What next after death of a dog?
Discussion
2 weeks ago we suddenly lost our much loved cockapoo. She was fine in the morning, slow at lunchtime and by 7:30 the vet informed us that she’d had organ failure and the kindest thing to do would be to put her to sleep. She died as she lived, in quiet dignity with me by her side. She was not quite 9 years old.
I’m not ashamed to admit I’m devastated by this. Whilst she was a family pet, she was in reality my dog and - working from home a I do - we were pretty much inseparable. She was pretty much my ideal dog (albeit with those irritating habits they all have!)
Dynamic in the Scruff house is a little different to many, in that Mrs Scruff and I realise we want different things from our dogs, and as such we had two. This caused/causes zero friction, as we love each others dogs but we each had/have different breeds.
Now we have only 1 dog left it’s all a bit weird and am kind of at a loss! Love dog #2, but he’s small and cute, rather than the trainable fluffy morons I prefer.
To be honest, this post is mostly therapeutic for me, but when people have lost their dogs what did they do? Wait a few months for dust to settle? Get another younger dog and support their development? Adopt/rehome? Mrs Scruff is 100% supportive of whatever I want, but does think I need another dog by my side. I don’t want another cockapoo though, as would always be comparing and that’s unfair on any new animal.
Dunno. Bit lost really. Interested in any advice/past experience?
I’m not ashamed to admit I’m devastated by this. Whilst she was a family pet, she was in reality my dog and - working from home a I do - we were pretty much inseparable. She was pretty much my ideal dog (albeit with those irritating habits they all have!)
Dynamic in the Scruff house is a little different to many, in that Mrs Scruff and I realise we want different things from our dogs, and as such we had two. This caused/causes zero friction, as we love each others dogs but we each had/have different breeds.
Now we have only 1 dog left it’s all a bit weird and am kind of at a loss! Love dog #2, but he’s small and cute, rather than the trainable fluffy morons I prefer.
To be honest, this post is mostly therapeutic for me, but when people have lost their dogs what did they do? Wait a few months for dust to settle? Get another younger dog and support their development? Adopt/rehome? Mrs Scruff is 100% supportive of whatever I want, but does think I need another dog by my side. I don’t want another cockapoo though, as would always be comparing and that’s unfair on any new animal.
Dunno. Bit lost really. Interested in any advice/past experience?
Lost far too many four legged friends over the years - the most important thing I would say is you have to let yourself grieve as if you were grieving a person. People will try and frame it like "it's only a dog" or whatever, but it's not. It's a being you loved very deeply that took a very important place in your life, and the grief is very real. I think of dogs I said goodbye to 20 years ago and it still makes me as sad as the day it happened.
For me I would suggest not rushing into getting another for the time being. Let yourself truly mourn for your loss. In time you will come to the point where you maybe start to feel like welcoming another pup into the house is right...until then, don't rush. You'll know when the time feels right to begin another chapter.
For me I would suggest not rushing into getting another for the time being. Let yourself truly mourn for your loss. In time you will come to the point where you maybe start to feel like welcoming another pup into the house is right...until then, don't rush. You'll know when the time feels right to begin another chapter.
Sorry to hear that.
I'd take your time and see how the other dog reacts. Much as dogs are expected to be social they don't always want company and even fairly social dogs don't like every dog. I know my older dog would have preferred it if we'd never got a second dog. The younger one has never known life without a grumpy older companion so I imagine he'll not take the older dog dying at all well.
If you've already had a cockerpoo and want something similar sized and trainable then a full spaniel will keep you entertained. They are learning machines.
I'd take your time and see how the other dog reacts. Much as dogs are expected to be social they don't always want company and even fairly social dogs don't like every dog. I know my older dog would have preferred it if we'd never got a second dog. The younger one has never known life without a grumpy older companion so I imagine he'll not take the older dog dying at all well.
If you've already had a cockerpoo and want something similar sized and trainable then a full spaniel will keep you entertained. They are learning machines.
So sorry to hear this, it's heartbreaking losing a loved animal, confess i prefer dogs to people anyway/.
We lost all 3 of ours in the space of 8 months though the Vis was turning 17 so expected, wifey was devasted after our 9 year old Cocker boy got a cancer (you b
d cancer) and went in December, we still had his mother and she took his loss really badly, literally pined away.
We weren't going to get another dog yet, but took the plunge 4 weeks later and got a Golden Retriever pup, this pup is mending wifey's broken heart but she still mourns George.
At first George's mum wasn't sure but within a few days she seemed to pick up and was happier having another dog for company, sadly she took a turn for the worse went downhill in a week culminating in a stroke/ seizure in which she cried terribly and we had her put to sleep at 11pm a week last Friday.
There is no right or wrong choice, each to their own, to us the house would be empty without a dog.
Frankie won't replace either of the others, she's her own dog and a right little monkey.
Keep well OP, just remember thousands of other less fortunate dogs would have been very happy to have swapped places with your loved frined.
