When a pet dies, do you get a new one or wait a while?

[Gracie Dean]

Just curious...

would it be better to get a new one right away

or

wait a while?

[Lzen]

I don't believe she said what type of pet. In any case, I would wait a few weeks. But I know I would definitely be wanting a new one soon. Then again, everyone is different and everyone takes a different amount of time to mourn the loss.

[Old Dog]

When we had to put Nikki, our Siberian Husky down in 1998 (severe kidney issues) we decided, "no more....we ain't going through that again". Less than two weeks one of the gals the wife knew through work mentioned something about having to get rid of one of their Huskies (not puppies, 5 years old) since they were fighting (two females). Wife went to look at them and ended up bringing Sarah home.
She died in 2005, but never regretted it.

I guess that's the long version of what Lzen said: It depends on what is right for your family. Only you can decide that.

[Frazod]

Personally, I think it's good to get a new one soon. Doesn't diminish the feelings you had for the old one, and helps you get past the grieving faster.

[Mr. Plow]

I have 2 dogs. One is getting older and closer to the end of her life. Right now, she has a hard time making it outside to pee sometimes, so she ends up doing it on the floor. Makes me mad, I swat her and say I'll never have another dog.....but I know damn well that I'll be getting another puppy. They are a lot of work and can ruin floors, but I love having dogs around.

[joesomebody]

I think it depends on your personality. When I lost Max, my first dog I had that was mine as an adult I was heartbroken. I swore I'd never get another dog, as it wouldn't be fair to him or me. He was so awesome, though he was quite a trouble maker...

My parents surprised me with a puppy for Christmas, which was only 2 months after I lost Max. I was a little upset at first, but now it is by far the greatest gift they've ever given me. Otis is amazing, and having him really helped fill the void of losing Max.

I will be so crushed when Otis dies, but I think knowing what I do now, I will get another puppy pretty quickly. Puppies are a ton of work, but once you get them trained and they get to be a couple years old, nothing is better.

Just remember to be patient with the new pet. Unless it's a cat, they are sort of like having plants, no training required, but no real affection either.

[Lzen]

Originally Posted by joesomebody

... Unless it's a cat, they are sort of like having plants, no training required, but no real affection either.

When my cat dies, I am not getting another one. I find as I get older that I like dogs much, much more than cats.

[Frazod]

Originally Posted by joesomebody

Just remember to be patient with the new pet. Unless it's a cat, they are sort of like having plants, no training required, but no real affection either.

God I get sick of ignorant shit like this. We have three cats, all of which are affectionate. One of them waits for me to get home at night, follows me from room to room, comes when I call him (every time), and likes water. Another is so completely attached to me that she gets pissed off and pouts if I leave the house. You have to take the time to build a relationship with a cat, it won't simply automatically like you the way a dog does. If you do this, a cat will almost always respond to you.

Will a cat fetch your slippers? No. But you won't have to walk it five times a day, either.

[HC_Chief]

Originally Posted by frazod

God I get sick of ignorant shit like this. We have three cats, all of which are affectionate. One of them waits for me to get home at night, follows me from room to room, comes when I call him (every time), and likes water. Another is so completely attached to me that she gets pissed off and pouts if I leave the house. You have to take the time to build a relationship with a cat, it won't simply automatically like you the way a dog does. If you do this, a cat will almost always respond to you.

Will a cat fetch your slippers? No. But you won't have to walk it five times a day, either.

+1
I don't get people who are either a cat person or a dog person. Why does it have to be an "either" proposition? I find that to be a flaw in the human, not the pet species.

[Frazod]

Originally Posted by HC_Chief

+1
I don't get people who are either a cat person or a dog person. Why does it have to be an "either" proposition? I find that to be a flaw in the human, not the pet species.

The main thing is most cats don't warm up to strangers, which is why I think they get a bad rep. If you come to my house, you won't see my cats; they'll hide until you're gone. I wish they were friendly with strangers like they are with us, but they just aren't. Only people who are over frequently will see them.

[Param]

I haven't had a dog in 3 years. So I guess you could say I've waited. I think it's weird to immediately replace a pet after one dies. But, to each his own.

[Mr. Laz]

gotta wait awhile unless you get a completely different kind of pet

[Stewie]

Originally Posted by Param

I haven't had a dog in 3 years. So I guess you could say I've waited. I think it's weird to immediately replace a pet after one dies. But, to each his own.

My Airedale Maggie died three years ago. She was an abused rescue dog that I got when she was 18 months. Turned into the best dog ever. I think I'm ready for another but it took this long.

[HemiEd]

Originally Posted by loochy

I'd wait. The new pet won't be able to live up to expectations. It will constantly be compared to the old pet. Wait a little while.

I agree, we have always regretted it when we get a new one immediately after losing a loved pet.

[Fat Elvis]

Originally Posted by frazod

The main thing is most cats don't warm up to strangers, which is why I think they get a bad rep. If you come to my house, you won't see my cats; they'll hide until you're gone. I wish they were friendly with strangers like they are with us, but they just aren't. Only people who are over frequently will see them.

Cats and doilies.

You are just a crazy old lady, aren't you?

[Fat Elvis]

Originally Posted by Hog Farmer

Animals suck !

Says the man who collects hog semen.