hi there. i recently lost my dog oscar to kidney failure, and i thought that i would never come to terms with it as he was only 5 years old. too young to die. i now have a new pup, a pug called theo, he is 14 weeks, and i cant help feeling really guilty. although i have not replaced oscar, as i have a completely different breed this time, i cant help feeling that he would be cross with me. has anyone else ever thought this, after losing a much loved pet.

If Oscar loved you as much as you love him, I'm sure he would want you to be happy

Hi,

I lost my baby, also far too young at just 13 months and i felt guilty for my decision but also guilty about showing my others lots of love and cuddles. I can not contemplate getting another of her breed at the moment and i am not sure i ever will as she was just soooo special i dont think i could ever feel for another what i felt for her.

So i would say your feelings are perfectly natural but also agree that your dog loved you and therefore would want nothing but happiness for you, so enjoy your new companion, you will never forget Oscar as i will never forget my Darling Abbey. I have certainly still not come to terms with what i went through with my girl but time heals and makes it slightly more bearable though the pain we never leave me.

Good luck with your new puppy

Mandy x

Felt the same way, when I brought in another dog, after loosing Joy.  The reasons were definately not to replace Joy, but I couldnt help thinking that is what it was. 

I ended up not keeping the dog, not because of Joy, but other reasons, and now I am breeding a litter and I will be keeping a pup out of that. 

I know its hard, to get a new dog, after the loss of a special one (and they all are special).  But as long as you were ready to make the addition, then its a good choice. 

Nothing, no matter the breed, or when, can replace a dog that has gone to the Bridge. 

Take Care, and good luck with the new pup.

I think most people who have pets have been there at sometime.

Was it today; yesterday; a week; a month ago?
There are no days; there are no nights since my furchild died.
I reach to pet my furry friend who is no longer here.
My heart is broken; my arms are empty; how many tears I've cried.

I leave the house, into the lane we always walked together.
The rain is falling. I notice not. Just more tears on my face.
She used to lead me down the lane. Her spirit leads me still.
But we go a different way to a very strange and different place.

I stand before a rustic bridge I've never seen before.
I stop. I know I'm not to cross. But why, I want to know.
And then the rain suddenly stops. I look up into the clouds.
I look down. The bridge is gone and in its place is a rainbow.

I look across the Rainbow Bridge and see a joyful sight;
Thousands of healthy furchildren playing with my beloved pet.
I want to run and love her, but I'm rooted to the spot.
She looks and wags her tail and I hear her bark, "Not yet."

And then her bark turns to a voice and I hear her say,
"You cared for me, you played with me and loved me to the end.
I'm healthy now, don't cry for me. I'll meet you here again.
Others need your love and care. I'm sending you a friend."

I rub my eyes and the rainbow is again a rustic bridge.
I send a prayer for that quick glimpse to the loving God above.
I hear a noise and glance back down. I can't believe my eyes.
Across the bridge, my darling pet sent a furbaby for me to love.

I pick up the furry bundle, hold her close to my dampened cheek.
She nuzzles my neck, kisses my tears. It's true love at first sight.
Not to replace the one who's gone; another who needs my love and care.
My eyes are drawn upward to see a Rainbow Bridge in radiating light.

I know how you feel.  My mind has been back and forth about whether to get another dog, and also whether to get another Akita.  I had to have my Madi PTS just under a month ago.  I think what you are feeling is very normal because you lost someone you love, a part of your family and it feels like a betrayal to get another dog so soon.  It has stopped me getting another dog just yet but my home and life feels very empty without one and I wish I could take that step to get a puppy.  I think Oscar would be happy to see you happy again.  Our animals love us unconditionally and therefore would want us to feel that love again.  Theo can never replace Oscar as you know and he will always be in your heart, no matter how many puppies you got in the future.  I don't think he would be cross at all but I fully understand how you feel and think it is such a normal part of the grieving process.

Julie

When my Murphy died on 7/11/2007 i knew straight away that i had to get another dog.. I dont think ive replaced Murph.. i never could... I wouldnt want to. But by 17/11/2007 i had Paddy. I knew Murph wouldnt want me to be sad or cry constantly. He would want me to be happy.
I feel guilty all the time but i know it was for the best..
I know its part of the healing process
Love Theo and enjoy your life together just as Oscar would of wanted you to

Donna x
(and my boysxx)

im sure Oscar would want you to be happy and its having this new puppy makes you happy then im sure he would approve.
Run Free Oscar.
xx
Also good luck with your new pup.

Actually it always comforts me to look after a new pup after losing a much loved dog. I never look on the new one as a replacement as they are all different, whether the same breed or something else. I think that it would be a waste if someone like you, with both love and expertise, did not go ahead and have a new pup.

Enjoy Theo. You will never forget Oscar, and nor should you, but make the most of each and every dog you have. They are all precious.