When's the Right Time to Get Another?

Few life events are more painful than losing a pet. Companion animals bring so much fun and joy to our lives that no matter when they pass on, it's always too early. Some people cannot endure the emotional void left by a departed pet and immediately adopt another, but others have a difficult time processing the grief; the idea of experiencing such intense feelings again, along with other concerns, may keep them from investing their emotions in another.

Part of the Solution
Setting aside emotional pain for the greater good is a challenge many people face when deciding whether to get another pet. It's almost impossible to avoid the mass media marketing campaigns showcasing all the homeless animals waiting for adoptive families. Reducing this excessive population by just one may not make a big difference in a statistical sense, but it absolutely will make one to the life you save and help you deal with the pain by focusing your energy on the well-being of another companion.

Learning to Rebound

If your kids are reeling from the loss just as much as you are, this may be a perfect time to teach them how to process their emotions in a positive way. Let everyone mourn the animal's absence. Encourage talk about happy times together. Help them understand that getting another companion is not meant to replace their beloved family member. All this can take time to achieve, because each person deals with grief in his or her own way. Once the whole family is comfortable with the idea, have a group discussion to decide when to bring in a new pet.

Cost

The expense of having a companion animal can be quite high with an unexpected illness or accident. While pet insurance may be a good safeguard against some health issues, Consumer Reports says it generally costs more than it pays. The death of a pet can cause significant financial strain when vet care is required, which makes it difficult to ignore the reality of getting another pet right away. You may just need some time before you're ready to take on the costs of another pet.

Grieving of Other Family Pets

Companion animals who have established strong bonds with other family pets can express grief over the loss of those buddies. While the extra attention you give during this time helps a heartbroken animal feel more comforted, he still may display mournful behavior as lethargy, loss of appetite and whining. He may even search the house and yard for days after his friend is gone. While you may not be ready to add another companion animal to the family, doing so can help ease the pain of those fur kids who are also bereaved.

Originally written for and published by eHow