Too Soon?, When is too soon to get a new pet? Options

[heardfam]

I lost Digweed just a few weeks ago and I feel as if I need a new dog to help heal my heart. Is it too soon? I feel bad for my other dog because her best
friend is gone and she has no one to play with.

I belong to a group here in Houston that helps bereaved parents. It's amazing that the grief process
is the same whether you lose a child, a pet, or some other loved one. Anyways...we always tell the parents not to get pregnant again too soon because
you have to go througih the whole grieving process first. A new child won't replace the one who died.

Well, I KNOW I can't replace Digweed, but can't I get another dog to help me through and fill a little of this giant hole in my heart? Sorry to compare losing
pets to losing kids, but I've lost both and it's hard either way. I also know you guys love your pets just like children so I'm sure you can relate.

So, I guess I just wanted some input from everyone. How long did you wait or how long are you planning on waiting to get a new pet? Did you get the same breed or something totally different? I found a dog at a shelter who is the same mix as Diggers, but she's a different color and looks a little different.

I hope I'm making sense. Thanks!

Jaimie