Thinking of getting a dog

[OldJohnnyYen]

2ish weeks ago our 3yo beagle/Bassett cross died suddenly of a suspected deep vein thrombosis

It's left our staffie bh depressed, she is really missing him, she is off her food and sits by the door waiting for his return. The vet said she might never get over it.

We were thinking of a third dog anyway, but after this has happened we are unsure it's the best thing to do. Is she likely to take to another dog in the normal way or will this be too soon for her?

[Jasandjules]

Did the staffy get to see the basset, uh, at the end? They mourn you see and she might not realise that the basset is gone.

Will she accept another dog? Well, only you can know what your dog is like but IMHO most dogs are quite happy to meet a puppy and they soon get used to each other.

[OldJohnnyYen]

She didn't, we woke up to him unable to walk on his back legs and in pain, within in an hour the vet was putting him down

She's a very social dog and loves playing with other dogs but worry she is never going to get over this and won't want another dog in his place!

[R1gtr]

Do you have a friend who has a dog they can lend you for a day/night? see how your one perks up with a doggie friend, if he is sad when the dog is returned maybe a new dog would help, will possibly help your own healing process too, good luck.

[bexVN]

I'm so sorry for your loss, far too young to have gone . My experience is social friendly dogs usually accept others into their lives but give it a bit longer it may take a couple of weeks, in that time get her out and about and mixing with other dogs, spend some time with friends who have dogs etc.

Don't rush into a new dog, consider a rescue centre where you'll have chance for a meet and greet with potential new dogs.

But I do think in time a second dog would be right for you all, good luck.

[AdiT]

My niece and her husband had 2 Staffs (mother and son). When the mother died the son pined; Refused to eat or go for a walk (had to be dragged) for almost a month. He was a pitifull sight,having been a big, fit, playfull Staff and was a skinny sad shadow of his former self. At the time, my Weim' was just a 6 month old pup and when I called around one day they wanted to see if he'd bring the Staff out of himself. I was a bit reluctant to take him in but we tried it... carefully. The Staff instantly cheered up. Within a week they had a new Rotty pup.

"Borrow" a dog and see if it helps.