I love animals, or at least all animals that have no more than four legs. The rest I don't hate, I just want them to stay as far away from me as possible.
Rescue dogs are the best way to go. I've rescued 5 so far. Expect to do many many more. Walking in shelter ask which have almost NO chance of adoption...I take those.
I've never bought an animal in my life, to be honest. Whatever pets I've had, cats and/or dogs, I've always either taken from shelters or found them on the street and took them in.
"Some will protest that in a world with so much human suffering, it is something between eccentric and obscene to mourn a dog. I think not. After all, it is perfectly normal—indeed, deeply human—to be moved when nature presents us with a vision of great beauty. Should we not be moved when it produces a vision—a creature—of the purest sweetness"? -Charles Krauthammer
Charles quoted this philosopher: Most intellectual people do not believe in God, but they fear him just the same. Wilhelm Reich
Sorry for your loss... If you believe in reincarnation often animals leaving their bodies when they are ready to reincarnate at a higher level... When we lost a horse..suddenly.. I could not trade for three monthes..no focus only pain. And then dogs.. we lose, beautiful Bahamian mongrel ... I hope now, after this mothers it is easier for you. Sadly moderators did not move this thread yet, I am lucky to navigate in chit-chat. Maybe be you can PT to Magna, this thread is certainly will be proper in psychology. For those who lose someone, and then trying to trade, your experience will help a lot. Thank you.