Hi, it is unfortunate that I add my beautiful girl to this section of the forum, Queenie my fawn greyhound died 2/1/2012 after falling terribly ill from a dog treat knuckle bone. Her story is on the introdutions heading 'sad hello'.
I have not taken her passing well at all, and have struggled to function daily. My husband has done all the house duties, cared for our other two children,(the human kind), and looked after me while I grieve. He too needs to greive but his divotion to me has been stronger at this time. A man in a million some might say and I would second that.
I have a question which I would like an honest answer for, I am not making great decisions at the moment quite understandably but, I keep thinking about getting a greyhound pup in her memory? The thought fills me with hope, yet my head says its too soon and unfair to Queenie. Is this thought normal, and should I get one or not? I cant let her go, I have tried but I cant. She is bound deep within my soul, and will remain a part of me till I leave this mortal coil myself.
Any advice is welcome, and thank you for listening to me.
Love to you all, xxx

run free queenie xxx

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One day i'll learn where the spellcheck is on my phone, so sorry for any mistakes

I think your head tells you you should wait out of respect for Queenie, your heart tells you otherwise. I think I would go with my heart - as long as all the family are ready for a new dog in the home. It is not a replacement for Queenie but a new start.
Good luck with your decision, I wish you well.

I am sorry to read of your loss.

I have pet bunnies as well as cats and I have in the past adopted a bun quite soon after one has gone to the Bridge. I, too, felt disloyal but, for me, giving a needy animal (my buns are all rescue buns) a home and freeing space up in rescue was something I could actually 'do'.

I think that wanting to share your love with another dog is honouring Queenie's memory, but it is a decision only you can make. There is no 'right' or 'wrong' about the length of time to leave it.

I rehomed George very soon after my foster bun Justin went to the Bridge and I found it difficult to start with as George wasn't Justin. I did wonder if I had made a mistake but George soon won his own place in my heart. I still love Justin and miss him.

Our hearts are wonderful and expandable. Listen to your heart carefully - it will tell you what is right for you.

Thinking of you at this difficult time.

So sorry for your loss.
It is very heart breaking when you loose a pet.
IT is nice that you have a good Hubby that can help you through the day to day things.
My Hubby did the same for me.
I think that having another Dog/Puppy will help you a lot if that is what you want.
I am sure Queenie would not want to see you with out another little one to take care of.
Queenie had a Great life with you she would not be upset.
Having another pet will bring joy and love back into your life again.
Take your time and do some research in the right Grey hound for you.
Maybe you could think about a rescue one as there seem to be loads at the moment. I am sure you would bond just as much with one as you would from a breeder.

I adopted a British Short haired boy cat when our last one died and I had fully bonded with him by the time we had got him home

R.I.P Queenie and have lots of fun at Rainbow Bridge xx

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Thank you for all your advice and kind thoughts. All my dogs have been retired greyhounds, its what I love about them. They get comfort and love that they truely deserve. I only mention a pup as it would be nice for the kids who are still young, to have a pet they can grow up with. Queenie was a 3 yr old when we got her. Full of life and love. I will listen to my heart, and together with my husband will make a decision. Again, thank you all, this site has massively helped my healing process. Its still a long road, but one Im finding easier to bear. Love and peace to you all. xx

I'm so sorry for your loss

As for the question you ask, I lost my Rupert Bear the day after Boxing Day and today we're going to look at a couple of dogs in the shelter to see whether they're suitable for us. There is no such thing as too soon imo, we're all different and we all grieve differently and heal in different ways. Some people may not be ready for another pet for months or even years, others are ready within days. It's not about replacing the lost pet, it's about wanting another and being ready to open your heart to one and love it for who it is.

So sorry to hear about Queenie (what a lovely name) I think when a beloved pet dies and we want to buy another (which is proof enough how much you loved your old dog) we always compare it to someone who gets married very soon after their husband dies. I dont think its the same at all, after all you choose a pup and then fall in love with it, not the other way round. I would suggest looking about for another pup, choosing one thats just born so you will have a couple of months to get used to it and look forward to him/her at least filling a little of the hole in your heart. You will smile again, until then take care. RIP Queenie

Last year I decided to get a new kitten, my cat at the time was 4 years old and I thought it would be nice to have another member of our family, sadly I lost my 4 year old moggy suddenly due to cancer but I decided I still wanted the kitten who was ready to come live with us just 2 weeks later, it was the best decision as I had lots of love to give, as Im sure you do, there is no replacement but the love of an animal is unconditional x

It's not disloyal to Queenie - you won't stop loving her, just like when you have a second child you don't stop loving the first. You find more love.

When I lost my beloved Jimmy I had to adopt another cat quite quickly, he had been ill with kidney failure and I was lost without having something to be concerned about and look after.

If you have an instinctive feeling that you want another dog around - go with that instinct. You won't forget or stop loving or grieving for Queenie, but the joy and love you develop for another dog will make it easier to bear.