Jim,
people deal with the loss of a dog in different ways. Some need to replace them as soon as possible. That's my neighbors, Tiffany, Tim and the kids. I guess they feel that having a new dog to love takes away the pain of the one they lost.

We have always believed that it's OK to mourn the one that has gone. Two weeks after Rowdy and Crash left us, we discovered that Juneau was pregnant. I'm not sure we would have decided to keep a puppy had we not lost them but the excitement of having puppies on the way definitely helped us deal with the loss of both boys.

But sometimes stuff just happens that makes it impossible to say "no". You'll know when it's right. The right dog will need the right home and you'll just know.

As for Emma, several people responded to my email by saying that although it would be difficult for them, they would take her. Linda and I felt the same way. Even if it were just to find out that she has cancer and not much time. At least that time would be with people who care and would love her. And when the time came, would hold her until she left us. I think we owe that to all good dogs. We would have done it for Emma.

Jim