Too soon for a new puppy?

Fugarza · #1 06-18-2007, 02:28 PM

My dog was just diagnosed with cancer on Friday

I've come to accept it now and realize I need to just cherish and have the most fun time I can with him while he's still around.

However, I have been researching an planning on adding a new puppy for the last 5 months. I was just waiting to close escrow on my new house before I took the puppy home at the end of the month.

I've heard from friends who have had dogs all their life that adding a puppy now could help me with my grief and what not. They have also said maybe the puppy would pick up on some of the characteristics of my boy Ceaser. Plus Ceaser tends not to do well with older adult dogs, they always get into fights. However when I've had him interact with puppies he's always pretty nice and very excited.

Any thoughts?

K8IE · #2 06-18-2007, 03:08 PM

We lost our last boy Killian to cancer in January. We had also been planning on getting a new puppy in Spring (of course before we knew Killian was sick). Once we found out he was sick we had no idea how long we truly had with him, but because of the nature of his illness I would not have brought home a puppy with him being so sick, it would have been too much for him, because he would have wanted to play and it made him cough more when he was active (he had lung cancer). I am personally really glad that we only had Killian while he was ill, because that way we did not have to divide our time between two dogs and we could spoil him and love him for the short time he had left. We have since added a new member to the family (about 5 months after Killian left us), and we adore him and he is helping us to heal and move on from our loss.. Just do what you feel is right for you and your dog.

jenalyn · #3 06-18-2007, 03:34 PM

I agree that adding a new pup while Ceaser is ill may put more strain on him and trigger a speed in his cancer. It is equally stressfull for your dog to have a bouncy puppy around as it is for you. I do understand that you want to help with the grieving process by including the pup now, but grieving is necessary in life to help you move on in a healthy way. It may be a better idea to wait untill he has passed. Depending on how far and type of cancer he has. Also you'll have all the one on one time to spoil him and make his last days much more memorable for you and the quality he will recieve by having you all to himself when he needs you the most. Remember how the early puppy days are, they take alot of time and patience. This is just my opinion. You do what you feel is best for your family, like K8IE mentioned. IMO everything happens for a reason. Good luck with whichever you choose and we're so sorry to hear about Ceaser.

MaggienDeuce · #4 06-18-2007, 04:09 PM

Can't really offer any advice but wanted to say that I'm sorry to hear your boy is sick. I'm sure others will have been in this situation and can help with your decision. Best of luck whatever you decide.

lovemygracie · #5 06-18-2007, 06:33 PM

I am so sorry to hear about your boxer's diagnosis. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I'd say it is not too soon, and that getting a puppy is a great idea if you feel up to it. I lost a boxer to illness and was devastated. I missed him so much. One thing that helped me to cope was that I still had another boxer. One boxer does not replace another, of course, but I can't imagine how much worse it would have been to come home to an empty house.

beausmommy · #6 06-18-2007, 08:24 PM

Personally, if I were in your situation, I would want to focus all of my attention on my baby for the remainder of his time here. There will be plenty of time for a puppy in the future. It's up to you but I think you should cherish the time you have left with your current boxer before adding a new one.

Touzy · #7 06-18-2007, 08:25 PM

You didn't say what kind of cancer or what the vet said when he told you.
Our Bo had varying degrees of cancer for seven years. It started in his foot and he was in remission for a while until it returned.
I recommend you talk to your Vet. They can give you some idea of degree of stages and or pain or toleration... if you still feel strongly about a pup.
I'm so sorry to hear the bad news. Cancer is a horrible blight on our planet and it's not fair when you can't explain to our dogs what is going on.
Just love and spoil them.

Pixies Mum · #8 06-20-2007, 12:55 AM

I guess everyone is different- but boxer shopping helped me deal with the loss of Trixie - I brought Pixie the puppy home one week after trixie was put to sleep.

Biff · #9 06-20-2007, 02:58 AM

I am so sorry Caesar is ill. Has the vet told you exactly what to expect?
Getting a new puppy now would depend on Caesar's prognosis imo

Good luck

Chancejesi · #10 06-20-2007, 09:01 AM

I can't help with your question as I only have Chance and he is my first boxer, but I would like to say that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of saddness. Chance also sends wiggles and slurps your way, we sure hope you get the answers you need to make your descion (sp?) and that you enjoy what time(hopefully more rather than less) you have left with you precious pup