Doubts. - Page 1

Looking to get a pup to replace my old girl who was 15 when she had to be put to sleep.

Had the same doubts when I got her as a pup after my previous girl passed away.

Luckily things worked out fine.

Has anybody else had these nagging doubts and got a new pup and it hasn't worked out?

You would be surprised how a puppy can fill a void that is left behind by your beloved friend you have lost. Instead of getting a puppy I actually got an adult with the same bloodlines so that I could still have the same kind of character. It has helped tremendously. The best thing you can do is take your time until you find one that you know is the right one to fill the void. Basically you should follow your heart and gut instinct.

I wish you the best and express my sincere sympathy for your loss.

Thank you for your kind words.

Suppose it's a case of being a bit afraid to start again.

First off I am very sorry for your loss,

My issue has always been could I love another as much as I did the last...

And my answer has always been yes!  We love them so much while they are with us and we get such a short time with them, it can be the worst hurt and heart break when we lose them.  But a new puppy can fill that void as you start you adventure all over again. No a new puppy will ever be the exact same dog, but that can be a good thing!  Exploring the world anew they can show you things in a different light or stuff you never noticed.

The last friend I lost was my childhood dog. An Australian Terrier who was 18 when he got Cancer in his gums. As much as I Loved him he could not eat and drink and when they would do surgery to remove the growth it would come back twice as fast and and big,  but when it was time for him to go he let me know....  Letting him cross the rainbow bridge was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. HE was in my life since I was 14 years old. Not a day goes by that I do not think of him or smile because I see something that reminds me of him or see something he would have liked to play with.

Even tho it was the right thing to do to let him go it haunts me to this day.  But after a few months the void in the house had to be filed and I was ready again to love and receive love from a new friend.  And I got Marco. He has brought so much joy to me and my Family. He is my first GSD and I can tell you he will not be my last. He has loved us and protected us, save my life one night when a crack head broke in and those are a few of the reasons to love them because they love us so much and give us everything!

Any way go for it. Love again!

only a dog will think your super cool no mater what you do! LOL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyUec-lv_jI

And sorry for the long winded blubbering folks, I just love my dogs.....

Bear, Guss, Snowshoe, Coco, Budda, Einstein,  all crossed the rainbow bridge, and all are still loved and missed.

I am very sorry for your loss.  Losing a dog is not easy.

I was told my first gsd would die from a sinus tumor within 3 to 6 mos.  I was so upset and could not imagine waking up soon without a dog in the house.  I rushed out and got a pup.  Reno was sick and needed care, and I found myself stressed over that and taking care of a new pup.  Turns out Reno lived 6 years after that, and although it was a rough start with Libby (the pup) and me we finally bonded.  I just had to remember that she was not Reno.  As long as you don't expect a clone of your first dog, I think you can bond just as much.  During Reno's last 6 years, I ended getting Falon and then Molly that last year we had Reno.  At that point Reno could not walk very well and need substantial care.  Again, I made the mistake of getting a puppy in the middle of that.  You would have thought I learned my lesson the first time.  For me it is not a problem of bonding with another after a loss, but making sure I have the time, love and energy to give to a new pup when I bring one home.  Molly and I have also bonded, but again, took longer because her puppy antics would drive me crazy.  She would knock Reno off her feet, etc and just constantly bother her, steal her food, toys etc.  Just normal puppy things, but because of Reno's situation, I just become focused on protecting her. 

Good luck with your new dog and again, so sorry for your loss.

Cheryl

My Luther passed away from cancer this past March.  I was devestated actually took a couple of days off from work.  Didn't know what to do.    Thought about it for a month and then decided that Luther would want me to get another German Shepherd.

So last April got a GSD pup he is totally different than Luther and took some getting used to but I feel its the best decision I have made in a long long time.   There is no more loyal and faithful companion you can have than a German Shepherd.In my personal situation it couldn't have turned out any better.

Firstly, I am very sorry for your loss.

Although I am yet to suffer the horrible feeling of loosing a dog (I have 4, oldest is 2 years ). I can imagine how horrible it feels and how you feel like you are betraying your old girl by even thinking about getting another but in my opinion it is the best thing to do. It will help you tremendously with getting over your loss. Don't think of it as a replacement because nobody can replace your old girl but think about it as a new start and hopefully it will work out as well as your last dog.

Once again I am very sorry for your loss and good luck!