When is the Right Time for a New Dog?

Losing a faithful dog is every bit as painful as long any other member of the family, so when is the time right to move on?

Run Free, Angel Rin. No more arthritis over the Rainbow Bridge.

Dogs are the finest life companion that anyone can hope for – they are always overjoyed to see you and shower you with unconditional love. When all else fails you always have a friend for life, except that life is considerably shorter for one party, leaving the other to pick up the pieces when the unthinkable does happen.

Mourning

When your best friend is in the twilight of his or her life and their legs aren’t quite what they used to be, you know deep down that sooner or later your dog’s health will decrease past the point where a vet can help. Unlike with humans, we have the power to decide when to take mercy and end a dog’s suffering and, as anyone who has ever had to go through the process, there is nothing that can prepare you.

While we keep hold of keepsakes such as dog tags, collars and leashes to remember them by, it is the memories that we hold that will last forever.

For many children, losing a family pet is the first experience of death and how to deal with the loss of a loved one. Unfortunately, it still doesn’t get any easier as an adult, but there is a time when you must move on and just be grateful for the time you had together instead of being sad it’s gone.

Time to Love Again

Different people take differing amounts of time before they feel that they can welcome another dog into their life. Some bring a new dog home within a few days, as this can help focus their mind, while others can take months or years before opening their heart once more.

A lot does depend on whether there are other dogs present in the household and how they would take to another dog entering their territory. If they have been used to being around other dogs for the majority of their life then there shouldn’t be any issues in introducing another pet.

Consult all members of the family that live in your home about their feelings towards a new pet. Others will feel ready sooner than others, so carefully consider whether your home is ready to welcome in a new dog to join the family. If the general consensus is yes, you can get the wheels in motion.

Stick With the Same Breed or Not?

Original Shih Tzu One a.k.a Buchi

Many dog lovers will already know the breeds of dogs that they prefer, and commonly will have more than one of the same breed. If, for example, you are a keen lover of Cocker Spaniels, and are perfectly equipped to meet the dog’s requirements, there is no reason to defer from your preference.

Look it's Shih Tzu 2 a.k.a MyDogsLove.Me CEO a.k.a Chooey

Some dog lovers will feel that electing for the same breed of dog just wouldn’t feel right and prefer a change, and that’s fine too. Different breeds require differing amounts of exercise and have their own unique traits – Labradors are famous for their love of water, while Bulldogs and Pugs are prone to overheating due to their small noses which make panting difficult.

A New Best Friend

Once you know what you are looking for from a new dog, do your research into different breeds’ behaviour and adaptability (do they need a lot of room? And are they generally child-friendly?).

Add this research to your personal preference and you will be sure to find the perfect new best friend for you and your family. All that is left is to put the time in to train them and enjoy years of love and affection!