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The death of a pet can by a devastating loss, especially when
euthanasia is involved. Some people feel they will never want
another pet. A new pet may help others get over the loss more
quickly. Just as grief is a personal experience, the decision of
when, if ever, to bring a new pet into your home is also a personal
one. If a family member is having difficulty accepting the pet’s
death, bringing a new pet into the home before that individual has
resolved his or her grief may be a diminishment of the relationship
they shared. Family members should come to an agreement about the
appropriate time to welcome a new pet into the family. Although the
pet you lost can never be replaced, many people are eventually ready
to have a new pet share their lives. |
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Being ready for a new pet varies with everyone, and only you can
answer the question of when you should get a new pet. Here are some
things to consider as you ponder this important decision.
Have you and your family worked through your grief?
While of course you will continue to be sad about the loss of your
beloved pet, are you ready to create a NEW relationship? For
everyone this timeframe is different. Some are ready for a new pet
within days to weeks, and for others it may take months or even
years before they are ready to open their home again. Some feel they
may never be ready for a new pet.
For others a new pet helps them overcome their loss. And yet, some
feel as if they are betraying their old pet by getting another pet.
Still others come to resent the new pet because they are not like
their old pet.
This will be a NEW pet
Some people rush out to get a new pet because they dislike the void
left by their deceased pet. This can result in shock when despite
looking like or being the same bred the new pet is quiet unique from
the old one. It is also common for people to replace their beloved
older dog with a new puppy or kitten, forgetting the work and energy
it takes to acclimate a new baby into the family.
When making this decision, we recommend that you ask yourself if you
feel you are at a point in your grief that you can take on the
responsibility and open your heart to a new pet.
Although you can never replace the pet you lost you can get another
one to share your life. When you are ready to consider getting
another pet, here are some topics you may
wish to consider.
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