I understand why they would want to do that.

I had to put my dog down last year in November. I was utterly devastated. He was a rescue dog who had trust issues and was fear aggressive, but I had worked with him constantly during the four years that I owned him (and the year that my parents owned him before that). I live alone, and he was my "best buddy." It was really difficult to sleep in my apartment alone without him.

I signed the adoption papers for another rescue dog within 4 weeks. It was the best decision I could've made. My new dog really needed a home, and I needed a companion who could help me heal. I think helping out another dog in need was the best tribute I could've given to that terrible, grumpy old Shih Tzu that I had lost.

I obviously still miss Niles, my previous dog. I definitely tear up when I talk about him. But I'm so thankful that I have another little buddy who loves to smile and give me kisses. That makes it better, somehow.