Grieving Owner Whose “Soul Dog” Passed Shares What She Wishes She Knew Before Getting a New Puppy
Many of us consider our furry friends irreplaceable family members, which is why losing a dog is beyond soul-crushing. While there are grieving owners who decide against the idea of getting another dog after losing their cherished pup, there are those who choose to welcome a new dog into their lives even as they grieve.
The latter pretty much summarizes the life experience of one Dachshund dog owner who lost her soul dog, as revealed on her TikTok account @fen.the.ferocious.
In a heartfelt TikTok clip, a dog owner shares five things she wishes she had known before bringing home her new Dachshund puppy, Fen, after the passing of her first dog, whom she lovingly refers to as her “soul dog.” The video’s caption poignantly reflects her emotions: “Getting a new puppy after your soul dog passes can be healing, but also really hard. It’s difficult to prepare for all the conflicting feelings.”
According to the grieving owner, she wishes she knew that it would take a while for her to feel connected to her new dog, and that there’s nothing wrong with that. She also wishes she knew she’d feel guilty for giving her new puppy fun experiences that she never gave her previous dog, and that she’d feel guilty for missing her previous dog, who was way past the frustrating puppy phase.
“Mainly lots and lots of guilt, but more importantly, I’m learning to love you while still grieving him,” reads part of the lengthy text layered over the clip.
Watch the whole clip below:
@fen.the.ferocious Getting a new puppy after your soul dog passes can be healing but also really hard. It's hard to prepare for all the conflicting feelings #dachshund #souldog #petloss #grief #newpuppy #dogmom #doglove ♬ Bundle of Joy (From "Inside Out") – Mark Northam
Getting A New Dog After One Dies: When Is the Right Time?
There’s nothing as emotionally devastating as losing a furry friend who wiggled their way deep into your heart, leaving memories that time can never erase. When your beloved dog crosses the rainbow bridge, it’s natural to have thoughts such as: “When to get a new dog after your dies?” “Quotes about getting a new dog after one dies,” “How long should I wait before getting a new dog,” “When should you get a new dog after one dies,” and “How soon to get a new dog after one dies.”
We feel you.
Truth is, welcoming a new pup is strictly a personal decision. There’s no universal “right time” regarding when to get another dog after your dog dies. However, it’s best to take time to process the grief and think things through, as this will help you build a much stronger, healthier relationship with the next dog you bring to your life.
“There is no definite answer as to how long an owner should or shouldn’t wait after the loss of a pet,” Animal Bereavement Specialist, Angela Garner, explains. “However, it’s clear that thinking things through in a considered way, rather than deciding on the back of an emotional reaction, will benefit both the person and any new companion who they take into their heart and home.”
According to Angela, some of the questions you can ask yourself before bringing home a new dog to fill the void include:
- Am I emotionally ready to handle the “settling period” that a new dog will need?
- Would I rather foster first before committing to adopting one?
- Is everybody else in your family okay with the idea of getting a new dog?
- Are you financially ready to cater to the new responsibilities of another dog?
- Do you have any other pets that may be negatively affected by your decision?
“Honestly, the silence after a dog passes is the worst. Home didn’t feel right for me without the sound of a dog rummaging around….but how long will depend entirely on you (and your family). For me, it was about 2–3 months, some will take longer, some will take less, you’re the only one who can judge really. But you’ll know, I suppose. Everyone kinda just knows when it’s right to accept another dog into their lives,” shared user @imitebmike in a Reddit discussion post on how long to wait before getting a new dog after losing one.
“Our dog passed away a little over a month ago. We know we aren’t ready to get another dog yet, so we are fostering instead,” added user @fissidens.
Pet Loss: Grieving the Loss of a Beloved Dog
It goes without saying that grieving the loss of a pet is anything but easy. There is no wrong or right way to go about your grieving process, as everyone copes with pet loss differently. For this reason, you shouldn’t feel ashamed or guilty for grieving your previous dog for as long as you like because only you understand the special connection you and your furry friend shared.
Bill Berloni, Animal Behaviorist at the Humane Society of New York, encourages grieving owners to mourn at their own pace.
“A lot of people will say to you, oh, don’t need to be so upset, it’s just a dog, or it’s just a cat. My advice is, like with anyone, take your time. Grieve at your own pace. If you need solace, find someone who has a dog, not someone who doesn’t. Because someone who has a dog will understand how you’re feeling,” Bill says. “Don’t run out and get a dog right away or decide I’m never going to have another dog. Give your heart some time to heal. And then when the time is right, fill that void with some wonderful pet.”
It’s also a good idea to reach out to pet loss support groups, whether online or offline, where you can share your experiences with people who understand and relate to the true scope of your loss.
Grieving a Dog FAQs
How soon to get a new dog after one dies?
While there is no “right time” to get a new dog after your beloved pup passes away, experts recommend taking the time to grieve before welcoming another dog into your life.
How long is it normal to grieve for a dead pet dog?
There’s no set timeline for grieving the loss of a beloved pet dog. Grief is a highly personal experience, and the length and intensity of it can vary widely from person to person. For some, the grief may last a few months, while others may continue to feel the loss deeply for years.
Experts agree that it’s important to allow yourself to grieve at your own pace without feeling pressured to “move on” too quickly. The bond you shared with your dog is unique, and it’s natural for the healing process to reflect that. Whether your grief is brief or long-lasting, it’s a normal response to losing a cherished companion.
Should I get a new dog before or after the old one dies?
Deciding whether to get a new dog before or after your current dog passes away is deeply personal and depends on several factors. Some people find comfort in having a new dog during their older pet’s final years, as it can help ease the transition and create a sense of continuity. For others, introducing a new dog while their older one is still alive may be overwhelming, especially if the older dog requires significant care or is easily stressed by changes in routine.
Experts recommend considering your emotional readiness. Grieving the loss of a pet takes time, and some people may need a period of healing before welcoming a new dog into their life. It’s important to honor the memory of your old dog while making space for a new relationship. If you’re unsure, take time to reflect on your feelings and, when ready, find a new companion that feels right for you. There’s no “right” time—what matters most is that you’re emotionally prepared to provide love and care to your new pet.
When does the intense grieving stop after pet loss?
Grieving the loss of a beloved pet isn’t a linear process, and neither does it have a timeline. It’s therefore important to be kind to yourself as you mourn the loss of your furry friend.
