My family loves their pets. In fact, my parents' schnauzer was frequently referred to as my sister. It's what we do. They are such important parts of our lives. So when they are gone, it leaves such a huge void. I understand the difference between a loss of a pet and a loss of a loved one- I have experienced both. Of course losing the loved one hurts like no words can describe, but losing the pet hurts in a different way.
When I moved in with my sister, I became close to the family pet. Sierra the Pomeranian became my little buddy. Her technical "mommy", my niece, took her to her home in New Mexico in the fall of 06. For the longest time, my sister and I would "yap" at each other when each one of us would enter the house. It was our greeting for months. When Sarah would visit, she would bring her sweet Sierra.
I received a sad phone call this evening from my sister. Sierra escaped through the hole in the fence and was killed by the neighboring dogs. I would like some advice on how to give my condolences to my niece. I would like to make a collage of Sierra pictures but I don't know how long I should wait to present it to her. Or if I should make it for her immediately. She is almost 20 years old.
Sweet Sierra 
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Comments: 20
I know the feeling...my kids were devistated when my brother in-laws dog Dino died....and my daughter was hysterical when Maggie was lost.
you still have sissy
thanks for the comments for my dog as well.
Thank you all for your kind comments!
I have heard from experts that it is better for the family to go through a grieving period before they get a new pet. The reason being, that the new dog will sense the stress and sadness, thus starting out it's life with the new owner under stressful circumstances. The dog will more then likely become withdrawn and over protective of the new owner. An unhealthy environment for the dog. I know your sis just wants the pain to go away for your niece and that love is behind the thought.
Oh Man......I don't want to sound like a heartless beast, but getting a puppy to fill the void is not going to be a healthy start of a relationship between your niece and the new puppy.
When we lost our elderly dog due to illness we waited months before getting PD. Our grief had ran it's course and we were able to see PD as the individual that he was.
Again my heart breaks for all who loved Sierra...but perhaps your sis and niece should rethink the new puppy situation. Give your niece time to grieve so that the new puppy can come into a happy upbeat home.