Anne25

Firstly, thank you all for your replies. They've most definitely helped as I try to navigate my feelings of grief and confusion. I can relate so easily with those of you who feel like you've lost the perfect dog--Spence lived for 14 years and was with me at some of the most formative years of my life and is truly irreplaceable. With that said, I know it's not fair to compare our new dog, Babs, with Spence. I think it's just when she lays a certain way or does something that reminds me of Spence, his loss seems so much harder to bare. I planted some "forget-me-not" seeds in a planter earlier this summer in his honor, as if he could ever be forgotten So sorry to hear about your loss, Nikki. I know we were so lucky to have had perfect pets like Kura and Spence that have provided us with so many memories and love.

Hello! The dog I grew up with, Spence, passed away last April, and my entire family was quite devastated by the loss. A few weeks ago, my family began looking at other pets online, as my mom is anticipating the need of a new companion when I move out in the future. At first, I thought a new pet would be a happy addition to our house. The grief of Spence was still present, but I felt like I had been healing quite a bit. My mom found a very sweet and affectionate new dog who we adopted and brought home yesterday. I know it will take an adjustment period getting to know this new dog, but I've surprisingly found myself feeling depressed and upset and reminded of the loss of Spence more than ever before. I see this dog, and all I can think of is how much I miss Spence. I feel like I cannot talk about this grief with my mom due to the fact that she was apprehensive of adopting a dog so soon after Spence passed away, and hearing that I am constantly upset would make her doubt her decision. Is it normal for a new pet to trigger a stronger sense of grief for an old one? Thank you in advance for your help.