We are on our 4th Golden Retriever since 1975. The first one died in November and we got a new pup in December. After the 2nd one, we waited several months before we got a new pup. The last time, because of our age, we decided against a pup. We went through a Golden rescue organization and got a wonderful year old small female from Puerto Rico. She is a treasure as were all of the ones who were part of our family all for over 10 years.

Our house is just always so empty when there isn't a Golden as part of it. Somewhere there is a rescue dog that needs you as much as you need it. Visit with some and decide which dog that is.

As terrible as it is, it's often a relief for them and us when it's due to a long life.
I always find myself saying I don't want this again but find myself browsing the rescue pages and see how many just want a home.
Somehow something pops up or manages to find us.

quote:

Originally posted by maxwayne:
Our house is just always so empty when there isn't a Golden as part of it. Somewhere there is a rescue dog that needs you as much as you need it. Visit with some and decide which dog that is.

Wow, ain't that the truth. 3 Goldens and 1 Goldendoodle have blessed our lives in the past 40 years. I mentioned earlier in this discussion that our Goldendoodle is 10 and I can't imagine us being without the warmth and love of one of these wonderful companions.

I agree with the getting another pup isn't a replacement for the pup you lost.

We've lost our three previous Rotties. In the last two, we found new puppies within a couple of weeks. They brought us out of deep depression. Finding them was the best thing we ever did.

We've been married 30 years now and we are on our fourth dog together. She's already six. After we lost the one before (Rosie) unexpectedly, I didn't want another one (Bren). I don't know if it just hurts more as I get older or if the most recent loss just seems more painful because it's fresh wound.

I wanted to wait a year before getting another but my teenage daughter just couldn't stand not having a pup in the house. Because we didn't wait, we didn't properly process Rosie's loss very well and it took a long time to get over her. Also, Bren is a spoiled brat; even more so than the others before her. We couldn't even bring ourselves to discipline her for jumping on people.

I don't know if there's a right answer to your question. It depends on you, I suppose. Dogs will always fill a void in us, even if it's a deficiency we don't realize we have without them. I encourage people to always have dogs if they can give them a good life. When you do, please rescue.

It's very tough to lose a member of your pack, but that's because you've provided such a loving home and was loved in return. You'll never replace your other pup, but opening your heart and home to a new one is absolutely the right thing to do. Our previous greyhound was very close to my wife and when we lost her after about ten years she couldn't bear the thought of adopting another. About six months later, we went to a "meet and greet", adopted an 18 month old retired racer and she was the perfect fit for our family. Our puli was grieving the lose of Gracie too, and bringing another hound into the pack certainly pepped him up as well.

Yes, it's a tough move, but do it!

It never hurts to look at a new puppy/dog, because you might get that special connection to one when you least expect it.

After three incredible dogs we plan already to not have another one. We think we have about six more years with our Goldendoodle. We are trying to let retirement be just us. More mobile.

Another vote supporting two at one time. We stagger our Border Collies by several years. The pup always learns from mistakes still made by the older dog. They are also playmates and keep each other company when we are out.
By having two they each aren’t quite as demanding on our time, but this isn’t a big reason.
We are on our 6th and 7th BC right now. The staggered ages help when one does eventually pass on. We still have the younger one, he/she gets special attention for a while and then they become the senior of the two when the new pup comes along.
Our dogs put life in the house. Coming to an empty house is a world of difference compared coming “home” to dogs that are excited to see you again.