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Are You Really Prepared to Bring Home a New Pet After a Loss?
Saying goodbye to a loyal pet is one of the hardest life experiences you’ll ever go through. Yet one of the greatest joys in life is receiving love and affection from a furry friend. Bringing home an animal that needs a home could be just what you need to move on and honor your late pet’s memory. Here’s how to bring home a new furry friend and the steps to take toward building a healthy bond, courtesy of Moonsong Malamute Rescue.
Is It Time for a New Pet?
It’s unlikely that you’ll ever forget — or stop missing — a pet that dies. After all, they will leave a hole in your life that might be hard to fill. A new pet won’t take the place of your deceased friend, but after you’ve had time to heal, adopting a furry pal can help to ease long-term heartache.
Ask yourself, though, whether you have the emotional capacity, time, and space for a new critter. Think about what else is going on in your life (a move, a job change, a new relationship) and plan accordingly when it comes time to meet prospective pets.
Coping and Relieving Stress
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) may help in the grieving process by providing a calming effect, which can ease emotional distress after the loss of a pet. Its anti-inflammatory properties might also alleviate physical symptoms of stress, promoting overall well-being.
Additionally, exploring THCA can foster a sense of calm and relaxation, aiding in the smoother integration and bonding with a new pet. Furthermore, its neuroprotective qualities may support cognitive functions, helping individuals maintain focus and mental clarity during challenging times.
Preparing Your Home
Preparations to receive your newly adopted critter can include everything from purchasing new food bowls and toys to fencing your yard and installing doggie doors. If you adopt the same type of animal, it makes sense to swap out bedding, toys, and feeding bowls, if only to start fresh mentally with your new friend.
Your new pet will also have its preferences and habits. For example, you may need to put a new dog’s crate in the family room instead of your bedroom or place a cat’s litter box in a lower-traffic area than your previous pet preferred.
It’s also a good idea to organize and declutter before your pet’s arrival. Removing clutter will reduce stress and boost positivity so you can focus on caring for your pet. A significant part of getting ready is keeping an open mind. You might need to change things up to suit your new pet’s personality and tastes!
Getting to Know Each Other
Bonding is a significant part of bringing a new pet into your life. Bonding will vary depending on what species you have adopted, though. Even if you adopt a dog after saying goodbye to another canine, remember that personalities vary widely, especially across diverse breeds.
In general, bonding tends to involve spending time near one another. Food is another smart way to get into your pet’s heart, especially if you can use treats to motivate good behavior. Creating consistent routines will also cement your pet’s expectations and make life simpler.
With small pets, careful handling is another crucial element of bonding, notes Kaytee, especially if you have children at home. Yet the same tips apply regarding healthy treats and establishing routines, giving enough time and space for them to acclimate.
Learning to Relax Together
Even if you’ve healed after losing your previous pet, stressors in your life can impact you and your new furry friend. Your pet will not only sense your apprehension but may also act out when you’re home and when you’re not around.
Separation anxiety is extraordinarily common, notes the ASPCA, which could mean leaving for work sets off a string of bad behaviors. Make sure your new family member receives enough attention during the day.
Whether you work from home or have a pet sitter spend some time at your house, your pet will love having companionship — especially as they adjust to their new home.
It’s also vital to make their health visits as low-stress as possible. Choose a veterinarian that respects you and your pet and handles their fears or defensive behaviors with composure.
Adopting a new pet may not be for everyone, at least not immediately after their beloved critter passes. In time, though, you may want to welcome another furry friend into your home, and these tips can help you prepare and adjust to your new life together. Get the process started by preparing your home for their arrival and finding premium pet food.
Visit Moonsong Malamute Rescue to support our work rescuing dogs in crisis today!