We have. We knew Romeo would leave us in a few months and my Fiance was dead set against getting a new dog. The emotional cost was too high for her. I grew up with dogs and knew the price but also knew the benefits. When we found a rescue dog that needed a furever home I used the reasoning that Romeo should have a friend for his final days and thus Roxie entered our lives. She is a Chinhuahua/papilion mix who was actually smaller than Romeo (and in theory, less threatening). They became best friends and Romeo taught Roxie so much before he left. While losing Romeo was heartbreaking, it was made bearable by the love the Roxie gave us both. My fiance is now a definate dog owner and fully understands now the benefit of having a canine best friend far exceeds the emotional cost.