Hellobee Boards

I would really really really recommend against getting a new dog right now. Having a puppy (or even an older dog who is new to you) and a newborn at the same time sounds like a nightmare to me.

Getting a new dog is not going to make losing the old one any easier. I think with a little time and space your husband will see that he really can't replace the dog he lost.

Not me personally, but a woman in my sons playgroup got a puppy right before her 2nd LO was born. She seems to be doing fine.

I'm so sorry for your loss

I haven't gotten a new dog while pregnant, but I have gotten two puppies (a few months apart) shortly after getting married, moving to a new city and starting grad school with a hubby that travels all the time for work It was busy, but we managed and I can't imagine not having all of their doggie love in our lives. Six months is a long time for a dog to settle into a new home (especially an adult dog) so I think your dog will be very well adjusted by the time baby arrives. As long as you husband is on board with taking the lead on training, exercise, etc - which it sounds like he very much is - I say go for it. Dogs are the best companions and your little one will have a buddy to grow up with

I probably wouldn't do it on purpose but we got a puppy and then found out I was pregnant exactly a month later. It was hard because I was very consumed with what was going on with me and later with making baby plans so I wasn't as patient as I could have been. My husband did most of the work.

I am happy the dog is part of our family and my son loves her. I think if your husband feels really strongly and you guys know what you're getting into since you've had a child and dog before, it will probably be ok.

I think you would be fine getting a new dog now. I mean you're only 11 weeks, so you have plenty of time before your next LO comes along. Plus you mentioned it wouldn't be a puppy, so the transition will be so much easier with an adult dog! I say go for it!

For the people saying it's too soon to be "replacing" the dog, it really isn't about that at all. Some people just don't feel at home if there isn't a dog in the house... I happen to be one of them! I would absolutely consider adopting an adult dog, from a reputable rescue who will do a great job matching your family with one of their pups. Sorry for your loss

@Synchronicity: I was just going to say this! When we lose our dog, we will get a new one really quickly. Clearly nothing will replace her but our house doesn't feel like home without a canine in our lives!

I think since you are planning to not get a puppy and this is your second LO so you know more of what to expect with the newborn stage, you'd be totally fine to get a dog now.

We adopted a two-year old mutt right around the end of the first trimester. It was important to us that our LO grow up in a house with a dog, and the timing was good for us in terms of slower times at work (so we'd have more time to acclimate him). When we talked it over, it seemed better to have six months with the dog before LO arrives than to try to integrate a dog into the family with a baby or toddler. LO isn't here yet, but so far, so good!

Personally, I wouldn't get another dog before having all my kids. We have jealousy issues with ours, that I don't think would of happened if the kids were here before the dog.

Its doable, we found out we were expecting the same month we brought our puppy home.