It's Okay to Replace Your Beloved Dog with a New One

Commentary

Tucker was a lovable dog. He was playful, trusting, and was able to warm anyone’s heart. When he contracted osteosarcoma (bone cancer), an extremely common, aggressive, and deadly form of cancer in large-breed dogs, this writer’s decision to put him down was excruciatingly painful.

I owned two other dogs at the time. Tate and Gizmo were special in their own rights. Still, there was a sense that Tucker was irreplaceable. How could one ever consider replacing such a wonderful pet?

The answer is simple: One can replace a dog like Tucker after he dies. There’s nothing wrong with replacing a recently deceased pet pooch with another one. A dog’s companionship, loyalty, and unconditional love are too strong for most pet owners to ignore. Once one has experienced this feeling, one can’t forget it, and will seek it.

What Made Tucker Special?

Each dog has a unique personality; however, many also share the same traits. Tucker was a guardian of sorts. He protected his other canine brothers, as well as his human owners, from any dangers. He’d groom the smallest one, Gizmo, and allow him to curl up next to him and sleep.

Tucker’s personality was his irreplaceable part.

Also, Tucker was usually the first to greet my wife and I when the two came home. The homecomings were always met with a curious “grin” (he had a habit of showing his teeth when he was happy or excited) before rising on his hind legs and giving out his “kisses.”

Gizmo and Tate and Unconditional Love

Tucker’s personality was his irreplaceable part. However, it’d be unfair not to mention that Tate and Gizmo did the same thing. Like Tucker, they showed their affection in their own unique way. Gizmo jumped for joy and Tate always whined with glee.

Their personalities centered on a very common trait among dogs: unconditional love. This type of love or companionship is infectious for many dog owners.

While human relations of all types have some form of complex conditions attached to it, the companionship between human and dog is simple; a dog will do almost anything for its owner, including showing affection or friendship. This, in part, is why dogs are often referred to as “man’s best friend.”

Unconditional love is something many dog owners have expressed as a reason for replacing a beloved pet with another dog. One example is this writer’s brother-in-law. Years ago he had a dog named Pom-Pom. After 13 years, Pom-Pom suddenly died. After Pom-Pom’s tragic death, the brother-in-law felt he could never replace him. However, after less than a year, he began to doubt those initial feelings. He missed that unconditional love a dog often gives, and desired to get a new one.

Why Replace a Loving Pet After Death?

Replacing a dog after he or she dies may be therapeutic for some owners; especially, for those with children. Children often build strong bonds with pets. The loss of a pet is extremely devastating. Getting a new dog often helps the child cope with the loss.

In a sense, this process becomes a socialization process for them – a skill that may help them in the future.

This is not to say the dog is just a carbon-copy replacement that will stand in for the pet that passed away. Instead, it may add a totally new member to the family in which the children learn to build a new relationship with. In a sense, this process becomes a socialization process for them – a skill that may help them in the future.

This practice is not for everyone. Some pet owners build strong relationships with their pets and can’t stand the idea of finding a “replacement” when that inevitable time arrives. However, most dog owners eventually get another dog. The need for unconditional companionship and loyalty a dog can offer will always be desired.

Finally…

Dogs like Tucker don’t come along every day. However, it doesn’t mean one must abandon the joy of owning a dog. Unconditional love can be addicting for anyone. Any dogs are a godsend when it comes to this matter. One doesn’t have to immediately do it, but eventually that need for a pet will be there and will be strong as ever.