Hi
I dont no what to do. About 4 weeks ago my westie died and my 6 year old daughter was devastated. I think about getting a replacement but will she take it badly so soon. She has even started to wet herself in the night the westie was bought from a breeder before she was born so she has known it all her life. What shall i do?
Helen

Hiya,
You could ask her if she would like another one. Or just take her to a breeder with pups and see how she reacts, I think you will know if she wants one. Maybe you could create a special place that you could say hello to. Have you explained he has gone to heaven to be with the angels - when my grandad died when i was young my mum says that i wet the bed but stoped after being told that.
Hope some of this helps Xanthe

Aww Helen,

Blesh your little girl, I would ask her what she thinks,

There are some nice rainbow bridge poems around that you could read to her, if she thinks or understand the dog is not in pain and looking down over her it may ease it a little.

A puppy may take her mind off it but make sure you are all ready for a new puppy.

Pam

Thats tough...two years ago my beautiful cat Sampson died aged 16 and he had been with me since i was 3. i was heart broken and i still cry for him now. i found great comfort in getting another cat...i have found that all of my love has passed on to charley and i love him to bits.

i have no experience of loosing a dog (yet!) as mine are 8 and 12wks :) however, my mum got me the video 'All dogs go to heaven' when i was a kid because we had many animals that were ageing and i thought it was great, its a kids film about a dog charley and his pal who get in to allsorts of trouble and he dies and goes to heaven...perhaps you could get and and watch it alone and see if you think it would be appropriate...i loved it as it shows that they have loads of fun in heaven....loads of toys and bones lol, and might help her to understand or at least believe that your dog has gone to a better place.

I agree also with taking her to see puppies, you will know if she wants another, and if the time is right.

Roxanne

I'm sorry for your loss-its always especially hard on the kids.
I would find a litter of possible candidates and ask the breeder if you can visit before making your mind up.Take your little girl and see what happens-I'd bet she'll fall in love with one and if she could choose her new friend herself you'll probably find the bond will be just as strong as with the one that passed away.
Good luck-let us know how things turn out
Archer