[new123]

I have two dogs and one of them is very sick, only expected to have another 12 months We are thinking of getting a new pup, for both the healthy dog [companionship when our ill pup is gone], the unhealthy one [apparently will give her a new lease of life], and for us.
But I'm feeling guilty about getting a new dog, when I still have my sick dog who will always be my favourite... finding it hard to not feel bad about being excited to get another dog

Any similar situations?

[Shell&Jas]

Sounds like a hard situation. The only thing i recommend is to make sure you still pay plenty of attention to your other dogs. I work in the veterinary industry and so often i see people do this kind of thing and (not intentionally) pay less attention to their sick dogs. It's so easy to get caught up with playing and training the new puppy so it really is something you need to be thinking of when and if you get the new pup.

Good luck with it all.

[Ginny01OT]

I waited until my Snowie passed away (last April) before getting another dog (last August). I was very, very tempted to get another dog while she was alive. I knew she was sick and didn't have much time left. Because she had bladder cancer and was incontinent in the end it turned out better that we waited because there was quite a bit of work involved nursing her in the last few months. Good luck with whatever decision you make.

[Jen D]

When I was involved with the rescue I had my favorite dog with cancer and I rescued a bitch that had ten pups at my house. I knew Kado only had a few months if he was lucky and during the whole precess of helping pups I ended up keeping one. It made thing easier for me when he went, he also loved having the pup around. Some days it gave him a second wind and he didn't even look sick, I am sure he didn't look at the pup as his replacement although I felt sad and gave him lots of attention. I also think in my situation everyone took things better but we still talk about him more then all the other dogs he was a nut.

[woof2u2]

Our old dog died on March 11 - 2005, he was 14 years old. I can honestly say it was the worst day of my whole life. I took him to the vet to have him put to sleep as he was like a rickety old man full of athritis, convulsing periodically after fighting so hard to beat all his problems, bless him. I feel sad just writing this and a long time has passed and we will NEVER forget him - we were very tempted to get another dog when he became very ill but we are glad we didnt now. It was a lot of work, extra tender loving care and lots of patience especially when he became very sick, total devotion on our parts. We would do the same over again though without any problem. I was pleased we gave him our whole attention (we had two cats at the time as well, now down to one). I dont know how anyone else feels, but we needed to grieve for him as well, which actually surprised me as we hadnt realised the affect it would have on our household. I waited a month and a half after and we went to the rescue centre and now we have ROX ! The house was too empty without a dog to fill the void, He was a bundle of fun at 4.5 months old and a complete nightmare but we love him to pieces. I hope this helps in some way, its just my personal view though.

[Jen D]

I think all houses should have a dog in them, they are just the best and they don't ask to drive!