Getting a new pet is never the easiest thing in the world to get used to. The potty training, the process of having it spade or neutered, and then there is the whole declawing debate. Bringing a new pet home in some ways is just as difficult as having a new baby (except of course for the labor pains). Once you’ve got over the hump and your new pet has gotten used to it’s surroundings along with learning the rules of the house, it’s nothing but clear skies ahead. Until sadly you turn around to find that the years have passed and nature has taken it’s course.

Losing a pet is just as hard if not harder than getting one. The major differences of course are the memories they leave behind. Now some will tell you that the best way to get over the loss of a pet is to jump right back on that horse and go searching for a new one. We’ve all known pet lovers that seem to move from one animal to the next with the greatest of easy as if they have a revolving pet door installed somewhere in their homes. The second a pet moves on, along comes another.

Then there are those that can’t handle the loss of their beloved friend and simply decide to never own a pet ever again. Sure they still consider themselves pet lovers, but the heartache caused by their loss is just too much to bare and so they never give it another go.

Most people I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with fall into a third category. Once a  cherished pet moves on to greener pastures, they immediately begin a morning period that lasts as long as a few years or as short as just a couple of months. When asked if they will ever own a pet they smile and guarantee it, but not until the time feels right.

And that’s what it really comes down to.  When the time feels right to get a new pet, that’s when you’ll take that first step towards pet-hood again. It may happen on the way home as you are being passed by a puppy with its head out the window. It could be something that flashes across the TV screen during a fabric softener commercial. No matter what though just be patient, allow yourself time to grieve for your loss, and remember that no matter what happens the memories you made will last a lifetime.