When to get another pet

How long have people here waited before getting a pet after you have had to put one to sleep?

We had a 2 year old pup who was killed in a car accident. We went out right away to find another one, but my mother was too emotional to choose one. So we didn't bother and time just went by with no new dog. Then my grandmother moved in with my parents, with her dog.

However, before my mother passed away, she told me that she always wished that she had gotten another puppy.

So, I say, go ahead and get a new kitty as soon as you can see through the tears to choose one. It will not be a replacement for Snoopy, because cats are each different and loveable in their own way. But it will be a companion that needs your love and care too. And if you rescue one from the Humane Society, that will really be an act of love.

Actually I was at the pound last week looking for help with Snoopy and between that and seeing the other cats at the vet, it was kinda hard not to wanna snatch one! :tounge2: Snoopy's roomate was a hefty grey cat who had a mild temperment and would stick his/her paw out the cage and try and play with me while I was feeding Snoopy, so while I didn't do anything I wasn't supposed to do, I petted the grey cat.

Gawd I'd never make a good employee of a vet, I'd be too busy playing with cats!

I agree that it is up to the individual. When my cat, Squirt, was lost, the Humane Society adviced waiting 6 months before adopting another. Luckily, I found my Squirt after 2 weeks and never had to make the decision.

It is up to the individual....I think that is correct, as well.


Angel died in December and a few weeks later, my mother adopted Cleo. She wasn't sure if she could do it, but I believe that it was very thereputic for her to have another one to love. Does she miss Angel? OF COURSE! We ALL still miss her terribly! Cleo doesn't "replace" Angel....she is her own individual and my mother loves her, too. My mother has said that it isn't Cleo's fault Angel is gone and Cleo needs a home and love just like everyone else.

I think you just have to listen to your gut feeling. One pet naturally cannot replace another, but whenever you feel you are able to shower love on another pet and accept it as a unique individual is the time. Particularly if it's a shelter animal that is waiting for a good home.

When Su died i wanted a kitten right away. There just wasnt enough cats in the house.

Since I don't go out and find them, they find me it usually happens within a day of one passing before another one shows up like magic. Sometimes, I think they were sent intentionally to help both of us through our grief. I know I told you this in another thread Cabbie, but I am again so sorry for your loss of Snoopy.

I think I would go out right away.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Cabbie.

Like everyone else has said, it's up to the individual. Your heart will tell you what to do, and you'll know when you're ready. In the meantime, we're here for hugs if you need them.