'Life feels empty after my dog died, but I don't know if I should get another'

31 August 2023 , 17:00

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Reader is feeling lost and heartbroken after losing her pet (Image: Getty Images/500px Plus)

Dear Coleen

I’m a woman in my early 70s and this week I had the very sad job of having my lovely dog put down. This broke my heart and my husband’s, too.

She was 15 years old and my whole world – my best friend.

I’d had her from when she was four and without her I feel so sad and cannot stop crying.

She got me through the ­lockdowns and over the years I got used to her just always being there, waiting for me to come home.

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Sadly, my husband has had a lot of health problems and now has dementia, and can’t talk much, so I feel very lonely.

I miss taking my dog for walks. She was the reason I got up in the morning and now I feel as if I have nothing. My life feels so empty without her.

My son and daughter are keen for me to get another dog, but I don’t know if I could love another dog as much as I loved her. What do you think I should do? Get another dog, or just deal with my unhappiness? I’d welcome your opinion.

Coleen says

People who’ve never had animals don’t understand the grief of losing one, but I get it.

I also understand why some people feel their pet can’t be replaced or don’t want to go through the heartache of losing another. However, I’ve had dogs all my life and lost them through illness or old age and it’s horrendous, but every dog I’ve had has brought me another kind of joy.

There are so many rescue dogs out there, of all ages, desperate for homes.

You don’t have to get a puppy, which can be hard work with all the training – there are lots of older dogs that need rehoming and they’re often the ones that don’t get adopted.

Also, rescue organisations always need volunteers to foster dogs for a short time while they wait for a permanent home, which might be another option for you to consider. However, it might just be too soon for you to think about any of this. But dogs are the best companion you could ever ask for.

Maybe when you do feel ready you can ask your son and daughter to help you research some local rescue organisations.

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Your dog got to a fantastic age – 15 is really old for a dog – so she obviously had the best life with you and was so well loved and cared for.

You might not love another one in the same way, but you’ll love them for different reasons.

Good luck.

Coleen Nolan