When my dear Shadow went on to her reward I didn't plan to get another dog for a while. The while lasted about two weeks. I couldn't stand to come home to this empty house. It was like living in a mausoleum. I planned to look for a rescue that didn't need housebreaking etc. When I notified my late DH's hunting pals all of whom knew Shadow well from many a pheasant hunt, and the breeder from whom we got her. Not being a hunter myself I hadn't intended to get another Springer necessarily. Two hours after I sent the email to the breeder he responded that he had a favorite brood bitch who'd almost died of a virulent uterine infection and she had to be spayed. She'd almost died and he must have spent a fortune saving her. She is fully field trained which doesn't matter to me but she comes when called and never runs out of sight when off lead. She was a gift from the trainer because he said she'd earned a loving home. She is wonderful and I love her dearly. She also keeps me moving big time. I'm 73 and she is 3!
Cimarron Cowgirl, another furry friend is just the thing to ease the grief. I've grieved over a lot of dogs and still do but Kit has my love too and she brings joy to the former mausoleum.