Losing A Pet: How To Move On With A New Companion

Pets are family and are often the ones who love us most when the world feels like it’s full of hate. Unfortunately, animals are never meant to be with us throughout the entirety of our lives. If you are a pet person, you will lose a companion at some point, and it may feel as though this devastation will leave you pet-less forever. However, the truth is that most of us do bring home a new companion at some point. So here are some tips from Spiritpet Urns to help ease you through this emotional transition.

The immediate impact

The loss of a pet is a heartbreak that we know we will inevitably experience, but we are rarely ever ready. When your best furry friend crosses over the Rainbow Bridge, don’t rush directly to the shelter. Give yourself time to grieve, and take advantage of pet bereavement resources. Moving forward with a new pet too quickly may only amplify your loss and leave you less able to bond with your animal, which you may see as an obligation instead of an enhancement to your life.

When it’s time

When you know that you are ready, spend some time getting your home prepared for a new arrival. Start by clearing out your former companion’s personal belongings. While it’s healthy to hold on to some keepsakes, their toys, bed, and food bowls are only reminders of what you’ve lost. Plan to invest in new supplies for your upcoming family member, including things like cat towers or a high quality indoor doghouse.

Next, do what you can to eliminate animal odors. This is especially important if you have had another dog that previously lived in the home, as dogs tend to mark their territory and they do so based on the odors they detect as they explore. You’ve likely already vacuumed multiple times since your pet passed, but take that a step further and call in a professional to clean your carpets and furniture. Simply search Angi for “upholstery near me,” then make sure you browse ratings and customer testimonials and, if possible, get an estimate.

Upholstered furniture and curtains, which also hold on to odors, should be thoroughly cleaned as well. Open the windows as often as possible and don’t be shy about using an air purifier or blacklight to further reduce lingering scents and help you spot old urine stains, respectively.

The bonding begins

The first thing to remember here is that your new animal will not be the same as your former sidekick. They will have different mannerisms and an altogether unique personality. But rest assured that, despite your bond with the one you lost, you will form a lasting friendship with your new four-legged family member.

Great Pet Care explains that the dog/human bond has existed for more than 15,000 years. As such, your love will come naturally, but there are things you can do to make it a more enriching experience.

Plan to spend as much time with your dog or cat as soon as they come home. Do things with them, including getting down on the floor to play and sharing quiet moments at the end of a busy day. More importantly, you also want to remember that they are learning to bond with you while you learn to bond with them. Be patient and let them come around in their own time, especially if they were an abused rescue.

Bringing home a new furry family member is an intimidating thought after the loss of a pet. But when you crave the love and attention that only an animal can provide, you will eventually expand your home and heart once again. But remember: don’t rush and take your time to prepare for this new journey together.

Spiritpet Urns understands how tough it is for pet owners to overcome the sadness of losing their pets. Hence, we believe that it is only fair that you buy cremation pet urns to emphasize their importance in your life.