In our family we are pondering when the right time is to get another dog.  We said goodbye to our beautiful German Shepherd, Jax in November, and since then have had a dogless house. It’s much quieter than it used to be and there is definitely a lot less hair, but there are other things missing…the wet nose at the door, the head under your hand in the kitchen and the reassuring ball of fur curled comfortably in the bed in the corner.

At times it feels like you are cheating on an old friend, even considering adding a new member to the family, and at others, like you are trying to replace them, wondering if the new one will ever be able to fill the hole in your life and being scared that you will forever be comparing. 

So how do you make the decision to open your heart again, knowing that at some point in the future they are going to take another piece with them over the rainbow bridge? I don’t have the answers, but I can share how we are starting to contemplate inviting a ball of fur, teeth – and likely destruction – into our family. 

Taking time to reflect on what you are really looking for in your next family member is an important first step; small or big? Companion or working? Which breed could suit our lifestyle? Purebred or mutt? Puppy or adult? There are so many things to consider and spending some time researching different elements is important. 

One of the most important things to highlight here is breed suitability, no matter how much you love working breeds, if you live in a suburban backyard and are going to be at work 10 hours a day, they are probably not for you.  They need to be active and stimulated as a rule and can get obsessive behaviours or issues with barking when this doesn’t happen.

Small dogs can bring flexibility and companionship, understanding the health challenges some of them face with dentistry or patella disease is important to consider. This is a commitment and working to ensure the right fit is best for everyone.

Then there is timing: when is it right? Do I need to take time off? How are we going to train them? These are all good things to consider as we want to give them and us a chance to settle and ‘make themselves at home’.  Furthermore, ensuring someone has appropriate time for training and investment in them to learn the rules and routines of the household is vital in setting up for longer term success.

Ultimately, it’s about being considered and brave. Having completed research, worked out the timing and prepared your heart, dive in. I know it will be worth it, and they will make their own place in the family, creating their own story. Old friends will always be with you, but don’t let it stop the joy a new one can bring.