If you feel ready to adopt over the holiday season, please consider a shelter dog/cat/creature. A blessing for all. Watch video at left if you have any doubt
When You are Ready to Welcome a New Friend
When those grieving animal companions are approached by well meaning individuals who urge them to quickly "adopt another cat/dog/horse etc", they are often upset by this callous suggestion. Your reaction is completely understandable as such comments feel invalidating to the importance and uniqueness of your lost friend's life. In the human world, we would never make such a statement to someone who had just lost a partner, sibling, child or friend.
Some people decide they will never again risk the devastation of losing a beloved pet and vow their life with animals is over. And they wonder how others who have just endured a similar loss could possibly consider adopting at this time. Is that not somehow disloyal or disrespectful to their deceased companion's life?
Loving animals and bonding deeply with them is a privileged capacity. Once touched by an animal's life, the absence echoes acutely, profoundly and nothing else can fulfill that specific longing. While those who never experience the incredibly magic of life with these blessed beings are indeed spared this pain, they are also denied an aspect of joy that makes life worth living!
Celebrate the capacity and connection which allows your spirit to embrace earth's creatures so fully! And do not deny yourself their presence based on a belief that it could be disloyal to your departed friend. There is no other way to so honor your deceased companion's life than by giving a new chance to another of his brethern.
Animals are in desperate need of homes. Do not think that because you live in a small space you would not be a worthy steward. What is better? Your tiny apartment or the concrete floor of a jail cell pound that will surely lead to a lonely and preventable death. These sweet creatures did not ask to be born and want only to love and be with you.
But yes, you must be ready to undertake this journey with no expectation that the relationship will be the same, but as unique as the new friend with whom you choose to share your life.
When you are ready, below are reputable organizations who would gladly make the introduction. You will be saving a life and adding joy to your own. Meanwhile, even a tiny donation to one of these worthy organizations may maintain hope for those creatures who wait.