First, I'd like to thank the many people who have sent condolences for the unexpected death of Cannon, my Bearded Collie. I so appreciate the compassionate and caring notes and hope you'll forgive me for not answering each one individually. Please just know that I am extremely grateful for your kind words and understanding.

My dog Kochi, too, is feeling Cannon's loss. I used to think that Kochi — a calm, controlled boy — merely tolerated his more outgoing, active, fun-loving “brother.” Then one day I had Cannon out with me for the day, leaving Kochi at home alone. When we got home that afternoon, Kochi greeted me as he always does and then greeted Cannon with great joy, doing “wheelies” around him. I was shocked and tremendously pleased to see this expression of great affection.

I never think of getting a dog as a “replacement” for another dog, and that is partially why I don't think we'll get another Bearded Collie. That, and the fact that despite having two wonderful beardies, I have to admit I am definitely not a long-haired dog person. I don't mind grooming my dogs, but not to that extent. So whatever our next dog might be, it won't have that kind of coat.

A new dog can't ever replace another, and it's important to avoid comparisons. No dog should ever have the responsibility of living up to a predecessor. That's too big a burden for any creature. Our older companions reach perfection over time — time that diminishes remembering what it took to get there. We forget the chewed shoes, the ruined carpet, the time and energy invested in their training. We've forgotten the jumping and pulling on leash. They are, as they age, perfect companions, and no puppy or rescue can replace that perfection.

I've had 21 dogs over the years (not counting litters of puppies): 10 English Mastiffs, four Vizslas, two Bearded Collies, three mixed breeds, one basset hound and one English springer spaniel. While I love and remember them all, there are some who will always remain dogs of my heart — the most special few who connected in a way that the others didn't quite. I can't say what made them extra special. It's not a tangible quality that I can look for when getting a new dog. I consider myself so profoundly fortunate to have had that connection even once, much less several times.

I recall a few years ago when a client with an aging dog asked me about the best time to get a new dog. Is it best to get a puppy while we still have the older dog or is it better to wait until the old dog passes on? There is no one right way that works for everyone. Whatever works best for each individual is what is right.

Some people must never be dog-less. Not for an instant. Years ago, as my sister-in-law's dog was getting to the Methuselah stage — she lived to 17 — I urged them to get a young dog before Joey died. I knew Diane would be inconsolable without another animal to focus on when Joey finally passed on. That advice was perfect for them and Joey. They rescued Vinnie, who infused Joey with renewed energy and joie de vivre they hadn't seen in years.

Others need time to grieve before they feel ready for another dog. I would never tell someone they shouldn't do that, but I do think we heal faster if we can focus on something other than the dog we so desperately miss. It isn't disloyal to get a new pet. Rather, I think it honors the dog we lost when we open our hearts to another.

The hole left by a dog that leaves us all too soon is a pain that's difficult to endure. But even with that pain, I can't imagine being “dog-less.” I feel sad when someone says they'll never have another dog because of the profound pain of losing a pet. They simply can't conceive of going through it ever again. But it isn't just about loss. It's about the joys of sharing our lives with a creature that gives back so much. The time to get another dog is whenever there is room in our hearts to share the love that we reserve for our pets.

Gail Fisher, author of “The Thinking Dog,” runs All Dogs Gym & Inn in Manchester. To suggest a column topic, email gail@alldogs gym.com or write c/o All Dogs Gym & Inn, 505 Sheffield Road, Manchester, NH 03103. You'll find past columns on her website.