The death of a dog, cat, rabbit or other pet is a serious event in your life and in the life of your family. Many people think about adopting a new pet immediately after the loss of their companion animal. This is often as a response to their grief and sense of loss--a way to try to fill the hole the loss of their pet has created in their lives. While there are thousands of companion animals waiting to be adopted in shelters and rescues, don't adopt before you have time to grieve the loss of the deceased animal.
Instructions
1. Take time to grieve the loss of your pet. Your pet was a part of your family and you must deal with the emotions of loss before you are ready to move forward with adopting a new pet.
2. Have a memorial service or funeral for the deceased pet. This will provide the closure you need in your grief.
3. Think about and discuss with the rest of the family what kind of pet you want to add to your family. Do not try to replace your deceased pet. Even if you adopt the same species, same breed, same gender and same color as the pet you lost, the new pet will be an individual and should not be expected to behave as your deceased pet did.
4. Visit pet adoption websites on-line. Visit local animal shelters and rescues. Meet lots of different pets.
5. Take your time in choosing a new pet. Realize that you are committing to an animal being part of your family for as long as 20 years in many instances.
6. Be prepared for the changes the new pet may bring to your family. Living with a rambunctious puppy or playful kitten is going to be different from sharing your home with a senior dog or cat.
7. Stock up on the supplies your pet will need before you bring him home.
8. Bring your new pet home and again remember not to expect the new pet to replace the one that was lost. Do not impose any expectations on your new animal based upon your deceased pet's behavior or personality.
9. Establish a schedule for your new pet that fits the individual pet's needs. It may be different from the schedule you followed for your deceased pet.
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