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A new dog can not replace the one you lost, but it can certainly help to fill that space left in your heart after losing a loyal companion....The length of time between losing one pet and getting another is personal choice really. Some dog owners feel that they could never get another one, as they don't want to go through all the inevitable heartache of losing another dog.
I personally found, getting another dog after losing Jake was very therapeutic. Whilst it didn't make me forget Jake or stop missing him or grieving for him, it helped to occupy me and gave me something to focus on. I also felt that it helped Ollie, my other dog, to get through the grieving process quicker.
But like I said it's all down to personal choice and how YOU feel.
You need time to work through grief and loss before attempting to build a relationship with a new pet. If your emotions are still in turmoil, you may resent a new pet for trying to "take the place" of the old-for what you really want is your old pet back. Children in particular may feel that loving a new pet is "disloyal" to the previous pet.
When you do get a new pet, avoid getting a "lookalike" pet, which makes comparisons all the more likely. Don't expect your new pet to be "just like" the one you lost, but allow it to develop its own personality. Never give a new pet the same name or nickname as the old. Avoid the temptation to compare the new pet to the old one: It can be hard to remember that your beloved companion also caused a few problems when it was young!
A new pet should be acquired because you are ready to move forward and build a new relationship-rather than looking backward and mourning your loss. When you are ready, select an animal with whom you can build another long, loving relationship-because this is what having a pet is all about!
This group is a great source of comfort if you feel that you need any extra support following the loss of your dog.
RAINBOW PETS