COPING WITH LOSS OF A PET

We are often asked when is a good time to get another pet and we speak to clients who are worried about dishonoring the memory of a deceased animal by replacing it too soon with another one.

Perhaps the best answer to these questions is that there is no correct time to get another animal. What is disturbing to many pet owners is the pressure from family and friends to fill the empty place in their home and their life as quickly as possible, to get over it and to find a new pet.

Grief is a process of physical, emotional, social and cognitive reaction to
loss. An individual's recovery from loss is intrinsic to the person themselves and their relationship with their pet. Some people feel they should get another pet as soon as possible. If so, this is done out of love to the previous pet and the joy that a new puppy or kitten can bring and should not be tinged with guilt for having done so quickly. For others, years may pass before the time feels right to get a new animal. The loss may have been so overwhelming, that finding the emotional space for another pet seems almost impossible.

When considering a new pet, be sure you are prepared for the time and emotions needed. No animal could ever hope to replace the special relationship that was shared with a former pet, expecting this is simply unrealistic. However, every animal brings their uniqueness to a new home.