We lost all 3 of ours in the space of 8 months though the Vis was turning 17 so expected, wifey was devasted after our 9 year old Cocker boy got a cancer (you b
d cancer) and went in December, we still had his mother and she took his loss really badly, literally pined away.We weren't going to get another dog yet, but took the plunge 4 weeks later and got a Golden Retriever pup, this pup is mending wifey's broken heart but she still mourns George.
At first George's mum wasn't sure but within a few days she seemed to pick up and was happier having another dog for company, sadly she took a turn for the worse went downhill in a week culminating in a stroke/ seizure in which she cried terribly and we had her put to sleep at 11pm a week last Friday.
There is no right or wrong choice, each to their own, to us the house would be empty without a dog.
Frankie won't replace either of the others, she's her own dog and a right little monkey.
Keep well OP, just remember thousands of other less fortunate dogs would have been very happy to have swapped places with your loved frined.
Wheel Turned Out said:
Lost far too many four legged friends over the years - the most important thing I would say is you have to let yourself grieve as if you were grieving a person. People will try and frame it like "it's only a dog" or whatever, but it's not. It's a being you loved very deeply that took a very important place in your life, and the grief is very real. I think of dogs I said goodbye to 20 years ago and it still makes me as sad as the day it happened.
For me I would suggest not rushing into getting another for the time being. Let yourself truly mourn for your loss. In time you will come to the point where you maybe start to feel like welcoming another pup into the house is right...until then, don't rush. You'll know when the time feels right to begin another chapter.
This very much, grieve, cry, scream at the moon, then go to a shelter and adopt another, preferably the one that nobody else wants and give it all the love you gave your last one. It's an awful thing to lose a pet but good can come of it.For me I would suggest not rushing into getting another for the time being. Let yourself truly mourn for your loss. In time you will come to the point where you maybe start to feel like welcoming another pup into the house is right...until then, don't rush. You'll know when the time feels right to begin another chapter.
Landlubber said:
This very much, grieve, cry, scream at the moon, then go to a shelter and adopt another, preferably the one that nobody else wants and give it all the love you gave your last one. It's an awful thing to lose a pet but good can come of it.
Agree absolutely on this . When we unexpectedly lost our last GS not only were we heartbroken but the silence in the house was deafening , we tried to hold off for a while but failed and rescued a GSX from a nearby First Nation reserve , relative sanity was regained .I lost my beloved dog last August and I was/still am heartbroken. One thing that has helped is I’m volunteering at a local animal sanctuary. Sunday’s used to be our big adventure stomp time but I must say I’m really enjoying taking the sanctuary’s high energy dogs out for a good long Sunday walks. There have been a few absolutely brilliant / lovely dogs that we would have given a home if it wasn’t for MrsRNP not working from home anymore.
So sad OP. I adore my dogs and will never be without dogs in the house.
We’ve lost a few over the years inevitably but came to the conclusion the best thing is to get another one asap. It’s not a replacement, you never forget them. We only have rescue dogs now, there are so many wonderful dogs that need a home.
We’ve lost a few over the years inevitably but came to the conclusion the best thing is to get another one asap. It’s not a replacement, you never forget them. We only have rescue dogs now, there are so many wonderful dogs that need a home.
Landlubber said:
Wheel Turned Out said:
Lost far too many four legged friends over the years - the most important thing I would say is you have to let yourself grieve as if you were grieving a person. People will try and frame it like "it's only a dog" or whatever, but it's not. It's a being you loved very deeply that took a very important place in your life, and the grief is very real. I think of dogs I said goodbye to 20 years ago and it still makes me as sad as the day it happened.
For me I would suggest not rushing into getting another for the time being. Let yourself truly mourn for your loss. In time you will come to the point where you maybe start to feel like welcoming another pup into the house is right...until then, don't rush. You'll know when the time feels right to begin another chapter.
This very much, grieve, cry, scream at the moon, then go to a shelter and adopt another, preferably the one that nobody else wants and give it all the love you gave your last one. It's an awful thing to lose a pet but good can come of it.For me I would suggest not rushing into getting another for the time being. Let yourself truly mourn for your loss. In time you will come to the point where you maybe start to feel like welcoming another pup into the house is right...until then, don't rush. You'll know when the time feels right to begin another chapter.
Take your time to grieve, but when the time is right, talk to your local rescue centre. So many little souls in there with so much love to give, just waiting for their forever homes.
Wheel Turned Out said:
Lost far too many four legged friends over the years - the most important thing I would say is you have to let yourself grieve as if you were grieving a person. People will try and frame it like "it's only a dog" or whatever, but it's not. It's a being you loved very deeply that took a very important place in your life, and the grief is very real. I think of dogs I said goodbye to 20 years ago and it still makes me as sad as the day it happened.
For me I would suggest not rushing into getting another for the time being. Let yourself truly mourn for your loss. In time you will come to the point where you maybe start to feel like welcoming another pup into the house is right...until then, don't rush. You'll know when the time feels right to begin another chapter.
Totally agree,For me I would suggest not rushing into getting another for the time being. Let yourself truly mourn for your loss. In time you will come to the point where you maybe start to feel like welcoming another pup into the house is right...until then, don't rush. You'll know when the time feels right to begin another chapter.
