it came time for him to be put down, I just couldn't let him.
My kids have found a dog at the shelter that they want but I am not sure that I want another dog just yet.
ALSO, I am worried about Koda, he doesn't like to be alone (without another dog), he gets depressed. Do you think I should consider a new playmate for him soon? I am not worried about what dog we get because it will be loved no matter what. I am just curious as to what you would do if you were in my position?
I can't even think about losing one of my dogs I would be heartbroken for a very long time and probably not ever get over it...you can't replace your pets. But it's different for everyone..I think you will know when you are ready inside. Saving a life by adopting from a shelter is very special, so if you have a dog in mind, don't wait..Save that pup
everyone grieves in their own way. some people feel its better to wait and some will tell you that another one will help you get over your loss faster. we are all different. if you really want another dog, then get one. if you have any doubts, then wait until you are 100 % sure. you will never forget your lost friends and you can never replace them. but you can make a new friend and build a strong bond with them also. i dont think you can place a time frame on when you get another pet.
Actually, to be honest with you, I started looking at other dobes pretty much like a week after we put Eli down. I knew I wanted another dobe, so I kept looking on doberman rescue websites and petfinder and such. The rescue where we got Eli from had said that they would pay for another dobe for us, since we took him in and he was in such poor condition. I originally had wanted to do foster care for another dobe and then I found Lexie at the Humane Society near me. They would not let her go to the dobe rescue, which really pissed me off and they were charging $150 for her, when their regular price for a dog is $85, which I thought (and the Rescue thought) was ridiculous. So I told the lady that we'd take her anyway and the Rescue gave us a check to pay for her and everything went fine. We got her right around 3 months after we put Eli down. He just had left such a huge space to fill on the couch and on the bed, that I knew I didn't want to be without another one for very long. Hope this helps!!
When I had to put down my mothers dog she kept saying I'm not ready for a dog. She never smiled after he dog had to be put down but one day both me and one of my room mates went to the pound and picked out a dog and got it for my mother when she was at work. When she came home she was shocked we got scolded but as soon as she touched the dog she was happy again. There is one thing my mother said that day that I will never forget. She said that once sunset was put down it was like a piece of her heart was removed but as soon as she saw Loki the peice was replaced. She said that sunset would always be in her heart but people who love dogs will always be happy with a dog but without one they will most likely be depressed and keep thinking of losing there dog. She said that once we gave her Loki her mind was taken off of sunset having to be put down and living her life with a new dog to keep her company and keeping her sprits high.
I pretty much rush into buying another dog. Probably a week. I know my mom waited a month before getting another Boxer but she somewhat regrets getting him. I guess because she expected him to be so much like the other.
I would be heartbroken for a very long time and probably not ever get over it...you can't replace your pets. But it's different for everyone..I think you will know when you are ready inside. Saving a life by adopting from a shelter is very special, so if you have a dog in mind, don't wait..Save that pup 
