Pet less and so many mixed feelings

[KBC]

Last week our little, indeterminate age, rescue dog, passed very suddenly, without warning. Over the last two years I had to sell my horse, because of finances, we lost our old dog, it was just his time, our cat to cancer, and now this.

I do not remember the last time we didn’t have at least one horse and one pet, many times we had multiples of each. Now there are so many ouch moments, when you hold the door open for your shadow to follow you, when you come home from the barn and there is only DH to welcome you, no snuggles on the couch, each one stings a little bit

BUT

We went to the city the other day, and did not have to worry about getting home. I have to go to the next city over next week, for a hospital check up, husband wanted to maybe stay overnight, well I guess now it’s possible. We are indoors looking at the Arctic weather out there, and no one is sad that we don’t have to go walk.

I don’t know how I feel about living petless, I’m in my late 60’s, DH mid 70’s, I guess we wait until spring and see what happens. I did wonder about volunteering to be a foster dog parent, might follow up on that thought.

Just feeling a bit off kilter and ungrounded and sad right now.

[Bearx2]

@KBC

I don’t know how I feel about living petless, I’m in my late 60’s, DH mid 70’s, I guess we wait until spring and see what happens. I did wonder about volunteering to be a foster dog parent, might follow up on that thought.

First of all hugs to you! Losing pets is hard and the grief you feel is so real! Fostering is a great way to have animals in the house and even if it’s not the right pet for you are helping those animals gain the skills they need to get adopted into forever homes .

[cayuse]

I’m sorry for your loss KBC. Maybe when the time is right you could foster a cat? No freezing winter walks with a cat and they are happy enough left alone over night once in awhile.

[4horses]

Maybe a cat would be easier? I hate an empty house and like walking in and getting greeted by friendly faces.

[furlong47]

I agree that maybe just a cat(s) might be a good option. I love dogs more, but cats just fit my lifestyle better. I’m often away from the house most of the day or even for the night/weekend, and as long as certain things are prepared such as extra food/litter, my cat can take care of himself for longer periods, unlike a dog. Fostering dogs could be an option too because you would (in theory) have them for shorter periods and could take breaks in between dogs if you wanted. Or maybe just take a pet break for a few months. I only keep one big pet at a time, so I usually do this when one passes so I can take some longer trips etc without having to worry about care. When I feel ready, usually about 6-8 months, I start looking for the next one.

[2DogsFarm]

So sorry for your losses.
A local shelter here has a Seniors for Seniors program that places dogs & cats to anyone 55+ free. Neutered, tested - FeLu/FIV, dogs? - & microchipped.
I just adopted a 2nd cat from this program.
Not sure I could foster I get attached pretty quick.
But if you can, it’s a wonderful way for pets to get out of a shelter environment, no matter how luxe that might be.

[KBC]

That might be something to explore here!

[2DogsFarm]

Forgot to add:
This shelter considers 6yo a Sr animal.
1st cat I got from them was 10, 2nd is 6.
Lost #1 to kidney issues after just a year, so it really felt more like a long-term foster.
#2 they considered a Foster to Adopt because he’d already been returned twice for litterbox problems. As explained to me his “high stream” would miss the box.
So far, a month in, a covered box seems to be the answer. Though he also.uses my original box & so far, so good.

[shiloh]

I’m so sorry for your losses. And I get that it’s hard to walk into an empty house and no happy furry little faces are there to greet you. I’m like you - I don’t know what I would do without a pet. I think you will be lucky and the right cat or dog will appear. Just like Enzo appeared after Braam.

[luvmyhackney]

I’m so sorry for your loss.

I wouldn’t make any big decisions right now, just process where you are and really communicate with DH to see what you both want.

[NancyM]

You need to get two kittens, out of the same litter. At least two. The spca will be happy to see you walk in the door. And you will be happy too.

[TWH_Girl]

Agree on kittens or two bonded cats. so much love, snuggles and entertainment lol.
Loving animals and people is hard because we all die at some point. It’s the hardest part of life. The only remedy is more love

[cayuse]

I think you are right! The right one is just out there waiting for the right time.

[KBC]

I totally believe in that. We bought Badger, the JRT, as a pup, but everyone else for ever, have just ended up with us, the dumped, the last straw, the thrown out of a moving car….maybe my purpose is to love the “unlovable” for some of their life…

DH is out, the house is silent….so weird.

[cayuse]

Aww, they look so happy, and look at that little adorable face. Most of my animals have shown up via fate. They all worked out None were perfect and some where very far from it, but all were loved. Fingers crossed for you that someone is “waiting in the wings” for their moment to appear.