Not trying to be a bummer on a feel good thread , but all of us true dog lovers have to go through the aging dog process and deal with the inevitable . Maybe I just think about it more than some .
Last week on another forum I've been on for years a member lost his best bud and asked how long would others wait before "replacing" him . It's something I've thought a lot about . This was my response, I had tears in my eyes writing it . My little dude came and licked my face with that look of "what's wrong Unkie ?" . I just scooped him up and started laughing, at him and at myself .
Along with joy comes sorrow . How we deal with the sorrow is personal , there's no right or wrong way . This will be mine...
Unga Bunga , 05-21-2022 11:52 AM
Senior Member
I'll be devastated when my little shadow goes . He's one of a kind in my mind . Then I tell myself that each and every one is one of a kind in their own way . I'm going to force myself to do it within a week or two , for me and for the next dog .
The next won't have a clue about the relationship I had with the one who passed , only the fading scent of him in the house . The next will be an older dog who has had a tough life, or has had their human taken away from them by age or sickness .
We'll both need to do some adjusting , as no dog or human can take the place of the one lost beyond our control . It will be a new journey for us both , but I'll do my best to make it work .
I'm a believer that with the right attitude and patience I can bring around the saddest or most heartbroken pup given some time . My present bud was quite confused when his life changed overnight but with classic canine resilience he pulled through . Slowly but steadily he accepted me as "his" until we made it to BFF status . Today I wouldn't change a thing .
I'll never get another puppy , as much as I love them . It will be a dog who needs me as much as I'll need him . They figure it out with our help who is there to love and take care of them after a tough period in their life , and give it back 10 fold .
Suck it up , swallow hard and hit the pounds . You'll likely be glad you did in short time . Very few dogs are incapable of redemption and can't be brought around with the right treatment . It's a different feeling than raising a pup but a very good feeling nonetheless .