As some of you know I had to have my 17year old dog put to sleep last week. I know it is soon but we have been talking of getting another puppy as the house has lost its spark without her here. The problem is our other dog has seemed to be so sad without her and goes around the house whining. She has also started to chew the door frame when we are out, how do we stop this, is she only doing it because she hasnt got the company of our other dog and do you think that getting a puppy will stop her from wrecking the place as she will have company again. Incidentally we havent been out for long when she has been chewing. I also know that we may have some damage with a puppy, I just want the house to be happy again and as it is we are all pretty miserable. All advice welcome.
Donna

Go on Donna, go get a pup. We all need somewhere for the love to go.

She is grieving. Like us she needs to go through the period. Not all dogs do this, but obviously she was very close to your old dog. I would get a puppy but be aware that she might not take to it. She probably will be glad of the company though.

If you're all sad, go and get a puppy - like Lindylou says, your older dog might take a little while to get used to a new puppy, but it sounds like you are all ready to add someone else to love. :-)

I lost a dog earlier this year and my other dog seemed to almost give up on life - when I took his lead off at the park he just sat down and wouldnt move, when we came in the house after being out he didnt get up to greet us!  We got two rescue dogs four weeks later a one year old and a two year old and Bob came back to life instantly - running around showing the other two the good sniffing places in the park and the garden.  It was lovely to see - so go on - get your dog some company!

Yep! my vote is for a puppy as well. My old black Labrador was so sad and lost when we lost our first Golden, we had a puppy within a month and she started to enjoy life again. I really do believe that dogs grieve as well.

Like we all know, dogs have feelings and emotions.  The only thing that they cant do is talk to us about it.  Your poor girl is grieving the loss of her friend.  Doesnt know why the once always there friend is gone, just that she is. 

Before getting a puppy. give her some extra toys to keep her occupied.  Also, try some herbal calmer. 

When we put Joy down, I kept saying "I need another springer here!"  I couldnt stand it.  I even enquired about litters.  But when the time came, I just couldnt do it.  I wasnt ready.  So please make sure you are ready before you get a pup. 

Bless you and (((((hugs)))))))

it doesnt matter that its only a week, if you are all ready then its time.
i know you are probably feeling disloyal to the dog you lost and all the complicated emotions that go with grief, but if you were going to get another dog at some point it may as well be now. xx

Your dog was 17 and subconsiously you knew he was living on borrowed time. It's not too soon to get another, unless of course, your remaining dog is an oldie also -then a puppy may be too overwhelming.
A new doggie life in your home is what you all need....go for it.

Many thanks to all of you. We are giving it some serious thought as to what to do, as we know only too well what a big commitment bringing a new pup into the family is. I will keep you posted as to what we decide.
Donna x

you know when your ready to have another one, there is not a timeframe for grieving and just because you get a new pup does not mean your replacing your oldie, just remembering how much you loved them and wanting a similar love again from a new life.

Donna

I would say that only you and your family will know when the time is right.  We lost our GSD and I had said when that happened I wanted another dachsie to show.  So I did put out feelers quite soon after and waited 6 months for the right pup, but I have to say if it wasn't because I wanted to show at a higher level I don't think I would have gone for a pup even then.  And after about 18 months we came to
the conclusion we missed having a big dog in the house and searched for another GSD.  Yet my friend at work would go straight out the next day looking for a pup.  Everyone is different and you must go by your instinct.

Louise xxx

Well I pick up my new baby on sunday. We decided to get a dog that was going to be about the same size as our old girl was, so we are going to collect a cavalier spaniel boy. He is 17 weeks old and a tri colour. Am really looking forward to having some fun in the house again. Thanks to all for your help. No doubt I will be on here all the time asking questions.
Donna x

Donna

Wishing you many happy hours of pleasure with your new 'baby'

Louise

Oh Donna, that's lovely news. We all miss our old lost friends and although we never forget them, it's nice to welcome new ones into the family too.
Enjoy your pup!

Brilliant news - how exciting for you. Cavaliers are wonderful dogs and so loving, you'll love your new boy to bits I'm sure. I look forward to hearing about him - have you decided on a name?

We are calling him roody.
Donna x

I'll close this thread now as Donna has her new pup :-)