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cathiej Asked May 2023

I am 79 yr.'s old, my Yorkie slipped away in my arms last week. So painful, thinking of finding a senior female Yorkie to help healing.

I feel guilty even thinking about this, but the pain is so severe. She had a torn ACL and kidney failure. My other little Yorkie is so depressed over the loss of her buddy. We don't think about things like this when we are young and healthy. There is a hole in my heart big enough to drive a car through. My doctor said the way to help heal is to get another dog. Maybe he is right, but I miss my Gracie so much... What to do???

Krista413 May 2023
You have my condolences. Losing a beloved family member is so hard. I have a Yorkie mix and she is the only bit of joy I have in my life currently. I don't know what I'd do if (when) something happens to her.

If you are physically and financially able, I would definitely see about getting another dog. If you're interested in a senior pup who needs some love, look up United Yorkie Rescue. They're a not-for-profit rescue who specializes in shutting down unsafe, abusive, and/or illegal breeding situations.

MJ1929 May 2023
What about the little guy you still have? You're going to bring in another dog to disrupt the household and his life?

I had a friend who bought a replacement dog after one died, and it was the biggest mess you could imagine. The remaining dog and the newcomer didn't get along, both developed bad habits, and it was utter chaos in her house until the older dog died.

I'd give it some time and see if the two of you can be happy together before bringing in yet another dog.
PeggySue2020 May 2023
I concur with mj.

Right now, it’s too early in the grief process to consider even fostering. It’s early in the process for your dog, too.

See how the two of you do for six weeks. You may well find that it’s mutually enough. If not, then you look at fostering.

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Grandma1954 May 2023
Why not try Fostering for a bit.
Check with your local Shelter sometimes they do not want Foster pets in contact with the household pet. That could make things difficult for everybody (pup included in the everybody)
And a trip to the shelter just might be where you find "the one"
Oh, another thought...ask about Volunteering at the shelter. I am sure they can use the help and it might help you as well.

NeedHelpWithMom May 2023
Losing a beloved fur baby is heartbreaking 💔. I am so sorry for your loss.

Follow your heart about getting another dog. Take time to grieve if you wish. Then, if you like, open your heart up to a lovely new pooch!

Sendhelp May 2023
In my opinion only, going by emotions and sentiment, I feel it honors the life of your lost pet to get another pet.
I know your doctor is right when it comes to not only cheering up the dog left behind, but it may save their health, and their life.

I had a german shepherd who was slowing at age 12, but lived to age 17 because of the new puppy, perking it up.

And a parakeet died flying in to a glass window, the second one died from sadness within a month.

It all depends on you and your preferences.

So sorry for the loss of your Yorkie, Gracie.

graygrammie May 2023
I think getting a senior Yorkie would be a wonderful idea since you still have one Yorkie with you. I often see our local humane society listing dogs that have been surrendered because the owner passed or had to go into a nursing home. Keep your eyes open.

vegaslady May 2023
Through attrition I was left with a single parakeet that I've had since she was hatched. She seemed depressed and so I recently got her a pal. They've accepted each other and are friendly towards each other and seem cheerful. Their chattering to each other cheers me up too.
Get another dog.

MeDolly May 2023
I lost my Rhett Butler unexpectantly in 2020, he was only 7, my other boy was heartbroken and refused to eat, so I got a puppy, Biewer, Ziggy Stardust.

Well, the entire dynamic of the family changed we were all happy once again.

I forgot how much patience a new puppy required, but I made it through as did Ziggy!

I am soon to be 76, and this little guy is a joy, If I kick the bucket my brother will take both Ziggy and Snickers (age 4),

I did search for a small dog to rescue but I couldn't find one. My Snickers is a rescued Shi Tzu,

I have found once you have 2, it's hard not to have 2!

This is it for me tho, I am just too old, Ziggy could live another 13 years, I would be 89! WoW! That is one scary thought.

Do what you think is best for you and your other dog!

Fawnby May 2023
How about fostering senior Yorkies? That way you don’t have full responsibility, and you would be performing a really useful service.

My deepest condolences, but this is a chance to help other deserving dogs now.

Anabanana May 2023
I volunteer with a dog rescue and foster (and frequently foster fail) hard to place giant breed seniors, dogs with temperament issues (but not biters) and medical issues. Sure, some only live a year in my care, and my heart gets broken over and over, but it’s worth it to see them spend their final days happy and loved.

cxmoody May 2023
I’m so sorry!

If you were to get another dog, do you have someone who could take over their care, should something happen to you?

Are you in good health?

How is your mobility?

Can you provide the proper exercise a dog needs?

Do you have to negotiate stairs?

These are things that I would weigh, if I were considering a new pet.

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