Sorry, can imagine he's left a big hole in your life.

We got a dog last November. First one for us as a family although my parents had dogs when I was a kid. Being the morbid sod I am, I've already had thoughts about another dog once he's gone. Not sure what I'd do as I know I'd always compare the new dog to the current idiot.

Or do what my parents did and wait 20 years to get a mad spaniel when you're in your mind 70s!

Sorry no real help an I.

Loads of dogs that need a good home. Start on the rescue places tomorrow. It won't be the same, but different in an awesome way.

We've only had our chap 18 months, first one but no doubt we're "dog people" now.

Dogs home is exavtly what I was thinking. Already had a quick look, but feels terribly disloyal t o my little mate whos only just left.

You're not being disloyal. You were a loyal companion to your loyal companion. Why shouldn't you offer your loyalty to another soul that doesn't have that right now?

You'll know when the time is right.

Dusty here BTW

I don't think dogs think like that. He'd want you to give a chance to another dog like the one he had. That would be a great tribute, that you'd enjoyed his company so much you want another.

It's not a replacement, it's a whole different chance for both of you.

I've had too much beer tonight to put it as eloquently as jonv, but that was pretty much my thoughts on your second post.

I would go for the new dog now. At the start you'll feel like a judas to the old dog. When the new dog passes you'll be heartbroken (again) In between will be the years of joy companionship fun for you, your family and the dog.

I'd say rescue but not any rescue.

Friends lost a collie (inherited initially from an elderly neighbour) and went for a rehomed collie. Beautiful dog but the behavioural issues resurfaced and a year later they had to have it put down (at age 2) after it turned on their teenage daughter.

There are also organisations that specialise in rehoming specific breeds and so it might be worth checking them.

It's really difficult. We waited over a year I think but there was never particularly a right time as such.
Difficult to envisage but the feeling that you're betraying them fades, but of course you always remember.

We still toast our old dog every night with dinner.
The new one sits there waiting for dinner shrapnel! 😂

If that routine is what you thrive on, then I think go for it.
My partner is really the dog person. I'm not really such a fan of the routine of it, but of course our dogs are hugely special to me.

Anyway, what's with the no pictures?
Dog threads have to have pictures by law.

Barney 💔

The new nutter, Harold

Had him over 18 months now and he's definitely part of the woodwork.

I know people who say the won't have another dog as they miss the last one so much. I know other people who get the next one immediately the old one dies. People nearer the "early" end of the spectrum seem to be happier.

Loyalty to a dead pet is about remembering them, the new dog is just another chapter of the same book.

You'll know when you're ready. There are currently lots of dogs up for rehoming and that's where to start looking.

e.g.

Butter wouldn't melt. . .

Or this chap if you're up for some training

We lost ours earlier in the year

And I was distraught. However I knew I should get another one.

So.... we got Geoff from the rescue.

Poor lads not had a great start but he's a belting dog.

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We’re down to one at the moment, we lost our elderly basset hound last year and Mrs DB yearns for another but with moving etc we’re waiting to make sure we have the time to devote to a new hound. We are down on the fostering list with breed rescue and hoping to get another next year as we have an Australia trip planned this winter. We’re on our 6th dog at the moment but at no point do you considered them a replacement, just another chapter in your life.

You gave your last dog a great life, if your ready, you can give another one a great life too. There’s no set date, it’s purely down to you. As above, please try to rehome a dog, the rescue centres are full of COVID cast offs. There not always straight forward, especially after being abandoned, but with time & patience you could have another great pal.

If you are not quite sure about a full time dog - look to your family, friends and neighbours, let them know. Someone always wants a dog looked after.

We had wire fox terriers for the last 20 years, and lost our Mabel a year ago.

We now look after friends and family dogs whilst they are on hols, and the odd single day or weekend, and at christmas when the families involved had dogs that didn't get on - they can be just for christmas.

We live in a small friendly village, and one of us is usually working from home and often have a local dog just for a day or night, might not work for you in your environment.

We've had about 8 different dogs, collies, labsx3, whippets, springers, golden doodles, terrier, heinz 57 etc. It's a good way to get dog exposure, see the different characters without the 24x7x52 aspect, and without any outlay, as grateful friends provide all foods/treats and a few bottles of wine to go with.

As an older couple, this works for us, so we also get time to go away without having to worry about the dog.

We lost our best pet EVER, Mowgli the cat recently, he is hugely missed.

Destiny intervened as whilst sorting out some of his admin at the vets a litter 5 of Cats Protection rescue kittens came in for vaccinating, we loved them, signed up, got house checked and took delivery of 3 of them FIVE days after Mowgli's demise.

Why torture yourself in grief and the looking for a pet that isn't there when you have the happy memories of them and can distract yourself with a new joy who needs a home.

Mowgli is buried in his favorite spot in the garden & we have a fab picture of him on the wall, which we can reflect upon whilst serving our new rulers.

You've done everything your old dog needed. I *can* really see it would be a big adjustment to commit to having another dog immediately.

But, there are dogs that need fostering. And quite often broken-hearted dogs come up whose owners have died on them and now they're confused and lonely in kennels.

You know, I'd let your missus send you "dogs needing homes" listings and let her arrange trips for you to local animal sanctuaries - let her "lead you to water". Don't promise her anything though. Just agree to look. Don't force yourself to feel anything you don't truly feel.

When the time is right, which may be sooner than you think, you will see a particular dog and think, "I bet you and I would do very well together, Spot!" and it will all happen naturally.

PS we didn't have the luxury of a grieving period, as the remaining dog expressed his loneliness by widdling indoors! A powerful argument which we had to accept!

We lost our first dog last year at the age of 11, but also had a 7yr-old rescue who'd been with us for 6 years at the time. He really struggled without his big brother, so a month later a new pup joined the family.

I felt massively disloyal at first, trying to love a new addition whilst still grieving for my departed boy, but he wouldn't have seen me sad. A year later and I'm glad we didn't wait too long.

We looked at a pup when Jake our BT was approaching 13. The idea being to introduce them to each other. Sadly we lost Jake within a week of viewing the pup.

Oscar has helped us all get over the loss of Jake, who we will never forget as the family dog. Oscar has started a new chapter in owning a dog. I’m currently trying to train him to show, but he’s mainly my walking companion

https://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/meet-oscar/

All our dogs have been better than the last one.

It's whenever you're ready. Without going all factual and anti-sentimental, you gave your last dog a fantastic home. He no doubt lived a loyal and loving life, so now is your chance to do it all over again. That's what dogs are for. Take it from someone who has never or rarely been without a dog, you NEVER forget the old ones, they all have a special place in your heart/memory, and you aren't replacing or being disloyal to anything or anybody. Go for it. You need another one as much as another one needs you.