I have so mucn love to give ....

Doesn't sound bizzare to me at all, quite the opposite. It will give you so much and you will give a dog a much needed home. 

That is fantastic Geoff

We adopted a Siberian Husky through a rescue group back in May. As you say she needed love and a home and we had love to give. She has given us company, a reason to get up and lots of love and laughter..

Good luck finding a suitable companion

Hi Geoff, 

I am ever so pleased for you :)

That's a wonderful idea and the best thing you can possibly do in your current situation. The doggie will have a loving home and you will have a company you desperately need. Is there any rescue centre nearby? When are you planning to visit one? Please, keep us updated, how you get on :) I cannot wait!

I wish you the best of luck searching for a fury mate. 

Love

Brilliant idea Geoff, I’d hate to think how I’d be without my Monty (border terrier) 

will certainly give you a sense of purpose back and give some little lost soul some much needed love, 2 legs or 4 legs we all need it.

keep us updated

Dennis

Such a good idea Geoff.

We lost one of our dogs four weeks before my husband died and our second dog collapsed and died six weeks after.  From a busy house the house now has no life.  I intend to get a new puppy this year and look forward to hearing about your dog, our hearts just stretch that little bit to let another one in.

Edwina.

Dear Geoff,

This is exactly how I feel. Recently someone said to me:" Everyone needs someone to love and be loved". I'm also very affectionate, caring and have lots of love to give. I can't imagine myself getting into any romantic relationship, that doesn't interest me at all, but finding a different kind of love is very much something that I'm thinking about. So, I'm also considering getting myself a dog. Seven years ago I got my mum a maltese and he completely transformed her life. She was lonely, her friends slowly either moved away, died or became ill and  she hardly left the house. Since this little. lovely dog entered her life she is so much happier, she goes on walks which keeps her fit, met a great new friend just because our dog has chosen this other lady's dog as his girlfriend, which is so sweet.  I think this beautiful dog gave my mum a new lease of life and now I'm more and more sure that this is something I need too. 

I think of a paw as a new purpose. Something to care about, cuddle and love, and force us to do things that we don't really feel like doing and will not do if we were alone - like going for walks, get up in the morning, leave the house, lough. Perhaps as Andrea said in another post, that's better than any counseling. 

Grief took us on its horrible journey without the itinerary - we don't know what is ahead, how many bumps on the road we would hit, we don't know whether tomorrow will be a good or a bad day, many of us don't know where we are going or what will become of us. This is why we all need a little help to make this horrific journey, that none of us wanted to be on, a bit more bearable - and maybe a furry, loving companion is just what we need.

Dalia xx

Hi all,

I too am a very caring and affectionate person and, as much as I loved our cuddles and hugs, I do miss having someone to care for as well, someone to protect. I cannot imagine getting into a romantic relationship. I belong with Paul. So a pet would be the only option, even though I am not sure it would be right. A kitten perhaps... But a different kind of love, as therapist or volunteer for the dying for example, that feels more right somehow. 
Love, Mel

Hi Geoff. I think that’s a great idea about getting a dog. I got one about 5 weeks ago , he was a rescue dog a jack russell and is 6 years old he follows me everywhere and I really love him. He is great company and gives me a reason to get up and go out for a walk. 

I hope you do get one and he is as good for you as mine is for me. 

Let me know how you get on. 

Take care   

Mike. 

Hi Melanie,

I think it is very admirable to find a different kind of love as a therapist or volunteer for dying. You offer a wonderful support to everyone on this forum and you will do the same as therapist or volunteer.

I also admire the nurses. I went to see them just before Christmas to say thank you for everything they have done for me and Danny during our 6 weeks stay. I thought I would be ill and my hands were shaking but seeing them was so lovely and they were genuinely pleased to see me too. I will now raise the money for their ward in particular to improve patients/their family stay. 

Getting a dog or a pet is not for everybody but I feel it is for me. I also feel that I'm not strong enough at the moment to be surrounded by dying. Emotionally this would be too hard for me. I need to help myself first and be OK in order to be of any use to others. I feel I'm so far off. I need a little ray of happiness to light up my day and at the moment I feel the dog will help me to get that.

Dalia xx

Yes Geoff they do help a lot always up to something or mine are .good to take them for a walk as you don't feel the odd one out which helps a lot as most people walk there dog on there own