"His dog up and died....
He up and died....
After twenty years he still grieves"

-Mr. Bojangles

Sorry for your loss. Dogs are the best.

It's been about a year since Hannah the Mini Schnauzer died. She was 14, just a year younger than my youngest kid. So, they pretty much all grew up with Hannah. I'm not ready for another dog. But we posted on the neighborhood page that we are available to dog sit. Now, we are the "godparents" of Lilly the Shih Tzu and have watched two bigger dogs, too. Maybe this is something you can do, as well, until you're ready for your next pup. We have found it to be very rewarding!

Brought the new dog to the old dog's "going away" party.

I was not allowed to have dogs growing up. Dad's profession was yards and gardens. Dogs did not enter that world. My first dog was willed to me by my grandfather. He was a red and white border collie. He was actually insane. I had that dog with me when I went to finish my college degree. He got it hit while staying with my buddy while I was doing some late night work study. Buddy filled me with Jack Daniels that night. The next morning we got up and drove to the small town in North Louisiana where my grandparents are buried. A dug a hole and placed him next to my grandfather. The next day as we drove back to Central Arkansas, I knew I could not walk into the empty house without a dog. I also knew that I wanted the exact opposite of Bob the border collie. So, that day, the day after we buried Bob, I went to Hot springs and picked up flash the basset hound. Flash was with me for a good 15 years. He had his own insanities.

We lost our border collie in July 2022. I waited as long as I could - Jan 2023. Short haired BC mix. Stray from shelter. She has been a lot of work, but is turning into a great dog. Of course, we have 2 cats that kept us company in the time between.

I never thought of another poster's suggestion of not getting the same breed because I loved the traits of the BC, but I can definitely see that could be a plus. I still think of the last one often and occasionally get the names mixed up.

I am of the age this will probably be our last dog. I hope to be around 70 when this one goes and I'm not sure I will want the responsibility of another one at that time. Check back at that time - I'll probably have changed my mind.

Lost my Boston Terrier Shiner in 2017. My wife surprised our daughter with a new dog in 2022 and I'm constantly telling her, that's y'alls dog not mine.

I have been an AGGIE professor at A&M Galveston for almost 49 years. I met my wife at TAMUG and she had Bernie, a Yorkie, at the time. He was her constant companion. After Bernie passed in 1991, she could not bear to get another dog until 2003 when we got Schatzi, another Yorkie. Shatzi lived a great life until passing at 15. This time, my wife said we need to get another dog immediately and the day after Schatzi passed, we got Spankie, a male Yorkie. He was her pride and joy and with her all the time. My wife of 34 years passed in January of this year and I could not have made it this far after losing her without the love and companionship of Spankie. Dogs are more than pets, they are part of our being and give meaning to life. God rest all their souls.

Why the hell would I get another thing that needs to be taken care of and is annoyingly loud when literally anyone comes near the house and eats my food and makes it a pain in the ass to do any traveling once I'm finally free of the one I have now?

Truly sorry for your loss of your wife.

"Sometimes, a dog is as good as any man..."

Widespread Panic
C. Brown.

DrJohnS67 said:

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I have been an AGGIE professor at A&M Galveston for almost 49 years. I met my wife at TAMUG and she had Bernie, a Yorkie, at the time. He was her constant companion. After Bernie passed in 1991, she could not bear to get another dog until 2003 when we got Schatzi, another Yorkie. Shatzi lived a great life until passing at 15. This time, my wife said we need to get another dog immediately and the day after Schatzi passed, we got Spankie, a male Yorkie. He was her pride and joy and with her all the time. My wife of 34 years passed in January of this year and I could not have made it this far after losing her without the love and companionship of Spankie. Dogs are more than pets, they are part of our being and give meaning to life. God rest all their souls.

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I'm sorry about your wife. Our dog is a mama's pup as he adores and guards my wife. Coincidentally, she's away for work on the TS Kennedy and won't return until Wednesday. Our Henry will be very excited to have her home.

We usually stagger two dogs in age and mainly for training purposes. The losses are still tough though. It's just weird how we get so attached to our pets. When they go, it really leaves a very hurt place in your heart. Especially, when you come home after a long day at work and the dog is excited to see you. When that little piece of joy is gone, not there to meet you at the door, kinda hurts...and fairly deep.

You'll know when the time is right. Process the loss and grieve for your buddy. Just make sure to keep moving forward.