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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Smeepers
1
17 April 2008 - 10:27 pm
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I'm debating getting another dog.  Everyone thinks I'm trying to "replace" Taylor.  I'm not. We all know that our dogs can't be replaced. At the same time, I feel guilty for wanting another one, especially so soon.  It's just that I am 25 years old, and I haven't been dogless since I was 5. I don't know how to act/function without a dog in my home! I knew Taylor's health was declining, and had a feeling of what was coming, so starting a while back I've been slowly making myself more comfortable with the idea of getting a new one. At the same time, now that it's happened, I can't think straight to save my life.  I want a new dog, and there are many that need homes. The thing that bothers me is that now that I'm dogless, I feel more free, with less responsibility.  I'm constantly conflicted. 

The evening Taylor crossed the rainbow bridge, while we were still at the vet, the techs showed me a Chihuahua that needs a home. I really liked him, but Taylor's body wasn't even cool yet! I feel horribly guilty for wanting another dog so soon.  I can't explain it.  I feel guilty if I get one, but I feel guilty if I don't.  *facepalm*  Me taking longer to adopt/decide means that a dog has to sit in a cage that much longer. I also want to preserve and honor Taylor's memory, and take a respectable amount of time to mourn. 

 Another problem... if/when I do get one...

It's so weird not having a dog here.  But if I do get one, it'll be weird having a strange dog in my house! It's been so long since I've gotten a new dog that I can't remember how it feels.  I know that it's weird for everyone at first, and that they always grow to love their new pets, but I need to hear it from others.  I think part of it too is that I've always had bigger dogs ( no one under 50lbs), and the fact that I'm considering a chihuahua freaks me out a little.  He's 6lbs! That's quite a big change!

Manchester, UK
Member Since:
2 February 2008
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2
18 April 2008 - 5:55 am
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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 Smile

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)

Darcy – tripawd since 16th October 2007.

***Darcy would love to be your friend on Facebook - just search for Darcy Deerhound***

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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3
18 April 2008 - 11:59 pm
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By all means, adopt another loveable furry friend and give him/her a good home.

But I would suggest waiting at least a little while, if only for one reason. You need to process your grief for Taylor. While you will never "get over him" you do need to be a strong and well balanced leader before introducing a new dog into your pack.

And whatever you do, don't feel guilty about feeling free without a dog! You are free and so is Taylor. Take some time. Breathe. Experience life to its fullest. As Taylor would want you to ... Live in the now. Don't dwell in the past. Don't fear the future. And let that new dog find you. It will happen if it is meant to be.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
24 January 2008
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4
19 April 2008 - 12:27 am
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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.

Tripawds Rule!!!

Member Since:
30 March 2008
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5
19 April 2008 - 10:51 am
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My sentiments exactly. As all the other members I agree that you should get another dog and that you will know when the time is right. When I lost Rex I thought I could never get a dog again and have to go through the same pain that I was feeling at that time. Like Bevd I read lots of books and found one called Pet Loss: Thoughtful Guide for Adults and Children

by Herbert A. Neiburg.

It helped me a lot to cope with Rex's loss. As time had it I waited a little bit but one day decided to adopt. Hold and behold that is how Kellie came into my life. They had found her on the road all skinny and scared. I remember bringing a tennis ball with me and as soon as I gave her that shinny yellow ball and played with her I knew we were meant to be together. At the time they showed me other dogs but Kellie always came back to my thoughts. So, I saw that as a sign and now 11yrs later she is still with me and hope to share a little time longer with her.

So, don't feel that you are not honoring Taylor if you give another pet a good life. On the contrary I am positive that is what Taylor would want you to do....give another the same great life you gave him.

Kellie

Smeepers
6
24 April 2008 - 6:54 pm
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Updates and photos coming later... but I just brought home a new friend from the Human Society today!  Jack Russell mix.

Member Since:
30 March 2008
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7
26 April 2008 - 1:25 pm
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Whoo Hooo, good for you smeepers.  I know that little jack russell mix will never take the place of Taylor, but  he will bring you lots of joy and be very grateful that they found a home with lots and lots of love.  Can't wait to see the pictures....

Kellie

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