I think it's really nice to have a good friend who's a dog, so I think you should get another one. The new dog won't be a replacement for your old one. The poor little dog that got killed was unique. Your new one will be a different friend and will in no way harm the memory of the old one. It would be great if you went to a shelter and found the dog that really appeals to you. It might be the same breed; it might not. And, you bet I can relate. A few years ago we had two 19-year-old kitties die within a few months of each other. I'm still sad over them, but we have two new cats now and love them, too.

I've always gotten a new pet when the older one died. It makes the grieving last so much less, as you have a new "pal". Remember that the new dog is not going to ACT the same as the old one. That's one thing a lot of people forget. For example, when I got married, we had a dog I could put out in the yard, and 99.9% of the time (I watched it), it would stay IN our yard. She was very quiet, and just laid on the floor and watched us. She would stay out of the kitchen unless and until we called her in to get something that fell on the floor, and she was a GOOD vacuum. Our dogs now jump on people when they come in, a couple bark like crazy at them, they demand to be petted, and they aren't good at getting things dropped! All that said, by all means get a new pet, and if you have time to devote, a dog... if not, a cat. And, yes... Adopt. Go to a relatively large humane society near you, and look at what they have. If nothing strikes your fancy, try another one. Sooner or later, sometimes just going back to the first one a week or so later, you will find a dog that like YOU, and that you like. You could also find one in the paper, from people whose dogs had puppies and they want to GIVE them away. Reputable people will ask you questions, and the puppies will be active and friendly and cheap, if not free. Be careful about getting a dog from a pet store or "Puppy Mill". Many of those are NOT well-cared for, many are sick. If you want something like that, check for a rescue shelter in your area. Be sure to spay or neuter it and get its shots as soon as you can (if necessary).

no you should get a diffrent breed so you could forget him but if u buy the same breed he will remind u of your dog

Great question! - I'm in the *exact same* situation, altho' Chezwick died from cancer at age 11 in '05. The only difference is that I plan on doin' a lotta travelin' in the next few years. - I'm gonna follow the answers here. Good luck! - ;-)

ADOPT, ADOPT, ADOPT!