Here's a lovely piece of writing for the dog people

We have replaced dogs very quick when they passed away.
One passed away just before christmas and a private nearby breeder had some which were ready just before christmas but did not normally let them go at that time.
He did however make an exception for us as we were known to him.
I don't think anybody was interested in their other presents that christmas as everybody was playing with the dog.

Frank

Am I alone in being unable to have another dog after making the painful decision to euthanase our very poorly 17 years old mongrel?
Her ailments were all age-related, well beyond the treatment stage and our vet reassured me that 'it was exactly the right time' but I felt that I was betraying her.
I keep getting so far when I see other dogs needing homes but am always deterred by the memory of how distressing the loss was - I don't think I could face the trauma again.

Those feelings do pass Nonna. Think of the joy and companionship that you receive for all those years the dog lives with you. Grief for the loss of a pet is just awful. We have been through it several times, as we have always had one or two dogs, except for a few years ago when there was a gap. I yearned for another dog then, and was able to get my dog within a month of retiring. It's lovely having a dog living here again.

How did I miss this thread and the article about Inca? Does anyone remember the Castaway series? Ahead of it's time but was overshadowed by Big Brother. I hadn't realised that Inca was gone . I tend to overlap my dogs so that I don't have the decision of whether to have another, but I've got an 'only dog' these days which pains me as I like them to have a doggie friend. Just off now to crash out on the sofa with the whippety thing and watch The Old Grey Whistle Test.

The best way to get over a dog's death is to get another dog ASAP.

Frank

Don"t think that strictly true hunter, people need to have time to grieve for the loss of what is very often a Member of the family .

We don"t have a dog although I would not mind one , as we are out of the country for 3 months over the year .

We have my SON and DIL"S though so that is the next best thing

You may be right in some cases Nonu.
Most people I know have said never again and within a week they have taken first steps to get a new dog even if they are waiting for it to be ready at the breeder.
My belief if there is an afterlife with dogs they will not hold it against you if you get a new dog straight away.
They will understand the new dog is going to help you get over the grief although I don't think you ever really totally get over the loss of a pet.
You are also giving the new dog a good life as well.

Frank

Afterlife for dogs? what is that all about Frank ?

Roll on part of my 3 months holiday !!!!!

Lovely fallacy Frank , you cling to it

[grin grin grin]

THe afterlife that is .

This has made me weep again for a lovely black lab we had years ago. He should have been called Houdini, he was always going walkabout!
I cried for months when we had him put to sleep.

My second husband came as a package with a beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback.
The dog was wonderful, the husband not so, but unfortunately the dog became ill and had to be put to sleep.
If only it could have been the other way round!

On the whole I'm scared of dogs - until I get to know them and their owners.
I was prompted to read this to see 'what it is I'm not getting' about dogs.
Today I think I'd love to have had a dog like Cobber.