How soon is too soon for a new dog?

    • Gold Top Dog

    How soon is too soon for a new dog?

    We recently lost our beagle and I want to get a new one for my other beagle girl. She will be 2 in about 2 weeks. My family is ready  but I want to make sure that this is right for my established dog. Is there a time frame or if we as a family are ready, will she be too? 
    • Gold Top Dog
    I dont think there is a time line.This is a personal decision for you and your family,and your dog of course.If you feel you are ready and you know your dog will accept and enjoy another dog,then why not??
    • Gold Top Dog
    Thanks for replying christine. I feel we are ready, so wish us luck!
    • Gold Top Dog
    We had about 6 weeks, between putting one dog down and bringing home another dog.  You just know when the time is right for you.  I thought my house was way too quiet, without a dog!
    • Gold Top Dog
    Sorry for your loss.
     
    Beagles need to be with other dogs. They are "pack" dogs and seem to do much better with companions. I think your "girl" would adjust fine and actually get over her "grief" quicker if you were to make the new addition sooner than later.
    I have no idea if you plan on getting a puppy or possibly adopting an older dog, but I know that there are many "hunting" dogs that are no longer wanted by their owners because of various hunting reasons and could be wonderful house pets.
    I own beagles and train mine for field trialing, but many of the "trialers" I know have dogs that they don't want to keep because they are not "field champion" quality hounds and they could SO use a loving caring home.
     
    Good luck in your search and if you would like to PM me I can give you more info on finding/locating beagles.
    • Gold Top Dog
    Thanks again everyone. kennelkeeper - My family and myself have decided on a puppy, but thank you anyway. I am adopting the attitude of sooner rather than later also, as I too think it will help her get over her grief. Thanks again!
    • Gold Top Dog
    I have to agree.  There is no timeline....it's when YOU feel ready to open your heart again.  If its now, go for it.
    • Gold Top Dog
    I initially planned on waiting for my cat to pass away before getting another pet. Such thinking on my part kept us from getting a re-homed Aussie Shepherd. When the chance to get Shadow came along, I didn't wait. We got him when he was 1 year and 2 months on Labor Day 2004. My cat, Misty, was PTS 2-17-05, at almost 17 years of age. Having this big, goofy, furry lovable, near-farm exemption of a dog made things easier. Attending to his needs gave a purpose and his endless enthusiasm and magnificent heart brightens things up.

    So, whenever you feel ready, go to it. And when you have the new dog to care for, you'll be glad you did. Our dog may live just another 10 or so years, but it will be a decade of irraplacable love and laughs. And we'll cry a bunch when he passes. And then, we'll probably get another dog.
     
    Shadow was a rescue of sorts. I would not want my grief to get in the way of being able to help another dog when the time comes.