Feeling guilty about getting a new puppy 3 months after losing my dog...

We lost our dog, Iris, a nine-year-old Frenchie, to kidney failure. Losing her was devastating; I never imagined I could feel so much sadness. I stayed with her right until the end. The vet told me that after a few days at the surgery, she’d given up on everything—she wouldn't eat, drink, or even go to the toilet. He said our sweet girl was waiting for one of her owners to arrive before she could let go, and that’s exactly what she did, right by my side. She did me the honour of waiting for me after so many years of friendship, kindness, and love. I didn’t want to get another dog after that, but we’ve now brought home little Happy. She’s a two-month-old German Shorthaired Pointer and is completely different from our late Iris. She’s helping us so much through this difficult time, and we love her to bits. Of course, she’ll never replace our little Frenchie, who will be in our hearts forever. You shouldn’t feel guilty about getting another pet; if anything, we’re built to give them love and get it back in return. Sorry for the long post! Have a lovely day, everyone.

We lost our dog, Iris, a nine-year-old Frenchie, to kidney failure. Losing her was devastating; I never imagined I could feel so much sadness. I stayed with her right until the end. The vet told me that after a few days at the surgery, she’d given up on everything—she wouldn't eat, drink, or even go to the toilet. He said our sweet girl was waiting for one of her owners to arrive before she could let go, and that’s exactly what she did, right by my side. She did me the honour of waiting for me after so many years of friendship, kindness, and love. I didn’t want to get another dog after that, but we’ve now brought home little Happy. She’s a two-month-old German Shorthaired Pointer and is completely different from our late Iris. She’s helping us so much through this difficult time, and we love her to bits. Of course, she’ll never replace our little Frenchie, who will be in our hearts forever. You shouldn’t feel guilty about getting another pet; if anything, we’re built to give them love and get it back in return. Sorry for the long post! Have a lovely day, everyone.

Hi everyone, My Blondin arrived home about ten days ago now. I haven't been able to post before this because the little rascal started chewing through my computer cables as soon as he arrived ;) the router, the phone and PC chargers... in short, a real pro at getting into mischief! Any nerves I had about his arrival completely vanished on the very first day. We bonded so naturally. I think he’s just so cute and clever! He’s totally different from Fendi, the Cocker Spaniel I tragically lost when he was only 3. There were a few comparisons at first, obviously, but nothing weird or painful; if anything, I see a bit of my late Fendi in him while knowing he’s a different dog with his own character. And he’s certainly got plenty of that! I love him to bits already! No guilt here—he even plays with the toys I still had from Fendi. He’s very bright for his age (he’s 3 months old today). He’s already nearly house-trained and knows how to sit when told—he’s a good listener! But he chews everything! The best thing to do is have a look at the website I made for him; it’s a bit like a puppy diary ;) In any case, I’d encourage everyone to get another dog after losing a companion, without feeling guilty. Life becomes bright again. While holding onto the memory and love for the one you’ve lost, you overcome the grief and a new relationship full of love is built between you and the new little friend who joins you! Link to Blondin’s site: http://blondincocker.wix.com/blondincocker Anyway, I’ll keep you updated! I’ve got a lot of puppy training ahead of me! Lots of love, Karen

At the rescue centre, it’s not just old dogs—quite the opposite, actually—and there are plenty of pedigrees too. I’m a big advocate for rescue dogs and I’m very involved with my local shelter. There are some absolute sweethearts there who really don't deserve the hand they've been dealt. It's important not to think that they all have traumatic pasts or are "broken" in some way. That being said, I can see from how excited and impatient you are that you’re in the perfect headspace to welcome a new companion. I hope your first meeting goes brilliantly and I wish you both a long and happy life together.

I thought about the RSPCA a lot, but that would mean getting an older dog... which means fewer years to share; it all goes by so quickly as it is. Selfishly, I preferred to get a puppy so I could start from the very beginning. I only had the first three years with my first dog, and I want to find that puppy joy again—it's honestly what's keeping me going after the tough few months I've had. I think I’ll adopt from a rescue later on, in a few years’ time. I’ll have more experience then... sadly, I don’t know what it’s like to watch a dog grow old... Blondin arrives in 3 days!!!!!! I’m like a little kid waiting for Father Christmas!

As I said, you shouldn't feel guilty. Having the company of a pet can be a real need and a sincere desire. I know for a fact I couldn't do without a dog. With mine getting older, I know I’ll be facing this myself in the near future. This first Cocker Spaniel will never be "replaced", ever. It will always be a wonderful chapter of your life with lovely memories. Mind you, we've all had "that one dog" in our lives—the one where everything just felt easy, where you understood each other with just a look, the one who could read your mind before you even gave a command... That’s the one I have right now. It will probably be hard to find that kind of bond again, but you have to give the next one a chance and try not to "compare" them. After all, when we love them, our dear dogs all have a way of being absolutely wonderful and special! Changing breeds might help, but then again, you might just have your heart set on a particular one... Or maybe a poor soul from a rescue centre... saving them from such a sad fate could be a beautiful story...

Evening! After seeing all these messages, you've convinced me as well—I'm going to adopt a new little one too :) I just need to find them now ^^ :)

You're all right, I'm just going to take things as they come and stop overthinking it. I love this little blondie already!

Welcome, Blondin! We’re all so excited for him to arrive. I actually thought you had him already! Oh well, never mind, he’ll just have to have his presents when he gets there!!!! Wishing you so much happiness!!! And please stop feeling guilty—he’s not a replacement, he’s a new companion that you’re going to give a wonderful life to, full of joy and happiness!! So try to be excited instead!!!