MavericksMission Posted February 19, 2010 Share Posted February 19, 2010 My old girl Tinka crossed over the Rainbow Bridge Today. She was 16 years young. I had to make the hardest decision of my life, and I had her euthanized. She has really bad arthritis and this morning she couldn't support herself. It was actually my young boy (13 months) Maverick, who alerted me that Tinka was in pain. It was about 8:30am this morning and I could hear howling, (Maverick is a Malamute Cross, but he never, ever howls!) I looked out my bedroom window and he was sitting at my bedroom window howling away and when I made eye contact with him he ran over to Tinka. I raced out the back and saw that Tinka was having difficulty supporting her self. Anyway, after alot of tears, we raced her into the Animal Hospital, where we decided that the kindest thing would be to put her to sleep. After alot of decisions, tears and relief we returned home. I went out the back to see how Maverick was. He was pacing around the back yard looking quite upset looking for Tinka. He didn't want to come near us, he was determined that he would find her. He is currently inside by my feet. I was wondering if it would be too early to get another dog, I don't want to "replace" her. I feel Maverick needs a friend, he has only ever lived with another dog, but how soon is too soon? I under stand that dogs grieve just like humans. Any opinions would be very welcomed and appreciated. Thank You. Rest in Peace Tinka my angel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted February 19, 2010 Share Posted February 19, 2010 (edited) Selecting the right mate will take time. We have alwasys been fortunate to be a very multi dog household so any who pass away have friends already established. I would suggest making the most of this time to allow your dog to settle & if you happen to find a suitable dog that will be the prefect match then it was meant to be otherwise its going to be a case of how long it takes to find the right match. meanwhile dont pander or spoil,be confidient & instill positive actions for the future no matter how hard it is. Like us we will grieve but life goes on so keep everything normal except maybe doing more activities in the outside world more than the past 16 years is an amazing age & you will have many wonderful memories & as much as it hurts there never really gone bacuase you will always have good giggle at the things it did whether they be good,bad,drove you crazy. Edited February 19, 2010 by showdog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted February 19, 2010 Share Posted February 19, 2010 As per Showdog's advice - especially regards the "don't pander/fuss". Take your other dog out for plenty of walks. Training : obedience; tricks. Keep his mind busy. When dogs have jobs their self-esteem/confidence seems to get a boost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaxD Posted February 19, 2010 Share Posted February 19, 2010 Don't have any advice for you but so sorry for your loss.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted February 19, 2010 Share Posted February 19, 2010 I'm so sorry you lost your beloved Tinka May she rest in peace, and her memories live on and bring a smile to your face. Don't ever feel you are 'replacing'. I went through that. But giving a home and love to another lovely furry soul is not replacing by any means... and I'm sure Tinka would want another fellow dog to enjoy the same kind of life she had. But agree with showdog, don't rush into it and don't make a fuss of him. It will take time for him to adjust, but you need to be a strong leader for him and let him know what is and is not acceptable (even in his grief). My SIL dog of about the same age has started escaping ever since they lost their older dog... the younger one had never escaped before or even attempted... and now no matter what they do she finds a way out. I do hope that your boy will adjust... they adapt better than we do most of the time. Again, our condolences on the loss of one of your furry family members. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MavericksMission Posted February 19, 2010 Author Share Posted February 19, 2010 Thank You all for your kind words and advice. I will certainly not rush into it, if the right furry friend comes along then it is meant to be. I will be a strong leader for him, and yeah it is a good chance to continue work on his training, to keep his mind stimulated and to teach him some more manners. Thank You Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lappiemum Posted February 19, 2010 Share Posted February 19, 2010 All good advice. Sorry to hear your baby has gone over, I had two of mine go over within a few months of each other, was very tough. We are a multi dog household too, and when you are ready, I recommend considering another dog for your boy - it actually helps with the grieving process in the long term. But don't dwell on it too much either, as your boy will pick up on the sadness you are projecting, and that will cause him extra stress. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poochmad Posted February 19, 2010 Share Posted February 19, 2010 I have nothing further to add, except I'm sorry for your loss. Hugs and well wishes to you and your family in this time of grief. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted February 19, 2010 Share Posted February 19, 2010 Thank You MavericksMission ..... I too am sorry for your loss and I'm sorry that I did not express that when I posted. I wasn't thinking. RIP Tinka. Smile down on your family from the other side of the bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enigma Posted February 19, 2010 Share Posted February 19, 2010 Its a hard decision to replace a dog but perhaps try fostering for a while, you can help a dog in need and a playmate for your dog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newfsie Posted February 19, 2010 Share Posted February 19, 2010 I am so sorry for your loss............And I feel for Maverick. A sweet elderly Angel for Rainbow Bridge..........Run free Tinka Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted February 19, 2010 Share Posted February 19, 2010 Its a hard decision to replace a dog but perhaps try fostering for a while, you can help a dog in need and a playmate for your dog If Maverick is pining, having a foster dog for a short while and then it leaving again might be too hard? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now