What's the point of getting a dog if it will die eventually & make you sad?

My family dog just died recently, and I have been crying out devastated, I wish dogs lived longer, but they usually only live 10-15 years. I was thinking about getting a new dog eventually (don't call me heartless, I'm not trying to replace my recent dog), but then I was thinking, in 10 -15 years I will be devastated just like I am now. 

Answer

Nikki:
There's a lot of great reasons to have a pet (dog or otherwise), yes it's heartbreaking when a dog dies. But then think about all the joy the dog gave you in the years you had with it. 

I personally couldn't be without a dog because I love the company and friendship they give you, they love you unconditionally and they're so happy to see you when you come back home whether you've been gone for five minutes or five hours. 

Unfortunately nothing lasts forever, people sure don't and can die before their time is up too, would you live without human contact on the off chance that they might die too?

It's always hard when someone you love dies (be they human or an animal), but that's part of life. Personally I'd prefer to have 10-15 love filled years with a dog than without. Their lives are short but they're so full of sloppy kisses and cute moments.
 
Granny:

Part of love, is loss. It's not just our dogs who devastate us when they die. Dying ia a part of living, and it doesn't matter how hard you try, you cannot always escape the grief that comes with losing something you love. 

 

 It's not always through death either. People can leave each other, loving them but never ever to see each other again. But you don't focus on the moment of parting. 

 

You focus on the delight that their companionship and love give you on a daily basis. You are crying for your loss more than you are crying for your dog at the moment. 

 

And that's not a criticism of you. It's just to point out that, never again will your dog suffer from anything ever again. You gave him a wonderful life to the end and he died being loved to bits by you... and that means he died the best death it's possible to have. 

 

Many humans would envy it. But of course you are grieving and you should take as long as you need to feel sad. 

 

 It won't be this bad forever, although there will always be a sad part in your heart for your lost friend. But eventually you'll be able to appreciate the time you had together. 

 

And when you reach the point when the crying has stopped, you might find it in your heart to start over with a new dog. 

 

It doesn't mean you've lost your first dog from your heart. It means your heart stretches to accommodate your love of the new one.

 

Emily:

Everyone dies in the end , if you look at life like that you'll have a depressing one. Life is about making the most of it, and having a dog is a big amazing part in your life where you'll have amazing expirences and love from it, what would make you even more sad is regretting not getting a dog because you don't want it to make you sad, when actually you can look back and think wow, he was amazing 

 

Bluebonnet:

I can't look at it that way. My love for dogs is so great, I can't imagine a life with out them.

I have kept 5 dogs at all times for the 40+ yrs, zoning limit. I rescued & provided many dogs with their last forever home. 

 

When I would loose one, that meant I could bring in another dog. Don't get me wrong. It broke my heart every time I lost one, but I know the dog enjoyed the last years of it life. They loved me & I loved them.

You haven't ran out of love to give a dog & you know that a dog has unconditional love for you, how can you live without that? Don't you feel empty & lost? Confused? You will not be replacing your beloved friend, you would just be getting another.

Unfortunately death is part of life & it is always hard to accept. ALWAYS! 

 

Crimson:

Having a dog for a companion for 10 to 15 years is a special thing to many of us. It is always sad when we lose one of our dogs to death, but the wonderful times that we have with them in those 10 to 15 years is worth the sadness at their loss. 

 

The good memories that we have of our pets stay with us forever. Mature people realize that death is a part of our lives, whether it be the death of a pet or a family member. 

 

You could apply your logic to any relationship including marriage. Unless there is a tragic accident that claims the life of both people in a marriage at the same time, one of them will experience the death of the other. 

 

Would you suggest that we don't have any types of companionship because it could end in death? 

 

Honestly you really need to look at life as a blessing and enjoy it with your family and your pets and accept the fact that there will be loss at some point. To look at it any other way is selfish and unrealistic. 

 

Jo:

But in those 10-15 years you will have a wonderful companion too. Try looking at the glass as being half full that is unless you have the same silly view point on having a significant other since most relationships don't last very long anymore and either one or both people are too hung up on themselves and thinking they are such hot sh*t that they have to have sex with as many members of the opposite or same sex as humanly possible rather than staying true to the one that they chose to spend their "lives with" since most relationships MAY last about 3-6 years!!!! 

 

Payton:

That's a amazing question and I think of it myself..
I have three dogs. I think having a dog will replace the sadness inside you like it did for me. 

My dog is my best friend, but I will be very depressed when she passes which will be in a short time.
She's old, but she is the number one reason I am always happy at home because she cuddles with me.

Dogs are amazing animals, and they can be your number one best friend.
They will have amazing memories with you. 

And when they pass you will be reminded how much they helped you in every way.
That's their job, to make you happy until they die. 

They might just be part of your life, but to them you are their life.
But everyone dies, yes. But my mom said when our dogs die, we are not getting anymore.
Because it is a depressing time. 

My dog got hit, and it was very very very depressing.
She was a good dog. 

Yes, they might not be there forever but they will be there for you anytime you need those tears to go away. 

Do not feel heartless. Your dog will love for you to be happy again. They don't want you sad for your whole life. 

But never let her/him leave your mind. :) 

They are so excited to see your face everyday and they are not a waste of your time. That's why they are man's best friend. :) You will realize how much happiness you experienced with your dog.
Good luck! 

 

Sophie:

I completely understand, i had the same thoughts when my dog died, he was a black lab, and we go him when i was about 4, so i didn't know life without him I cried my eyes out. But when you give it time you will remember all the amazing times you had with your pet. 

 

I eventually got a new dog and i love him to bits, i enjoy every second with him, maybe even more so as i know how fragile dogs lives are. 

 

But trust me the grieving period you have for your beloved pet is nothing compared to all the amazing times.I know its hard now, you are sad/angry/in denial, but once you get through it you will be sooooo happy that you had that time with your dog. 

 

I would however record not getting the same breed, i had a friend who did this, and she said her second dog never quite lived up to her old dog and she was constantly comparing them.