When Is the Right Time to Adopt a New Pet after the Loss of a Beloved Companion?
How do we know the time is right to adopt a new pet in the aftermath of loss? If only there were an answer to this tough question.
There is no way to sugarcoat it – losing a beloved pet is an immensely painful experience. It can take weeks, months, or even years for the pain to diminish, as any devoted pet owner understands. As the adage goes, our pets give us some of the best moments of our lives and one of the very worst – yet despite this inevitable sorrow, many of us pet lovers choose to embark on the pet parenthood journey again and again, welcoming a new pet into our lives to help fill the void left by those who have passed. It is a testament to the strength of the bond we share with our faithful companions.
If you have lost a beloved pet and are considering adopting another, I suggest asking yourself these questions:
Am I emotionally ready to adopt a new pet? For some pet lovers, adopting a new furry friend soon after a loss helps them to heal – others need time to process their loss before taking on the responsibility of a new pet. Only you know whether your heart is ready to adopt again.
Is this pet the right fit for my home, or am I acting quickly to fill the void? Anyone who has loved and lost a pet can attest to the fact that it is impossible to replace our beloved dog or cat. When adopting again, it is important to take your time to find the right breed and pet personality for your household – avoid the temptation of adopting the first pet you find to fill the void, as you may end up regretting your impulse decision.
Do I have the time and energy to help a new pet acclimate right now? Grief is exhausting, so it is crucial to spend time for yourself before adding a new family member. Remember that puppies require a lot of time and patience, and all dogs and cats need your time and attention as they learn the ropes of their new family and home.
There is no universal answer to the question of when a grieving pet owner should adopt again, but if you take your time, do your research, and listen to your heart, you will likely find it rewarding – and healing – to give a home to a new dog or cat. And what better tribute is there to the one we lost?
I have several friends who were left so shattered by the death of a pet that they decided not to adopt again. They pet sit or foster instead and enjoy the freedom to easily travel. In 2017, I knew my 16-year-old Chihuahua, Sasha, was declining fast – and I knew I wouldn’t be the only one devastated when she passed. My other Chihuahua, Eli, was her faithful companion and I feared the toll her death would take on him. After a lot of soul searching, I decided to adopt a new dog while Sasha was still with me. And while it was no small feat to care for an ailing dog while also acclimating a new one, it was one of the best decisions I made. When I lost my beloved Quigley recently, I was riddled with grief and decided to set a PetFinder alert several weeks after he passed, thinking it would take many months to find my next perfect dog. 48 hours (about 2 days) later, tiny Corey popped up in my search. This sweet creature spoke to me, but I resisted the urge to make a rash decision; I asked his foster mom about 100 questions, slept on the decision, and waited until I was ready to adopt him. The time and consideration paid off – Corey fit so well and made such a seamless transition into my household that it is as if his predecessor picked him for me.
No matter when you choose to adopt (or not adopt), there are plenty of ways to get your pet fix and help your heart mend.