I read a book called Goodbye, Dear Friend

(by Virginia Ironside) and it's all about pet loss. It was years ago when I read it but the one thing I remember specifically was the part where someone said that if you have given a good home to a dog who has sadly passed, it is your duty to give another needy dog a home and that the dog you have lost would be proud that he has taught you to love dogs so much that you must have another in your life.

What a great sentiment

On a personal note, I think it's a very good idea to go for a dog who is totally different to the one you lost. You are NOT looking to replace Taylor (nothing and nobody could ever do that and you'd never want it to) but a dog who is very different in colour, size etc can help make things a little easier. It's only natural to compare (quietly, in your head) the new dog with the one now at Rainbow Bridge so if the new dog is totally different in looks, I think that can help a little.

Some people never get another dog. Some people wait months or years and some people get one the very same day. As long as the person concerned is realistic and really accepts that this dog is new, different and not going to be the same as their old dog, whatever they do is fine with me.

But please know that nothing you do and no dog you get will mean you love Taylor any less and the memories you have of Taylor will never be taken from you.

(And now, I think I might cry a little bit)

Our Timber passed Jan 17 this year. I had her since I was 18. We always had dogs growing up, but she was my first dog on my own. She was my baby. I understand where you are coming from.My husband wanted a new dog right away. I kept saying I was not ready. I knew I was doing something good not letting a dog sit in a cage until I was ready and done mourning (I don’t think I will ever be done mourning for her loss. We made a memorial in the back yard).

A week after Timber passed my husband showed me this beautiful girl at the pound that had been returned twice to the pound. I brought my special girl home from the pound, same mix breed as my Timber but a different color. I cried the whole way home. It made me cry for about a month every time she did something that reminded me of my Timber in mannerism or action. She is nothing like my Timber in personality. No other dog could ever come close to my Timber.

I think it really helps to not be so lonely to have another companion, but getting a different breed is a really good suggestion. We then rescued another dog wandering the streets two weeks later. I'm glad we added these new family members!I think the best thing you can do to honor your Taylor’s memory is save another dog and give it a good loving home like Taylor had. You will not regret it when the dog thanks you every day with wags and licks. I think it would make Taylor proud too.

Take the time you need though, so you can be ready to properly bond with your new family member. Also prepare yourself for taking on the responibility of training a new dog and be ready to give dicipline instead of just hugs.

You said … “It’s been so long since I’ve gotten a new dog that I can’t remember how it feels.”

It feels really good to have saved another dog, trust me!!! As far as honoring your Taylor too, sharing your story to help others here is doing something huge to honor Taylor’s memory.