| Article 1: Pet Loss-when to get a new dog |
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Pet Loss - When to Get a New Dog
After your dog dies, you will go through a period of mourning.
Do not let anyone make you feel you are being foolish to act
bereaved. You have suffered a genuine loss. Ensure you visit and
talk to people who understand your situation. If someone has
never had or loved a pet, they will not be able to fully
comprehend how or what you feel.
In time, you will be ready to pick a new dog to befriend, a new
family member. Do not feel guilty. You are not replacing a
beloved dog. You know that is impossible. It is why you should
never choose a dog immediately after your loss. Your new dog is
a completely different soul. While your dog may have similar
characteristics, he or she is not the same dog. You are not
attempting to forget your old friends. You are giving a good
home to a new one.
You should not get a dog under the following circumstances:
1. Immediately after the death of the old one. You will probably
feel guilty. You may not be in the right frame of mind.
2. If the dog looks exactly like your old one. This may be
counterproductive. It can be harmful to both you and the new
dog. You will expect, even subconsciously the same reactions,
behavior and nature. This dog has its own personality. It is not
fair to make it live in the shadow of another.
3. Do not go looking for a pet, if you are still sad. Your moods
will effect the behavior of the animal. It is hard for a puppy
to continue to be happy when you are upset constantly. If you
burst into tears every time you see the new dog, you are not
ready. It is not a healthy atmosphere for either you or the new
dog. Wait until your are through this stage of mourning.
4. The same thing applies if your family is still grieving. It
is not fair to the new dog to come into such an atmosphere. In
some instances, members of the family may reject the new dog.
This is harmful to both you and your family. Wait until everyone
is on the same page. You need to welcome the new dog
whole-heartedly into all aspects of your life.
5. Do not bring a dog into your home is you are going to
consistently compare it to its predecessor. If this dog is a
puppy, it is a new and fresh slate. It has its own personality.
It has its own characteristics. It will be better in this and
worse in that than your former pet. It is NOT a clone. It is not
a carbon copy. It is a unique individual. It deserves better
than a constant comparison in which he or she always falls
short. This dog is not the other dog. He or she will never be
the other dog. Until you can accept this fact, do not bring
another dog into your home. It is simply unfair to all involved
parties.
You will know when you are ready to bring home a new dog and
accept him or her totally as an integral part of your life. Do
not let anyone push you into it. Move through the grieving
process at your own pace. When you are truly ready to embrace
the life of a new dog, you will know.
Article written by Calvin Carter of
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