sorry for your lose, Only time will heal the hole in the heart from those 4 legged friends we have.

In 06 I had to have my baby put to sleep as well. I had raised her from 4 weeks old and drug her along with me through everything growing up, but after 13 years she developed a brain tumor and I couldn't handle seeing her suffer anymore. It hurts still to this day, but at least I know I didn't make her suffer and just remember the good memories I had with her. Unfortunately I'm getting ready to have to go through it again. My dad's dog that he had before he passed I took, and he is now about 10 years old. I left for my honeymoon 7-1 and when I got him back from the vet 2 weeks later I could see a definate change in him. I hope it's just from being at the kennel that got him worked up, but he is old and had a hard life. As for a new dog, I actually had a stray that showed up 3 weeks after I had to put my baby to sleep. She had been beaten badly, but after 3 months she finally warmed up to me. Now 2 1/2 years later she's one of the family.

Sorry to here about ur loss, It just plains sucks. Been there & done it multiple times. I just couldn't do it without a four legged friend. Have always had dogs in my lifetime. Nothing will ever replace ur buddy,but you will know when ur ready for another. as the old saying goes, the more people I know....The better i like my dog[s]. As I write this my 3 are sittin here watching me.

As far as time to get another,
We seem to have this knack for picking up strays at opportune times.
I'm sure all it is the fact that we're ready to have another at that precise time. We don't go a very long in between dogs.
Don't go looking (well I wouldn't), the best ones seems to always find you.

So sorry about your buddy. I know my 14+ year old chocolate lab is getting up there and it is going to be a tough one. Like yours she has been a great friend. Her hips are getting weak and she is slowing down.

Can't give you any advice on when you will be ready to get a new family friend, it is a personal thing that your family can only dicide when you are ready. Just keep in mind it is much easier to house train'em in the warmer months then winter, if that helps. I usually plan spring just for that reason.
Here's to her and God bless:beer:

On Charlie's note, I use to have a bumper sticker on my truck that read, "the more people I meet, the more I like my dog."

My sympathies to you and your family on your loss. I have gone through that several times with dogs and cats. Never easy and they can never be replaced, but you will know when it is right to bring a new love into your life.

Bygracealone, I'm very sorry for your loss. It's a time that comes, unfortunately, to every one of us who opens up our hearts and hearths to a dog.

I will more than likely be making a similar post in the not too distant future. My first Lab is 13 years old, was diagnosed with an inoperable tumor in January. The Vets gave him 3-4 months, but he's a tough old dog and is still hanging in there...but watching him decline has been rough on me and my family.

The main thing is that you know you gave him a good home and a great life. No regrets.

As for the question of how soon, it's whatever you're comfortable with. If you're ready, go ahead and do it.

BGA so sad man, sorry to hear about your buddy. We rescued our 1st dog in March of '07. She was 2 months old when we got her, now 2.5 yrs. I try not to think of the day we will have to separate. Just can't imagine. My sister just lost her 1st dog this year. His name was Toot Toot and he was 17 or 18 yrs old. Put it this way, I'm 36 and she got that dog when we were both still living at home....I was 19 and barely out of high school. She found him on the side of the road and blew the horn at him...hence the name "Toot toot". That was very sad since he was always there for so long. She waited a couple months and now has a new addition.

Sorry BGA!

BGA,

No words can heal, or make that type of pain in one's heart go away, after an ordeal as that. My thoughts are with you and only time will make the heart feel better. Sorry BGA for your loss.

In the same boat right now as you...
 

We put our 14 year old lab down two weeks ago today. It was time, she was shutting down. It was a terrible experience - no two ways about it.

To comment on your question regarding when you might think about getting another dog...I always thought I would be the one that wanted another dog right away, and the wife would want to wait. Well, turns out just the opposite is true.

But, we visited the local shelter and they just so happened to have an awesome litter of pups - nice big healthy black mix breeds, the mother is a large hound and not sure on the father, but looks like lab.

We are picking ours up this week - currently trying to pick out a name!

I miss our old girl terribly, but I think it will be great to have an active, playful dog again...it's been a while since we've had that sort of "dog energy" around the house. Although the 6 and 8 year old kids keep us hopping...

Good luck in whatever you do - you will know when the time is right!

Dave