After saying goodbye to a beloved pet, some people find themselves unable to welcome another one into their lives.
Everyone has their own reasons, but for many, it’s because they can’t bear to imagine going through the pain of another farewell.
Sometimes, however, opinions within the family are divided. One person may be ready to adopt again, while another feels it’s still too painful.
At our store, we’ve met customers who truly want another pet but choose not to, out of respect for family members who aren’t ready.
For those in this situation, we’d like to offer a new perspective—
an alternative way of thinking that might help you and your family feel ready to open your hearts and home to a pet again.
When Someone Says They Can’t Have Another Pet — and How to Respond
The belief that a pet in heaven might feel jealous, or that it would be disrespectful to them
Some people hesitate to welcome a new pet because they worry that the one who has passed away might feel jealous.
They feel it would be wrong to move forward if their heart shifts toward the new pet, as if it would mean forgetting the one in heaven.
My trusted veterinarian once told me:
“A living pet might get jealous, but a pet in heaven will not. In fact, they would be happy for you.”
This veterinarian has cared for many dogs and cats and has been with them until their final moments many times. They have also witnessed the experiences of countless pet owners in all kinds of situations. I believe these words reflect what they have learned and felt over the years.
So, it seems we don’t need to worry about a pet in heaven feeling jealous.
I can’t keep a pet because saying goodbye is too painful.
I was talking to a friend of mine. She told me that she used to have a dog.
But she couldn’t forget the sadness she felt when it died, and since then, she’s been unable to keep a pet.
There are many people who feel the same way.
Some of our customers have asked us to make cushions for them because they can no longer keep their pets.
We’d like to introduce you to a customer who created commemorative items because they could no longer keep their pet.
However, I’ve heard that not getting another pet because you don’t want to get hurt is being selfish on the part of the owner.
For example, it’s a waste to think that you won’t get into another relationship after a breakup because you don’t want to get hurt.
You grow as a person through various relationships and experiences. Similarly, your life becomes richer as you meet and part with various pets.
If the reason you can’t get another pet is because you don’t want to get hurt or because partings are painful, why not reconsider and prioritize your pet rather than yourself?
How to Persuade Your Family to Welcome a New Pet
In order to bring a new pet into the family, everyone’s agreement is essential.
If even one person is not yet ready, it’s best to wait a little longer.
“Have you already forgotten them?”
“There’s no replacement for them.”
If even one family member still feels this way, it will be difficult to move forward with adopting a new pet. So, how can you help that person feel ready?
The key is to show them that everyone still loves the pet who passed away. Take time together as a family to reaffirm the love you all had — and still have — for your beloved pet.
Look through old photos, share stories and memories, display their pictures in your home, or even celebrate their birthday.
By doing this, the hearts of those still grieving can slowly begin to heal. They’ll realize that the pet in heaven will never be forgotten, that everyone still loves them, and always will.
This reassurance can bring comfort, help preserve cherished memories forever, and eventually ease the pain of pet loss.
Reference article: Problems faced by family members after losing a pet and how to deal with them
