In april we lost our 11 yr old shihtzu to cancer. It was devastating to my husband and I. This week was a very bad week and without her our problems seem worse. She was always there for us and never let us be sad for very long. I've read this board and agree with alot. Should we get another dog and are we ready. Our grief seemed overwhelming this week. We have no children - she was our child. Would we unfairly compare another dog. To us she could do no wrong. I am hoping to find some comfort in this board.

Hi Dakota28,

So sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved pet of eleven years. What was her name? She obviously was very much loved by you and your husband and I know you miss her terribly. I lost my twelve year old dog, Little Man aka Zoey, on Aug. 18th, and I don't have any children either, so I know just how devastating your loss is.

For those of us who don't have children, our pets become our children and when we lose them, only other pet lovers understand the huge void left in our lives. It's been only three weeks since I lost Little Man, so I'm still fairly new at the grieving process and I don't really have a lot of answers. But I do want you to know I understand the incredible pain you're feeling and I'm very sorry you had to experience this loss.

Since it's been a little over four months since you lost your beloved pet, I'd say you're ready to make the decision as to whether you're ready to get another pet or not. It's much too soon for me to make that decision for myself, but I'd like to think that maybe someday I'll be able to have another pet. Many of us don't realize just HOW important our pets are to have in our lives until we lose them.

My life without my Little Man is really empty right now and I'm trying very hard to try and put things into perspective. If I ever do get another dog, I like to think I'd let it develop its own personality and not compare it too much to my beloved Little Man. Of course there is no possible way I could love another dog MORE than I loved my Little Man, but maybe I could love it AS MUCH.

I'm certain you'll get many more replys to your post here from others who are a little further along with the grieving process than I am. I assure you, there are many wonderful people who visit here and you'll find more love, concern, compassion, and understanding here than you would have ever expected. We have all experienced the loss of our beloved pets and we reach out to one another with open arms. You're part of the "family" now. WELCOME. May you find the comfort you are seeking.

You're in my thoughts,
_JIM

I think you've come to the right place for comforting. We're all dealing with the same issues and pain. I'm sorry to hear about your buddy. What was your ~~htzu's name?

I can't really give you advice on getting a new puppy. That is something that you and your husband will have to figure out when and if the time is right. My dog, Ava, has only been gone a little over a week and I know I am not ready for a new pup or kitty yet. When I lost my dog previous to Ava, I waited almost 5 years before getting another. Even when I got Ava, I hadn't really planned on getting a new dog. Ava was abandoned in my little town and I rescued her from being put down by the police. She wound up being the best dog I ever had and a long time companion. I had her for 15 years and now she is gone. I miss her dearly.

If and when you get a new companion, it will never replace your shihtzu. It's impossible to replace your buddy. Any new pup is going to have it's own personality traits even if it's the same breed and markings. Take your time on the decision. It's a difficult one to make, I know.

Hi,
I'm so sorry for your loss.
I like what the others here said. And I'm sure your little shihtzu would want you to adopt another needy animal---when you feel you're ready. I think you'll just "know" when you're ready, and you'll be led to the pet who maybe needs you the most.
Good luck!

Thanks for all the replies. Our babys name was Niki. I guess we will know when it is time for another pup. They come along when you least expect it as my mom and dads dog did and also what i read on the board. We can now talk about the fun times we had with her. I'm sorry for all of you who just lost their friends recently. We'll all get through this, Its just hard.

I know how you are missing Niki. My husband and I have been married for 15 years and don't have children and we lost our 14 yr old little schnauzer on 9/8. Like you and your husband, he was our child and it is breaking our hearts that it was his time. The house feels soooo empty and quiet. He was such a source of love and companionship as I know your Niki was.

11 years is a long time and leaves a huge hole. You miss Niki and are lonely and want her companionship back. You were wonderful parents to her and have a lot of love to give another dog.

I think about the pain we are going through now and wonder how I could ever face this again, but then I remember that it's all worth it, because of how much better our lives were for having Dieter in it. For me, I know I have too much love to pour out onto a little dog and hopefully one day I'll be ready to accept that Dieter is gone and move forward and share that with another of God's creatures.

Your Niki was unique and no dog will compare to her, even another Shihtzu, so when you are ready you'll know it and there will be some lucky little dog just waiting to enrich your lives again.

Hi Dakota28,
I'm really sorry to hear about Nikki. I lost my Zoe 16 days ago, and the sadness is still unbearable.

About getting another pet. We have 2 other kitties already, and did go get another kitten because one of them was VERY distressed about not being able to find Zoe. I thought it would help her, and I think they're finally starting to get along. Anyway, my point is, all 3 of these cats have different personalities from each other, and none of them is my Zoe. But, I love them all dearly and they offer me comfort - whether it's by rubbing their bellies or combing them for hours. Animals are such a comfort in good times and bad. When you're ready, there will be another dog (or other animal) out there waiting for you to open your heart for them to jump in.

p.s. We went to the shelter and said we'd only adopt one if it REALLY felt right. It took 3 trips, then our Sadie found my husband and that was that.

Good luck to you.
-Sharon

Hi Dakota--welcome to the forum!
Everyone has said it so well--! I think those of us who are heavily "invested" in our animals take the loss of them VERY hard (of course!)--I am leaning toward not replacing ---but I don't know for sure because for several years I have spent alot of time on a daily basis with my pets! They fill up my days with fun and comfort--so I really don't know!! I do realize that I am tempted to find a cat ALOT like Ginger (a big cranky male)--& I bet I could find one of those easily at the pound--but I stop short because I know I can't have Ginger. Like Jim said it is probably best not to compare and to "allow" the new pet be an individual! If you know that going in well, you will probably have a really positive experience--please share it with us if you do get another pet. I am so sorry you lost Niki!! we would love to hear if you get a new animal