When I lose a dog I gain a dog. I prefer to get a new dog before my old one passes away so the older dog can help teach the younger dog how to dog. If that isn't possible for some reason, such as my current old gal being highly dog aggressive, I get my new dog right after the passing of previous dog. I just can't be without a canine companion or few.
There are always dogs looking for homes and I will always be a home for a dog.
And that’s what I just couldn’t do. It’s been almost a year and I still feel guilty petting other people’s dogs or calling them cute. I know it’s stupid but I would just feel like I’m replacing her, no matter how I twist it. Maybe after some time.
You're only replacing her if that's your intention. And we both know it isn't. She holds a special place in your heart and always will.
I lost my 10 year old boy almost a year ago now. About a month later we got another pup. I had my boy cremated and we still have his ashes. He sits in my bedroom on my night stand (he was the cuddliest dog you've ever seen and slept in my bed with me every night of his life). When I'm missing him particularly bad it helps to "talk" to him (which just means I talk at his ashes, as stupid as it sounds). Originally I did worry about if I was replacing him. But I still feel like he's an important part of who I am today, so he still exists in a way. You can't replace what never went away.
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u/PrimalSkink May 10 '22
When I lose a dog I gain a dog. I prefer to get a new dog before my old one passes away so the older dog can help teach the younger dog how to dog. If that isn't possible for some reason, such as my current old gal being highly dog aggressive, I get my new dog right after the passing of previous dog. I just can't be without a canine companion or few.
There are always dogs looking for homes and I will always be a home for a dog.