I posted the following in another thread. But, since all of us are pet owners, it occurred to me that many others may benefit from reading the gist of a conversation I had with my sister. Here's the condensed version:
I put all the cat stuff away and resolved myself to not getting another one. At least for a long time to come.
My sister suffered a loss like this when her dog passed years ago. She had some interesting things to say on the subject of loss and grief.
She told me to take the cat stuff back out of storage since hiding them will not diminish any grief but, will add guilt to the grief due to trying to erase the existence of a lost loved one.
She also said that it's ridiculous and selfish to decide against ever getting another pet. If owning a pet brings you joy, why would you not want to get another life to share that joy with. The new pet is not a replacement for the lost one. It's simply another friend to be with instead of being alone. And, it's OK to continue to grieve for your lost pet. But, wouldn't it be easier to face that grief with a warm purring ball of fur in your arms?
And, why would you want to deny the happiness Misha enjoyed, after her rescue from the shelter, with another pet that is desperately searching for that very same happiness.
My sister's words struck several chords in me. Besides, this house lately feels too damn big and quiet.
I put all the cat stuff away and resolved myself to not getting another one. At least for a long time to come.
My sister suffered a loss like this when her dog passed years ago. She had some interesting things to say on the subject of loss and grief.
She told me to take the cat stuff back out of storage since hiding them will not diminish any grief but, will add guilt to the grief due to trying to erase the existence of a lost loved one.
She also said that it's ridiculous and selfish to decide against ever getting another pet. If owning a pet brings you joy, why would you not want to get another life to share that joy with. The new pet is not a replacement for the lost one. It's simply another friend to be with instead of being alone. And, it's OK to continue to grieve for your lost pet. But, wouldn't it be easier to face that grief with a warm purring ball of fur in your arms?
And, why would you want to deny the happiness Misha enjoyed, after her rescue from the shelter, with another pet that is desperately searching for that very same happiness.
My sister's words struck several chords in me. Besides, this house lately feels too damn big and quiet.
