This thread has had so many thought provoking responses. I'm glad I read it and thankful that all of you posted your stories and thoughts on the subject.

I lost my little Lily in July, and she can NEVER be replaced. I have a male which I had before I got her, and I'm getting another male next month. I'm not trying to replace Lily at all. But, I feel that another one will hopefully help in the whole healing process.

In looking for another, I didn't try to find one who looked like her or reminded me of her or anything like that because I'm not trying to replace her. I just feel I still have lots of love to give, so why not open my heart to another.

I didn't realize I opened a such an indepth thread but I really am glad I did. There is truly amazing stories in it.

I'm the same as you! I told my husband that Jake is just gonna have to outlive me. The thought of something happening to him.....well, I just don't even allow myself to think about that.

Oh, I understand completely. When I lost my Molly, I said never again can I go through this pain. After two years I was looking again and people were amazed and it took me two years to find Crystal so it was the first time in my life that I was without a dog. I found one just like Molly or I should say about as close in temperament as I could ever find to her. I could never have just gone out right away and got another but some do and it must be right for them. I read your post and I thought I sure know where you are coming from ......waiting for that party Oct. 7th:)

When we lost Boog it was absolutely the most painful thing that had ever happened to me in my entire life and I thought for sure I would never have another dog. But, as time went on I knew that wasn't right so I started looking at the shelters and rescue groups, I scoured Petfinder and considered several other breeds but nothing 'did it' for me like the little Yorkies and I knew I had to have another one. However, nothing worked out until one morning there was an ad in our paper for a tiny male so I called at 6:30 a.m. and went to look at him. I knew I had to have him when I got there...he needed me...he was 16 weeks old, 2 pounds 3 ounces and being pumbled by their 10 pound Yorkie every minute that we were there...I just knew he would be mamed or worse yet, killed. So, I took him home and that was that.

For me it wasn't an issue of 'replacing' my Boog dog...it was a matter of replacing the pain of losing him with love and happiness again.

Have I ever forgotten Boog? Absolutely not and I never will...he was a special little guy who will live in a big chunk of my heart forever and he will never be replaced or forgotten.

Do I think he approves of Jo-Jo and Riley? Absolutely...especially Jo. I know Boog has visited us many times, I've felt him next to me where he used to sleep, or on my chest when I go to bed, I've heard him walking on the wood floors and I've even heard his little bark several times. I've caught Jo playing with 'someone' in the bedroom when there was nothing there and I mean he's in full play, wagging his little stubby tail and sticking his butt in the air with his front feet stretched out or running around the room like he was being chased. Now that Jo is almost 3 he seems to be taking on some 'Boog dog' qualities and mannerisms...he's becoming a cuddle bug and he wakes me up with a tiny kiss on the end of my nose...just like Boog used to do. Take a look at this picture of my husband holding Jo...it was one of the first ones we took of him when we brought him home...then look closely at who is looking on in the background. Yes, I think my Boog dog approves.

My feelings exactly. When I lost my precious Chester (a rescue!), I was absolutely distraught. I'd lost my Rosebud (another rescue) shortly before and had not found another yet. Now, I have My Chloe, Darla and Harry. Although none of them will ever be Chester, I love them all the same. It does hurt when they leave us, but I know there's another little angel needing a place to be spoiled. I just can't say no!

This is a subject that is rooted deep within the hearts of the writers. Your initial question was do we compare? I believe I did in the first weeks after I adopted Charlie, not in a negative way but I did. Judy wrote "The Shelby Spot" which says it all. The bottom line is you will love another yapper just as strongly as the first, second or third.

Thank you for the question and thankfully this event has not touched your life. It is touching to see how much you love your Toby. Warmly, Deborah