For years I had three cats. When the last of that group died after 18 yrs., it just felt so empty without at least one kitty. And there are so many shelter pets in need of a loving home.
It was about a week later when I found Smoochie. She had just been dumped put in the snow to fend for herself.
No pet ever replaces another as each one has its own distinct personality.
Whenever your heart feels ready to be open to a different doggie companion, the right one will come along. Don’t hesitate to follow your heart regardless of what anybody else thinks.
You will still be grieving your doggie who just passed for quite awhile and getting another might help in that process or it may not. There will ALWAYS be a special place in your heart for each departed pet that no other can ever replace. It’s reserved.
But just because you have room in your home and heart for the newcomer, doesn’t dishonor your faithful companion of so many years. It just means you have a larger heart with room for another.
There is no “appropriate time” to wait. Everybody is different. Do what is comfortable for you. Follow your heart’s instinct here and you’ll know the right one when he comes along. Just don’t wall yourself off from the possibility that the right one may be right around the corner. Follow your heart.