My dog has been a huge source of therapy for me as I work through the grief. He motivates me to go for walks, is a constant source of companionship and functions as a source of security when I am not home. We got our dog 6 months before my wife passed away by her suggestion. He has been a real gift. Hope your dog brings you the same level of comfort. I also adopted from a shelter and went in hoping I would be able to care for him for years to come. Gerald

I am happy for you to adopt a dog. It would be your best friend and protector.

I have a different worry for my 2 big vocal dogs and one cat. My current home is on 2 and a half acres so vocal dogs are not a problem in fact its a plus for protection. I am moving to a much smaller place on my daughter's property. I am afraid their neighbors would complain about their barking when I am at work. They have been with me 5 years, being my protectors when my husband was away on business trips. I don't want to give them up.

I have two dogs and they are very comforting when I come home to an empty house. I could not have gotten through this grieving process without them. They are good company and are always so happy to see me. They are work, but it is good because it forces me to get out of the house to walk them and keeps me feeling connected to the rest of the world. If you can adopt an older dog that may alleviate your fears. I also worry that if something happened to me that my dogs would not be cared for. It is a natural feeling that should not stop you from adopting a dog. You can ask a friend to find a good home for your dog if you ever get sick.

My wife and I always had a dog as a pet, we had a few over the years that we spent in this life together. Our dog we have now was with family when my wife was diagnosed with cancer, with hospital visits overnight, going to work, and then with my looking after my wife towards the end of her life, we both thought it best to let family look after him. The evening after my wife's funeral service our dog was back home. He has been of such a great support for me in ways that he will never know. Pets, not just dogs, but pets of any kind can be of a great source of comfort, but dogs do have this unconditional love for their owners.

I do feel guilty, question myself if I am a good for his needs as an owner due to the way I feel every day in this depression, but without him I would be even more lost.

My husband and I always had cats because we worked a lot and traveled a lot and just had a very full and busy life. We knew we'd be lousy parents to a dog, but that cats could handle our lifestyle. We were down to just one old cat when he died. Just a few days prior to his death my hubby and I agreed on the breed we wanted. A Mi-Ki (a rare breed) We even found the breeder who had the dog we wanted.

Once I was alone, I found it unbearable to walk into our empty house, or sleep with no other living being breathing within the walls of a homethat had previously been filled with so much life.

So I went ahead and got my little 4 pound Tiger Lily. She makes me get up, get dressed, get out of the house every day. She's a decent watchdog which, now being a single woman, appreciate. She's cute cuddly, and if something happens to me...I think people would fight over her.

I would encourage anyone on this site to get a pet if they don't have one. I cannot imagine NOT having her here now.

My husband just passed in August. We have a cat named Farley. That cat was my husband's companion. He brushed him every day and talked to him like a person and the cat talked back. My cat has been grieving with me. He won't even go near where my husband sat. He meowed for weeks. Then I let him outside one day which isn't very often because he is basically an inside cat and he got hurt real bad by another cat. He has a terrible infection and a swollen face. I took him to the vet and got medication but he is 13 years old and I feel so bad for him. It would have broke my husband's heart to see this poor cat hurting. I also put a cat down a week before my husband passed. I just pray that my cat will recover and last for quite a while. He has been declawed so I don't think I will be letting him outside anymore. Anyway, he is my companion now and such a comfort to me when I come home from somewhere. Bless all of you and your pets. Just wish our pets could talk. I love aniimals. Used to have dogs but we live on a busy street and they all got killed in the road. Shiloah

Lol, I'm the last person that should post in this thread. I'm not a cat or dog person. It's been suggested to me by some of my friends that I get a pet ( those that really know me would never suggest that ).

I can see how it would be helpful as I'm alone in this big house and it would be nice to have some company. But I'm just not a pet person.

I am glad that your pets offer some comfort to you. When we are in our situation I would say every little bit we can do that helps is a good idea.

:)

Good for you, it is going to be a wonderful change!

I am also looking for a cat, not just any cat, but the Chinchilla Silver Persian, because I used to have one, and that breed temper and ways fits my personality.

They are not only distinct looking, but cuddly, docile, intelligent and self sufficient, oh, wait, was I describing me? (he-he)

Pets are great, make a hige difference in our lives.

