Missing her boy

[Viper]

We have a female rotty, her name is Carli, she is 8 years old. We got her and her brother Viper (he was a German Shepherd)when they were 8 - 10 weeks old. They have always been together. They have never been seperated. When one would go somewhere, the other would go to even if it was to the vet and they didn't need to be seen.

Well, a few weeks ago we lost Viper (bleeding tumor in his spinal column). It was a very bad thing. It was the hardest thing in the world to do. (We Love you and miss you Viper). Unfortunately, we can not explain this to Carli. She doesn't understand. She keeps looking for him. When she is outside, she goes and looks in his favorite spots for him, but finds nothing. She will go and lay in his spot at home for hours just waiting. When we come home, she goes to the back of the car to see if he is in the car. She looks at us like, did you bring Viper home to me. She is very depressed. This is where we are having a hard time. Some people have told us to get her a puppy. This will help her out and get her out of this depression. Any thoughts?

The problem that I have is that I don't want to replace Viper, and I feel that by getting another dog, I will be replacing Viper. I don't ever want to do this. He was one of the best dogs in the world. Emmotionally confused here.

As for the dog, I have a Male Rotty puppie (currently 6 weeks old) waiting for me when he turns 8 weeks. What do you think of this? Is this going to be a good companion for her. Do you think there will be problems.

Any thoughts and feedback are greatly appreciated.

viper1@home.com

[Gizmo's Mom]

Sorry for your loss of Viper. Carli will probably be depressed for a while but it gets better. Jazz was 8 when we got Gizmo(both females). Jazz tolerated Gizmo after a while but I think she secretly liked her. When we put Jazz down Gizmo was 5. Giz stayed depressed for about a month.

I know this is hard to watch Carli sad and looking for her pal to return. As long as you are ready for a new pup, it sounds like a great idea. Don't look for an instant bond. It may take a little while. And remember to pay as much attention to Carli or more at this time, so she doesn't get her feelings hurt or jealous. A new male puppy should get her over the depression...she'll have someone new around to show the ropes.

I know you can never replace Viper and he will always have a very special place in your heart. I never thought I could love a dog as much as I loved Jazz, but I could not imagine life without Gizmo. You'll feel the same. There is alway room in your heart to love another child.

Good luck and keep us posted on your new arrival :)

[KatMc]

I'm sorry for your loss of Viper. Over the years I have lost a number of canine friends. I have never felt that the new ones were "replacements", they just open their own new spot in our hearts.

But by all means do this when you are ready, if you aren't ready it may impact how you bond to the new one. And I agree w/Gizmo's mom, be sure to give Carli the extra attention.

I lost Delia a month ago or so, Jordi (the "almost dog" yorkie/min poodle) still misses her and has changed almost all of her home routines from what they were. Sooner is lonlier but loves the extra attention he is able to get now.

Good Luck and time really does make it easier to bear!

Kathy

[kala]

Bobby, Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of Viper. I can just imagine how depressed Carli is right now.

Now for getting another pup. Two years ago I had to put my "heartdog" down. When Katie (a Rottie) was gone my rescue Dobie, Sadie, was depressed too. Katie was there when we rescued Sadie and they had been together for two years. But I knew that I was losing Katie for a long time and had already decided that I was going to rescue another Rottie right away. For me it isn't replacing the one that is gone. We can never replace them, they live on in our hearts. But I look at it as a tribute to the ones that have passed. To me it just shows how much love is missing in my life and I don't want to live without that love. One week after Katie passed I adopted Scierra. She is now a living tribute to Katie. She will never replace Katie in my heart but the more you love the more room in your heart there is for love.
Sorry this was so long.
Sue