Fritz is lonely

[Shivas_Mama]

Fritz is lonely and I'm still heartbroken over the loss of Shiva.

I am at a loss of what to do...DH wants to get another dog for Fritz. I don't know if I have the heart for it.

Should I look to another breed, I have been looking at Great Danes. Will a newf puppy heal my heartbreak and missing Shiva? Seriously conflicted here and no idea of where to even start looking for this new family member. Shiva was an impulse purchase that became my soul mate. Fritz is the foster/rescue that just never left and bonded with my husband.

 

[clara_sophia]

In my experience a new puppy never can replace a beloved loss and will not heal you in that way. However, each puppy and dog is unique and make their own way into your heart and family. For me. I found I had to wait long enough that the house felt a little empty and I felt ready. I'm sure this varies for everyone. Sorry for your loss.

 

[DAWNMERIE]

I'm one of those, things happen for a reason kinda gal. (Even though that doesn't apply when I'm going through things-lol) I think if you just let time handle things the right dog (newf or not) will walk through the door and you'll just know.

 

[Angela]

New things happen for a reason, you will know when it's time.

When Decker died at 13 months last year I thought I would never have another Newf (also age catches up lol) but when I heard of a litter in Ohio recommended I thought hard and decided it would be OK, no dog replaces the ones gone. Now I can't imagine life without Splash, life is good again.

 

[NinaA]

Listen to Angela and follow your heart. We were literally distraught when Moonlight died. It came suddenly for us and we weren't prepared to be not only Newfless but dogless for the first time in my husband's life. We lasted three weeks and one day my husband said, "I can't stand it any longer. Let's check the Humane Society." They had been taking in dogs from overcrowded shelters after one disaster or another. Well, we didn't find a Newf, so we just went to one of the pet supply stores in town (there are about 15) that handles only Humane Society rescues. Daisy smiled at him and that was that. Funny thing is, she is almost perfect. Sure, perfect would be a Newf, but Daisy is 50 lbs of unusual looking, amazingly well behaved, quiet, happy dog. She is as perfect for us as we could get without having Moonlight back. And, if the situation does change as we think it will and that Newf comes along, we will be ready with Daisy to teach it the ropes. She takes up the empty "space" in the house and keeps us on our toes. We are no longer dogless and at loose ends. She is a joy. I hope you get your joy back. It may not be as hard as you think.

 

[lmfoltyn]

One never does replace the other, we still miss our Dexter and we still get teary eyed when we talk of him and his antics...they all have such personalities...Dexter has been gone for 4 years already...and it doesn't seem that long..the pain is still there and probably will be forever...he was a rescue, our 1st newf and the best dog anyone could have imagine...such a joy...when we got out puppy LuLu Belle...she was of course not only different but a puppy and man oh man what work...but she is now our special girl and we can't imagine life without this munchkin. You will know when and if the time is right for you to get another newf...they are incredible that is why the hurt lasts a lifetime.

 

[victoria1140]

You can never replace them but you can find an alternative.

We've always find an alternative fast but it does depend on yourselves.

Doesn't have to be a newf and if you start looking you may be suprised how fast you find a great furkid

 

[Shivas_Mama]

Thank you all for your kind words. Oh I so know there is never going to be another Shiva. I guess my struggle is if I get another dog for Fritz. In the grand scheme of things he is not without human company very often, but he seriously seems to miss dog interaction.

 

[wrknnwf]

How about taking him to doggie day care for a while? That would give you a longer time to make a decision and it would give him the interaction that he wants.

Or offer to babysit someone's dog on a regular basis. That's what I'm currently doing.

Or foster a dog(s) for awhile. This way, if you're not ready, it's not a permanent thing. And if you fall in love, you can adopt the dog. Doesn't have to be a Newf. Just one that Fritz and you take to.

 

[NinaA]

I had a Newf that grieved so deeply for her sister who crossed the bridge that we were urged by our vet to find her a puppy or she would literally grieve herself to death. I think when they're used to dog companionship, people do not complete them. We immediately hit the shelters looking for the "biggest" puppy we could find. Last place we could think of had Lab mix puppies and they handed us a girl with perfect Landseer markings. She was our perfect "Labseer" and she put happiness back into our Newf's life.

 

[Stella123]

When I lost Jaz a year ago in August, it was the first time in almost 40 years I had been Newfless. I always had two or three Newfs at a time. Jaz liked being the only dog in the house so I ended up without a Newf when she passed. All of our Newfs are different and each one touches us in a special way. I was so distraught when she died, it was horrible. In January of 2017 I found Maze on PetFinder, she was a one year old Landseer Newf that was full of vim and vinegar. Am I over the loss of Jaz? Nope, probably never will be. Maze offers love and comfort and I am giving it back to her twofold. You will know when the time is right for you. Don't rush, listen to your head and your heart. I am a big fan of daycare and fostering. Hugs to you.