Death of a Pet

[PeppyGPhiB]

Originally Posted by SydneyK

It's always so hard to lose a pet. I'm so very sorry for your loss.

I echo the advice that many have already given: your mom really should be involved in determining whether or not to get another dog.

Some friends of my parents went through a similar situation several years ago. When they lost their dog of 16 years, they both agreed that although they wanted another pet, they didn't want to feel like they were betraying Moses by getting another one so soon. They called their local service dog organization to see if they had any dogs that needed temporary homes. They discovered that that organization looks to citizens to help with service-dog-to-be puppy raising! So, they have been raising service puppies for the past several years, and couldn't be happier. The point of all that rambling: there are definitely ways to fill the void caused by a lost pet. Maybe your mom could look into some other possibilities before committing to the responsibilities (and emotional investment) of getting another dog.

My mom and I have co-raised three puppies for Canine Companions for Independence. It's a great experience, though I have to warn that it is VERY hard to give them up after nearly two years...that is quite a sad day for everyone. But if you're as "lucky" as us, 66% of them will flunk out and then come to live with you (your choice)! That's how I got my sassy-pants golden retriever Kirin.

To the OP: I wouldn't spring a dog on your mom. As much as that is what your dad wants (though it sounds like he doesn't want to wait til xmas!), it may not be what your mom wants. I would just leave it be, and I bet one day she'll decide on her own that she wants another dog. And it may not be a Pom that she wants...she may decide she wants a pug, or a german shephard, or some other dog. It's best that you let her arrive at that point without being pushed.

My family is preparing ourselves for putting down our 16-year-old yellow lab, who is just as happy as ever but is obviously starting to experience some pain. My mom has decided that she is going to hold off on getting another dog for a while, as much as we are a dog-lovin family.