If Something Happened To Your Pet.....Would You Get Another?

[Kro1957]

Our pets are really part of our lives and it is so hard to say good bye to them when they go. We have enjoyed your posts and photo's

[UV Owners]

No...

I’m now 53 and we have 5 cats. Two are 2 indoor cats and 3 are outdoor cats.
They are the first and only pets I have had since I moved away from my parents.

I am not good dealing with loss... I hate it!!
I also like my freedom and having pets are like having children = a big responsibility.
Unless you are my brother – who gets our mom to take care of the pets he buys. LOL



Picture #1 - Indoor cats Faith and Diego
Picture #2 - Outdoor cats Lucy (mom) and her little ones - Olive and BoBo

[Lincolnboy2]

Originally Posted by monkey

There is no getting around the unconditional love pets show for us... No polotics, petty stuff,,, just love....

This is a wonderful quote Monkey. And it is something I, in a roundabout way, have a very strong agreement with. Many people, including the OP, consider it 'replacement'. Maybe it is in some respects, maybe not. I believe every little soul is unique as we people are and there are never any replacements for lost ones, but I have felt maybe I adopted to cover up the loss, or to 'replace' the pain, in the past, but I'm not going to apologize for it. Not now, not ever.

I've been chastised about my continuing to adopt or care for additional pups when I lose one.

One of the weakest, most gutless quotes was "well you just lost one, why do you want to go through that again" is from a dear lifelong friend.

To me, it is not about the person or the human being, its about the pup.

I have seen dear, lifelong friends, animal lovers, refuse to consider opening their love and home for another soul that so desperately needs love, a home, and care and stability.

I view it as selfishness. I know that sounds bad, but in reality, that's what I consider it. I also get angry when one asks "Well how old is (s)he?" immediately upon hearing news of his or her condition. I get cranky because to me, its like saying, well, since he or she is old, its not so bad. Well, it doesn't matter how old they are to me, its still a tragic and heartfelt loss, yes somewhat moderated by their long life, but still, its irritating, don't know why, just me and my emotional self.

So as I see it, the answer to the question above I respond is, "It's not about me, my loss, my heartache, my chasm of pain, it's about them, NOT ME".

In that light, I have adopted several middle aged pups that have a harder time finding new forever homes because people don't want a dog for just a few years then lose them. I understand the love of a puppy and the life one expects, nothing against that, its just that these older pups need love and homes too.

Well, My Spencer, I've had for 6.5 years (7 in Oct of 2014 they said he was 7 years old in October of 2007 so he's between 14 & 16 years of age) and we are now battling renal failure. I just found out from bloodwork last weekend.

So, I'll go through another battle of trying to keep him comfortable, happy, and as healthy as I can until there is no more that can be done for him. He's had a wonderful, stable, loving home for these past years and I wouldn't trade one day, one moment or one funny memory of his for the feeling of "I don't want to get hurt again."

I'm attaching some great pictures of my little boy. I hope we have another year or two together, but being that he's between 14 and 16 years old, who knows..... And when he does travel to the rainbow bridge, I'm gonna be just as upset, just as sad, just as ballbaby and just as hurt as I've been with each of my other kids I've lost, but I'm sure not gonna close off my heart, my life, and my home to another soul just to save myself from tears and heartache. Again, it's about the pups, not the people....

Here's my little boy Spencer pictures. As I said he's between 14-16 now.

[Krashqueen]

Very cute dog.

[Lincolnboy2]

Thanks Krash. I didn't mean to rant so much on that prior post. I shouldn't be so verbose.

I apologize if it offended anyone, that was not my intent.

[Mr_D]

Well, here are three of our seven cats.
And yes, we would probably get another just like we did a month or so ago. Son and DIL have the mother of one of ours (Will) that died during surgery, they also had one female that looks a lot like Will and was scared to death of the noise and kids at there house so we brought her over here. The bottom picture is Will

[RanCarr]

Originally Posted by Blag

My 17 year old golden retriever died on April 13 2010 and even though my wife says I should go get another, I won't. Even though I miss his company terribly, especially when out in the yard doing chores, I can't bring myself to even think about buying another dog. It's kinda weird, as I'm not usually stubborn about things...

Why not consider contacting a Golden Ret' rescue group and adopting one in desperate need of a home. We know a man who got two from a rescue. He wouldn't think of camping without them.

[RanCarr]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

The bottom picture is Will

What was he having surgery for? It's rare these days for animals to die during surgery. I'm so sorry you lost him. He was a handsome cat.

[sadrand]

Yes, I will. I lost my 17 year old cat Ralphie over the summer and I will definitely get another pet, probably a dog this time. I am waiting until I get the transition to fulltiming completed, then I will start looking at dogs in shelters.

[IC2]

Will we have another when (IF?) Callie passes on? Absolutely and as a matter of fact are contemplating a half sister for her in the next year or so, just so there wont be any gap. I grew up and had cats (as many as 11 at one time) then went cold turkey when my ex and I split up. She took several, the kids several each. Time passes, a new lady has come into my life (20 plus years that is) and she introduced me three years ago to mini poodles. What fun Callie has been. We just took a 4000 mile road trip in the family car. She was absolutely great, often sitting on my wife's lap for hours, enjoying the view. The last two summers, we took extended trips in the 5er - nary a bit of problem. Will I willingly forgo a companion and friend like Callie? No. This is from New Brunswick last fall:

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by RanCarr

What was he having surgery for? It's rare these days for animals to die during surgery. I'm so sorry you lost him. He was a handsome cat.

Urinary blockage (second time his bladder had been blocked) and we decided that the surgery would be best.
Now we have Peaches, somewhat of a relative as she's from the same mother. Not near as good looking but much the same habits right down to flopping over when you approach.

[Dunner]

Fingers (GF's male Min-Pin) went to the Rainbow Bridge Friday, 1/17/2014.

His name was Fingers, for his thin finger-like legs. Fingers was passed while getting his teeth cleaned. It's hard to type through the tears. Sadie, Sadie, my female Min-Pin knew something was wrong and licked my tears. He had diabetes, and was almost blind. He had cataract surgery on one eye.

The vet said the anesthesia was a shock to his system. GF was there with him and the vet massaged his heart for over 30 minutes. We're both devastated and so is her daughter. He was my buddy. He loved it when I said ah-doo-doo-doo and would start lovin' on me. He also barked at cameras.

It helps that she lives in Sierra Vista and I'm in Phx, She recommends brushing a dogs teeth every day, so something like this won't happen when a dog gets on in age.

Mike

[flaggship1]

^^^ ah geeze Mike - sorry to hear that.
Steve

[Myssdragn]

Originally Posted by Dunner

Fingers (GF's male Min-Pin) went to the Rainbow Bridge Friday, 1/17/2014. His name was Fingers, for his thin finger-like legs. Fingers was passed while getting his teeth cleaned. It's hard to type through the tears. Sadie, Sadie, my female Min-Pin knew something was wrong and licked my tears. He had diabetes, and was almost blind. He had cataract surgery on one eye. The vet said the anesthesia was a shock to his system. GF was there with him and the vet massaged his heart for over 30 minutes. We're both devastated and so is her daughter. He was my buddy. He loved it when I said ah-doo-doo-doo and would start lovin' on me. He also barked at cameras. It helps that she lives in Sierra Vista and I'm in Phx, She recommends brushing a dogs teeth every day, so something like this won't happen when a dog gets on in age. Mike

Sorry to here of your loss. Can't imagine you feelings. I hope the memories of his personality will bring a smile to your face in the days ahead.