Lost my fella, .no ordinary house pet, he came to work every day, the pub, restaurants, days out, weekends away, after 14.5 years last June.
I couldn't possibly replace him, my new partner says I replaced him with her lol.
Lefty said:
I have to say, I m so happy to see people recommending adopting dogs rather than buying puppies.
I love all dogs, any dogs but rescue dogs are the best.
My fella was a rescue from Ireland, boxer/springer and completely untrained and unsocialised, didn't even know how to drink from a bowl, had to leave the garden tap running, it was all he knew, a dripping tap. I love all dogs, any dogs but rescue dogs are the best.
Took 2 years to calm the f
ker down for a peaceful walk. Wouldn't have changed a thing,so bloody rewarding. Doesitdrive said:
Lefty said:
I have to say, I m so happy to see people recommending adopting dogs rather than buying puppies.
I love all dogs, any dogs but rescue dogs are the best.
My fella was a rescue from Ireland, boxer/springer and completely untrained and unsocialised, didn't even know how to drink from a bowl, had to leave the garden tap running, it was all he knew, a dripping tap. I love all dogs, any dogs but rescue dogs are the best.
Took 2 years to calm the f
ker down for a peaceful walk. Wouldn't have changed a thing,so bloody rewarding. 
Doesitdrive said:
My fella was a rescue from Ireland, boxer/springer and completely untrained and unsocialised, didn't even know how to drink from a bowl, had to leave the garden tap running, it was all he knew, a dripping tap.
Took 2 years to calm the fker down for a peaceful walk. Wouldn't have changed a thing,so bloody rewarding.
Our previous pooch was covered in scars and had several teeth missing, we obviously suspected she’d been used for fighting, she was amazing with the immediate family unit( me my wife , my grown up son and his girlfriend) but certainly had to be carefully managed outside the family group,she would be very aggressive if approached but she was easily scared too-we managed her carefully and had a wonderful seven years with her.Took 2 years to calm the f
ker down for a peaceful walk. Wouldn't have changed a thing,so bloody rewarding. Now we have a big but intelligent dog that is very very gentle, but quite clumsy, but a lovely temperament-very good around the grandchildren, again very rewarding-another rescue dug that’s won the lottery having a life with us!!
It s better to have love and have lost then never lost at all
Adopt another and give it a loving home, you never get over the loss of one but I find that before they cross the rainbow bridge they find a way of sending a replacement to make sure you re ok, watch out for signs
Dogs look after us not the other way around
Adopt another and give it a loving home, you never get over the loss of one but I find that before they cross the rainbow bridge they find a way of sending a replacement to make sure you re ok, watch out for signs
Dogs look after us not the other way around
Thanks all for the replies and thoughts - it’s comforting. I’ve never been great with people but did adore that daft idiot and it has impacted me much (much) more than ever thought it would. Feels like a support group!
Put a few feelers out to see if there are any dogs that need to be rehomed. House is too quiet without my dog (other half’s dog is a miniature poodle) but not in a rush.
Put a few feelers out to see if there are any dogs that need to be rehomed. House is too quiet without my dog (other half’s dog is a miniature poodle) but not in a rush.
Lefty said:
I have to say, I m so happy to see people recommending adopting dogs rather than buying puppies.
I love all dogs, any dogs but rescue dogs are the best.
Lost my Staffie when he was about 14. A good age, but I think he had couple more years in him if it wasn't for the cancer. I was devastated nonetheless. Felt sick to my stomach trying to accept he wasn't around any more. Whenever I thought about another dog the guilt of replacing him would prevent me taking it any further. I love all dogs, any dogs but rescue dogs are the best.
Southridge is very close to where I live so I would go there from time to time to see if it would help. It made me feel worse as dogs just seem to know when you're a dog person and I would leave there feeling sad and wanting to take them all home.
It took around 18 years of preparing to have a dog in my life again (work and starting a family had a part to play in it as well). Frank (another SBT) is coming up for four years old in a couple of months and there's a never a dull moment with him. Dogs are tremendous creatures.
Two years after he became a part of the family, I found out I had a tumour. He was so attentive it was remarkable as he didn't want to leave my side. Even during my convalescence, he just knew not to jump on me and be his playful self. Thankfully all in the clear now and he jumps all over me when I get home from work and we have the occasional play-fight.
Mr Scruff said:
Thanks all for the replies and thoughts - it s comforting. I ve never been great with people but did adore that daft idiot and it has impacted me much (much) more than ever thought it would. Feels like a support group!
Put a few feelers out to see if there are any dogs that need to be rehomed. House is too quiet without my dog (other half s dog is a miniature poodle) but not in a rush.
If you're ready and fancy a spaniel take a look at Spaniel Aid - they're brilliant. I recommend Fostering which gives you 'first dibs' to keep/adopt or to release them onwards for adoption.Put a few feelers out to see if there are any dogs that need to be rehomed. House is too quiet without my dog (other half s dog is a miniature poodle) but not in a rush.
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