How to Know When It's Time to Get Another Pet

It may be difficult to know how long after the death of a pet you should get another one. The answer is different for every human as we all grieve differently and for various lengths of time. Look at the reasons you want another dog in your life. Make sure you want one for the right reasons and not just because you are lonely.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Food
• Toys

1. Talk with other family members and see how they feel about your getting a new pet.

2. Volunteer at your local shelter, walking the dogs or taking care of the other animals, if you can do this without too many tears perhaps you are ready. Local shelter all across America are always in need of good volunteers with plenty of experience with animals, and you would be helping and caring for other animals while you deal with your grief.

3. Become a foster parent for an animal rescue organization. This entails bringing an animal into your home for a few weeks or months, training the dog, and giving him lots of love so that he can be adopted. Helping an animal in need may just help you deal with your grief.

4. When you can be around other dogs and give them the care, they need, and the love they crave without crying, perhaps it is time to get a new dog. Never look at this as getting a replacement dog, because this is not fair to the deceased dog. You are simply adopting a new friend and this is not a decision to be taken lightly.

Tips & Warnings

• A new dog may look the same, but have a different personality, so never expect a new dog to act or be just the same.
• Never let anyone dictate to you when it is the right time to get a new dog.