Lost My Baby Options

[galandria]

Hello. I am new here. I just lost my 4 year old Bulldog, Missy, to heat stroke. I am heartbroken and grief stricken. I am feeling guilt, sick to my stomach, angry, depressed. I didnt get out of bed for 3 days and I had to take her pictures down because I cant bear to look at them. My house is so empty. My cats are a big comfort but I miss my Doodlebug so much. She was my beautiful baby.

My husband and I talked and we decided to get another dog. I wasnt sure where my grief would take me but it has taken me in the direction of wanting to fill my house with love. This tragedy has taught me that life is too short and I dont want to spend it denying myself any happiness. My family is not being supportive about a new dog. They say I am too fragile because of how I am grieving for Missy and that if anything happens to the new dog that I will go to pieces.

I feel extreme guilt as well. Am I acting too fast? Am I disrespecting her memory? If a child dies do parents "replace" them? But the emptiness is crushing me. I feel like I am not going to make it through this. Does anyone have any advice to offer?

[Dusty Moonrise]

My husband and I talked and we decided to get another dog...
I feel extreme guilt as well. Am I acting too fast? Am I disrespecting her memory? If a child dies do parents "replace" them? But the emptiness is crushing me. I feel like I am not going to make it through this. Does anyone have any advice to offer?

Galandria,

First, let me express my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. I have lost pets suddenly, and have had to "make the choice".
I applaud you for wanting to get another dog. My advice would be don't rush, but let things progress as they will. Having said this, it was only two days after letting my little Bitsy go that I saw an ad in the paper for a Jack Russell for only $30. I knew there had to be a reason for the cheap price, and as it turned out, the old man that had Fancy just wasn't able to keep her any more, and had to sell her fast. She has been such a blessing to me! Also, just 10 months after letting Bitsy go, I spotted a lost puppy on the road, running after a utility truck and nearly getting hit. After not being able to find the owner, I adopted him. In less than a year's time, I have gone from a 3&1/2 lb. Chihuahua to having both a Jack Russell Terror and a mixed breed dog that is well over 50 lbs.!

I understand the hurt, the guilt, and especially the emptiness! But, no, you are NOT trying to replace your Doodlebug, but rather opening your heart to another animal who otherwise might not have such a loving friend, and showing your love and respect to Missy by sharing that love with another!

Andy