Dr Lee, a once in a lifetime dog describes my Autumn. She got mast cell cancer on Valentines day 2011 and was gone the day before st patricks day 2011. She was my best friend, confidant, pal, buddy, travelling companion, protector.. She was only 9 1/2, golden retreiver. She was my everything. She saw me thru my 2nd bout of cancer, and she knew over 150 commands, she literally was my right hand, and I lost a huge part of my heart , the day I had to have them come here and put her down. I still grieve her everyday. I am one that did go out and get a puppy, very soon after, as I had a beagle that also needed company. Now my Beagle has prostated cancer. Meadow is our new baby now 18 months old, a rescue pup.. she is so different, still wont come when she is called. So as you said, a once in a lifetime EXCEPTIONAL friend.. as the poem says... Remember I loved you BEST. Thank you for reminding me that there is a time, you must put them first and how hard it is to determine the exact right time. Autumn.. I love you.. Jill Indelicati

Dr Lee, many of us who read your blog have experienced the loss of a dear pet and have gone through the mourning you've described - thank God for vets like you who understand that it really is the loss of a family member! I would like to say that you shouldn't give up the hope of finding another 'perfect dog', though. Over the years I've lost several pets, including a dog and cat with whom I felt such a bond that I couldn't imagine it would happen again. But it has. It's not exactly the same, because of course no two pets are alike, but it's a bond just as strong. To me it's been a wonderful realization that, even when our beloved pets have gone, we can find their love and companionship again in another slightly different form. And sometimes, believe it or not, it seems even better than it was before. I hope you will find another dog soon!

Dr Lee: Thank you for the beautiful photograph and post. So glad to read that you are able to open your heart and home to a family dog again! While it has been a year since JP passed, I imagine your grieving began with his diagnosis. More that a year of anticipatory bereavement in addition to a year without him makes for a long grieving process. I counsel my clients to listen to their heart and take as much time as they need to heal before adopting after the passage of a loved one. My family only made it 16 days post euthanasia of our canine companion before adopting again (after a year of anticipatory bereavement). While searching for a sanctuary to donate our deceased dog's food and medicines, we found Anouk, a large black dog in need of a family. I look forward to reading about your new companion. As for his/her name, it will come to you in a song, in a dream, in the stars or in his/her personality.

Great article. I've been reading a lot of books and articles to help me cope after my sweetheart passed. My cat Cali Love was diagnosed around this same time last year with cancer. The oncologists at UPenn couldn't determine whether it was osteosarcoma or chondrosarcoma. Regardless of the diagnosis, the treatment options would be the same. I opted with the same treatment as you did with JP. Within two months, however, the cancer won. I often wondered if the vets that treated Cali would pursue the same treatment as you and I had chosen. Not for a minute do I ever regret trying all I could to help Cali. It's a little comforting to know that you opted for the same treatment even being a vet. It felt like they were so quick to just euthanize her. The turning point would always be her quality of health. If I saw she was still playing and being her typical normal self, I would continue with her palliative therapy. Euthanasia would always be the last option. Cancer treatment for animals is such a work in progress almost to the point of it being a science experiment in my opinion. I wish it would advance in the same manner as with humans. I also lost my dad to cancer. Cancer treatment facilities for animals are so scarce in NJ. I hope there can be more advances in treatment so more pets and the ones they leave behind don't have to go through this awful ordeal as you and I have.

"I'll be checking out some pit bull rescue puppies this Saturday. In the meantime ... help me with some names?"

I feel strongly that a critter should be matched to a name after you've learned a bit about the personality and, more importantly, how the critter reacts to the name.

And sometimes in the case of a rescue, the critter comes pre-named!

Please let us know how your search goes and be sure to post a picture when you adopt.

Dr. Lee, thanks for sharing your story with JP; he is not gone, just gone ahead. I think you will know once you meet him or her. Let's say, JP will be happy that you have comapny again.

I really learned a lot thanks to my beloved Tess. I learned to slow down and enjoy a long hike. To stop and lay down for no other reason than to roll in freshly mowed grass. The simple joys of life she brought new meaning to. She was my best buddy and even though I have other beagles in my pack I know there will never be another like her. Some are just that special. Sometimes we are blessed to know someone who forever leaves a mark on our heart and soul. I was blessed to know her......I miss my little frito beagle..
Good luck Dr Lee but one thing I've learned is the dog that is mean't for you will find you. Life works that way. My beagles name themselves.
Lena(after soulful Lena Horne.. )
Belle(Snoopys sister)
Izzy(my question at the pound..she is a beagle?). Nicknamed Iz the beagle,busy Izzy,Iz a hound
That's only a few. Good luck. JP would be happy you had a new buddy.

About a month ago I had to euthanize my much loved cat, who had been with me for some 15 years. I knew this was coming and had several months of anticipatory grieving. I could not face having no animals at all and adopted a rescue cat at the shelter, an apparent Russian Blue of indeterminate age, who jumped out of his cage onto my shoulder and purred loudly. As we have been getting to know each other, I feel I am once again living in a house filled with love. Life does go on. I have a feeling this cat had been traumatized in the past. He is beginning to be playful and doesn't hide out in his cave much anymore. He is a great cat, in his own special way, not like any cat I have ever had in the past, perhaps the world's most sweet and gentle cat. He also took several minutes to destroy two cardboard carriers at the shelter. I am glad I adopted him. I feel for your loss, and have been there. I don't feel there is just one love in one's life, though, whether a cat or a dog or a person.