Loving a New Pet after the Last Pet Has Died

Loving a Pet

From as early on as I can remember, I have always connected with animals. My first pet was an orphaned lamb, Mary. I was obsessed with horses and fascinated with butterflies, frogs and caterpillars – any creatures that found their way into my world.

Loving animals inevitably means at some point you have to say goodbye. Now, when I see people and the beautiful bond they have with their pets, my first thought is of the grief that lies ahead.

The Healing Process

Ever since my beautiful dogs Max and Blaze passed on, I have not been able to bring myself to consider another furry companion to share my world. But, over the past few months, I have been spending time with a little dog, Hugo. He came into my life unexpectedly and stays with me when his persons’ work commitments take them away from home. I find life often has a way of intervening when I need it the most, and Hugo is no exception.

Hugo is the sweetest boy. He loves cuddles and melts my heart when he looks at me with his soulful, brown eyes.

His affectionate and cheeky personality sparks memories of Max and Blaze. Grabbing the lead in his mouth as we head off for a walk. Sleeping in front of the fire, getting tucked under his blanket during the cold winter days and nights and making cute sounds when he gets a head or belly rub. Hugo also loves to steal my socks, flipping them in the air and then snatching them quickly before I get a chance to pick them up.

He is like a little shadow, following me everywhere I go – it doesn’t matter what I am doing, as long as he is with me, he is content. Memories of Blaze and Max make me long for times when they were still in my life. But with Hugo, those wistful thoughts are mixed with happiness and laughter – his playful energy and love for life brightens my day.

Growing around Grief

Lois Tonkin’s model of grief resonates with me. Grief doesn’t shrink. It doesn’t go away. Once again, I must grow around my grief.

As I move forward with Max and Blaze fully in my heart, I am mindful that I need to allow love, hope and happiness into my world again.

Diagram Reference: Growing Around Grief – Whats your Grief

Veronica Crawford

Veronica Crawford is a writer, Reiki Practitioner and passionate animal welfare advocate. She has extensive experience working within the employment and homeless sectors and has seen first-hand the devastating impact grief can have on people’s lives. Veronica well understands the challenges of navigating the rollercoaster of grief. In 2011 her brother transitioned after a car accident and the past five years has seen the passing of her pet sheep Marlon, Bilbo Baggins, Womble and more recently her adored dogs Max (Jack Russell, 19 years old) and Blaze (Kelpie, 15 years old). She continues to adjust to life without Carl and her beloved pets and finds writing and sharing her grief journey with others helps with the healing process. Veronica’s writing has featured in the Bestselling 365 Book Series - 365 Ways to Connect with your Soul, 365 moments of Grace, 365 Life Shifts, 365 Soulful Messages -The Right Guidance at the Right Time, Goodness Abounds and Soul Biz due out early 2022. She has also had articles published in The Pearson Education Comet Magazine, Brainwash Magazine, Wild Sister magazine and on the Soul Speak blog.