Navigating Responsible Rehoming
Grief surrounding our bonds with pets transcends the final moments; it intertwines with life-altering events like injuries, diagnoses, and the challenging decision to rehome a beloved companion responsibly. In this blog, I aim to unravel the delicate layers of responsible rehoming, where guilt, shame, and grief often converge. This form of grief is often disenfranchised, as pet parents hide their pain, fearing societal judgment.
We all envision a lifetime commitment when we bring a pet into our lives. However, unforeseen circumstances and life challenges can lead to heart-wrenching decisions. As an animal communicator, I've witnessed the multifaceted nature of these choices and their impact on both pet parents and their animal companions.
Personal Insights: A Window into Responsible Rehoming
My journey with responsible rehoming began seven years ago when, faced with my dad's dementia and care home transition, we had to find a new home for his dog, Anouk. Animal communication played a pivotal role, providing insights and comfort during this challenging time. One of the nurses at the hospital who cared for my dad was the one who adopted Anouk, and he regularly shared updates that eased my dad's and my heart.
This is an all too common scenario involving seniors and how they need to surrender their pets due to housing restrictions in senior or care homes or needing hospitalization or moving into hospice. Animal communication has been a source of comfort for both the pet, person and family in these transitions.
Diverse Reasons for Responsible Rehoming
The decision to responsibly rehome a pet is influenced by various circumstances, each unique. Examples include financial changes, unknown severe allergies that develop, needing to move to pet-restricted places or mismatched expectations between the pet and person/family.
I've encountered cases where a client facing financial struggles was guided by their dog to embrace a fresh start by going back to their home country. In another instance, a cat, rehomed due to a child's severe asthma, asked to have a new home where he would be near horses.
Some animals have even shared that they wanted new families and jobs as their purpose in their current situation was complete.
End-of-life planning, changes in family dynamics (marriage, birth, divorce, death), and housing restrictions in a move are among the many personal reasons that lead to this difficult decision. Recognizing that not all relationships are lifelong commitments and unexpected life circumstances may necessitate new tough choices. These decisions are hard, and the people I have met have struggled to make them.
Navigating Grief: Supporting Yourself During The Process Of Responsible Rehoming.
Acknowledge Your Grief: Allow yourself to feel the emotions associated with the loss, recognizing grieving as a natural process.
Reflect On Your Decision: Understand the courage behind admitting that a different environment may be better for your pet. Reflect on the reasons with self-compassion.
Animals Have Their Purpose and Own Journey: We have a purpose, reason, and season together. Animals are resilient, and they have smoother transitions by understanding why a new environment and their perspective are needed.
This Is Your Personal Decision: Ignore judgment from others as they do not know your unique circumstances. Only you understand your situation and relationship. Share your feelings only with those you feel safe to share and who can offer support.
Experiencing Relief Is OK: Feelings of relief are normal and healthy. It signifies a release from the ongoing stress of thinking about making the decision. Making the decision now leads you to action to find the right new home.
Thank Your Pet: Acknowledge the timeline you were together.
Welcome Happiness: Acknowledge that your pet is bringing joy to another family.
Navigating the Aftermath
As you navigate the aftermath of responsible rehoming, prioritize self-kindness and compassion. Seek support when needed and understand that your grief has its own timeline. Over time, you'll work through your emotions around it and make sense of this life-changing experience. Remember, your feelings are valid, and whatever emotions arise, remember honouring them is part of your healing process.
Do You Need Support in Your Situation?
Finding understanding and support is essential during the challenging choice of responsibly rehoming your beloved animal. As a certified grief specialist, I offer Grief Support Sessions tailored to provide you with the compassionate support you need and learn the messages from your pet as you navigate your rehoming journey.
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