In July 2015, The Inquisitive Canine team supported CEO Poncho’s entrepreneurial decision to launch a few ventures in the great beyond. A philanthropic pooch through and through, he left behind a letter for his dear readers and fellow inquisitive canines, along with a three-part series from his Last Woof & Testament. In Part 1, Poncho shared guidance on supporting grieving pet parents. In Part 2, he considers a question many people hear after an animal companion dies: “When will you get another dog?”
Greetings, inquisitive canines and dog parents!
I’ve heard through the grapevine that some well-meaning friends have asked my mom and dad when another inquisitive canine might join their family. It’s a difficult question because, even though my parents adore canine companionship, I know they’ve barely begun grieving my death.
Could another dog ease their grief? A new canine companion may eventually bring comfort, laughter, purpose, and joy. But no dog can replace the dog who died, and bringing another dog home isn’t a cure for grief.
Deciding whether another dog should join your family is deeply personal. At work, my mom is comfortable being around other dogs. In her personal life, however, it’s still hard for her to be around them without becoming teary-eyed.
There Is No Right Timeline
Some pet parents decide they don’t want to experience the heartbreak of a beloved animal’s death again. They may find canine companionship by becoming a loving “aunt” or “uncle” to the dogs of friends and relatives. Others eventually feel ready to share their lives with another dog.
All of these choices are valid. There is no correct decision and no prescribed timeline. Continuing to love and grieve the dog who died doesn’t prevent someone from forming a new bond when — or if — they’re ready.
I recently overheard my mom call me her litmus test:
“The dogs I meet every day — they’re just not Poncho. If another dog does join our family, I want to be ready to love that dog for who they are. I won’t be looking for anyone to fill Poncho’s harness, so to speak.”
Take whatever time you need. The goal isn’t to stop missing the dog who died. It’s to be emotionally and practically ready to care for a new animal as the unique individual they are.
If and When You’re Ready to Search
When looking for a dog, it can be easy to focus first on breed, color, size, or an adorable face. When my parents and I adopted one another, however, they were more interested in personality than appearance.
My mom once said, “Sure, Poncho could’ve passed the ball to anyone, but he passed it to us. We knew then and there that he would be part of our family.”
What can I say? They found me charming! Guess what? They unequivocally charmed me, too.
Another important consideration is finding a pooch whose needs fit your household and lifestyle. Not only did my personality make me the ideal assistant to my mom and The Inquisitive Canine’s most trusted product tester, but my size also complemented my parents’ daily lives. My tiny frame made me perfect for lap-warming duties and made it easier for us to travel together.
Not sure where to begin? These questions to ask yourself before adopting another dog can help you think through the decision. Then make a list of what matters most, including the dog’s age, size, temperament, activity level, grooming and health needs, and compatibility with the other members of your household. Also consider the time, energy, and financial resources you can realistically provide.
Helpful Tip: Consider Options Beyond Welcoming a Dog
Welcoming a dog into your home as part of your family is a significant commitment. If you aren’t ready to take that step—or you’re still on the fence—there are other ways to enjoy canine companionship and make a difference in dogs’ lives.
Fostering provides a temporary home for a dog while a shelter or rescue searches for a permanent family. Although the commitment may be temporary, the responsibility is very real. Fostering requires time, patience, emotional flexibility, and a willingness to meet the individual dog’s needs. It can also provide valuable information that helps the shelter find an appropriate adoptive home.
Another option is volunteering at an animal shelter or rescue organization. You’ll have opportunities to get to know different dogs while contributing to their well-being. You might also offer to dog-sit for friends or family members or spend time with dogs you already know and love.
Look for Readiness, Not Certainty
So, how will you know when you’re ready? You may not experience one unmistakable moment.
Yes, you might meet a dog and see little hearts dancing over both of your heads. It’s a beautiful thing! Other times, readiness is quieter. You may notice curiosity, a desire for canine companionship, and the emotional and practical capacity to care for a new dog without expecting them to recreate the relationship you had before.
Grief and readiness can coexist. Forming a bond with another dog doesn’t mean betraying, replacing, or ‘moving on’ from the dog who died. It simply means making room for another unique relationship while carrying the first one forward with you.
Trust your instincts, consider your circumstances, and be patient. There may not be one perfect time or one perfect dog, but there can be a thoughtful decision that feels right for both you and the dog.
The Risk—and Reward—of Loving a Dog
Let’s face it: Sharing our lives with another species involves risk. Dogs’ lives are generally shorter than humans’, which means loving a dog also means knowing that one day we may grieve their death. Yet life can be so much more meaningful with a canine companion at your side.
Dogs and humans may communicate differently, but we share important needs: safety, comfort, love, trust, connection, someone who won’t judge us when we cry, and another being who helps us laugh.
Like my mom says, “Poncho showed us how wonderful it is to be pet parents and how incredible it is to care for a nonhuman animal.”
Right back atcha, Mom!
Previously: Part 1 — Support for Grieving Pet Parents
Continue to Part 3: Navigating End-of-Life Decisions for Your Dog
Updated August 2026.