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Losing your pet is a heartbreaking emotional ordeal that can’t be healed quickly. Many families need time to process the loss of a pet before they make the decision to get a new dog or cat. There is no perfect way of knowing when the time is right for a new pet. Sometimes it will take weeks, months, or even years because people grieve differently.
So how do you know if you are ready to share your life with a new canine best friend?
Take Time to Reflect After the Loss of a Pet
It is okay to take some time to remember and grieve your dog. You will probably feel angry, sad, and lonely without your pet. You may experience some complicated emotions and that is part of your grieving process. The type of reactions you experience can depend on a number of things, including your family, personality, and the way your dog died. Remember, all of these emotions are normal. One thing you should try not to do is to quickly get another pet just to fill the spot where your old pet used to be. Try to come to a place where you can accept the loss of your pet and look forward to new beginnings, instead of trying to recreate your dog.
It might be a good idea for you and your family to take more time before you are ready to love a new pet. You will all need to discuss your feelings and be respectful of each of your grieving processes. If there are too many complicated feelings and too much pain, you may need to wait a little longer.
Memorialize Your Dog
Courtesy: Instagram @cathytobey
One important thing you and your family will need to consider is how to remember your pet. The memories that you have shared together will live on for a lifetime. Here are a few ideas for making sure the times you shared together aren’t forgotten:
- Plant a tree for them in your backyard and watch it grow together
- Make sure that you have reminders and photos of your dog around the house
- You can have a custom plush lookalike made to memorialize your pet forever
- Plan to do something fun each year on the day they passed away to remember them lovingly
Are You Ready for a New Pet
A new pet is a huge responsibility. If you are still grieving your old pet you may not feel the energy to fully commit to training a new dog or helping it adjust to its new surroundings. Remember that there is no rush to take on these new responsibilities if you aren’t ready. This pet is not a replacement for your old dog.
A new dog will have new needs and you have to be prepared to adjust as well. You and your family are used to your old dog’s routines and traits and a new dog might be a shock to your normal schedule. Make sure your lifestyle is prepared to welcome a new energetic pet. If you look forward to the new life you can give a dog and feel ready to move forward then you might be ready to start looking for your new pet.
When you begin to look for your new furry friend don’t get discouraged if you don’t them right away. You may have to look at a lot of shelters, and meet a lot of dogs before you find the one that is the perfect fit for you and your family.
You can’t replace the spot that your pet held in your heart, but you can expand your home and welcome a new member in. The fact of the matter is that life with a dog is so much better and you will heal through your pain and find ways to love a new puppy. Sharing your life with a pet is a beautiful part of life and should be cherished. You can continue to remember your pet long after they have gone and hold onto their memory. However, most people realize that they want to continue sharing their lives with dogs.