A dog is great therapy. It gives you something to do. There were times I'd totally lose interest and drive if it weren't for the animals (two cats and one toy-breed dog). As far as issues, if there's no family available who could take care of it then maybe friend or neighbor?? In my area which is pretty remote, we all know each other and chip in. Not as good as a partner and family but next best.

My dog is my baby. Though he was also effected by Johns passing. He is more protective of me, like he's afraid I will go away too. So not too many people can get close...no strangers at all. they must be slowly introduced. I have a few he knows well enough that can care for him, my niece next door took care of him While I was in the hospital.

But now, he reads me so well. I would be totally lost with out him.

I think it's great you're getting another dog, it will be good company and good exercise, too. As far as worrying about what if something happens to you, I would recommend that you speak to the charity running the shelter to see if they have any suggestions. Here in England, there are charitable foundations and trusts where you donate a certain amount and designate in your will that the dog goes to them for care and rehoming if possible. There may be somethin g similar in your area. Wouldn't hurt to ask.

As you can probably tell by my screen name, I'm a cat person, not a dog person. We had a big Maine Coon male cat for years and years that had adopted us, and when Cliff died, the cat mourned and grieved - meowed for days, even went looking for him everywhere, including the cupboards! It was sad and funny at the same time. That cat was a big ball of furry affection, and was a huge comfort to me and to my sons. Whenever I was feeling awful, he'd climb into my lap. He was also capable of making me go to sleep, and some of the only decent sleep I got that first year was because he was purring away in my lap. He was better than a sleeping pill!

Anyone who is not sure about getting a dog, consider a Maine Coon cat - they are very big, and they come when you call them, and are not aloof like most breeds. I have had cats all my life, and I've never had one that was so affectionate and even tempered. Just a thought......

Congrats again, Tru on your decision! :)

Love and Hugs,
Martha

One of the first things I did after my husband passed was to get a cat. It was so important to have life in my home and something to cone home to. Congratulations on your new addition .
Cathy

I picked her up today. She's such a good dog, coming when I call her, and not trying to eat the bird.

As far if something happens to me, I think my fear stems from the fact that both my husband and I had strokes in the same year. His was a different type, but basically struck without warning.

MIne happened at work and was a mini-stroke or panic attack. The doctor was never sure which it was, but I ended up staying overnight in a hospital. Last night I was so concerned about this I almost called off the adoption, but this is a shelter pet, a pet with no home, and I really wanted a dog.

I know my fear is not rational because I take better care of myself now.

After my soulmates body died this last september 19, my main worry has been my Dad and my cats. I am a catmom to three adult cats and a baby cat, I have no children, no brothers or sisters, no close family other than my Dad, and very busy friends that have big families and dont fancy non-human animals. So I am trying to find out what is the best way to guarantee they will be taken care of if I die and Dad dies too. I am terrified of the idea they would be locked in the house for days until somebody would find out I was dead, and terrified that they would be placed in a shelter, without any attention and love, and exposed to stress and aggressive animals. In Portugal where I live there is only one "sanctuary", distant, and it doesnt look so good, but I think it is my cats best option so I will try to visit it asap. Maybe you should check if there are any "sanctuaries" in your are, and consulting them about your worries. Meanwhile I am considering making a will where it will be clearly established that my two best friends, with my cats veterinarian opinions, will have the power to decide in their best interests. I am considering putting some money aside for this purpose, so my friends dont have money problems to provide them of good food, vet care, etc. I will also put in the will that if there is nobody that can take care of them, that they must stay in my/their house until they die, being assisted and entertained by my friends and, if all fails, that they be eutanized. I will ask the sanctuary if they would consider receiving my cats in case I die, if I pay a fee in advance. So I totally understand your worries, and I do think there are some things one can do to feel a little less worried... The good thing about your choice of a dog is that, generally, dogs are more consensual and therefore "less disposable". But I really cant wait to get some arrangements in place. I think you are doing a wonderful thing, shelter dogs are doomed for a terrible existence, and if you can make a difference, even if you knew you would die in a year, you would still have made a happy being for a year, and where he/she is, in the shelter, its never happy... I did find some internet sites that give some suggestions of how to provide for our pets future, I will not post them here because I am afraid they ban me and I really need this support group a lot. Best of luck, tell me how it went. Love and light, Lara

I was adopted by a Bull Terrier three years ago. Sometimes I think she is still considering whether she will keep me or not.