Moving On= Replacing? Bullshit!

[CofyCrakCocaine]

My parents are getting to be elderly. They just lost a pet a few months ago and they are still pretty heartbroken about it. I suggested they get another pet, a dog or a cat or even a fucking tadpole, and they won't hear any of it- saying how it's "disrespectful" to the previous pet to "replace" him with another pet. My brother thinks the same way- that he is somehow "disgracing the memory" of our old pet by having another one. Meanwhile, my parents' house has birthday cards shaped like cats, little cat statues in the kitchen, and all kinds of other cat accessories. Whenever I come to their place it feels pretty morbid. The fucking cat dishes are still sitting in the kitchen for all to see. It's been 3 months now.

Am I wrong for wanting to go straight to a shelter without telling anyone and dropping off a new pet at their doorstep? I'm sick of seeing these old people hanging out in what's turning into a big fucking mausoleum to a previous life. I'm sure if the dead animal was a person with a spirit it would say something like "keep on living, Guyssss" or some hokey shit like that. It wouldn't want them to sit around in self-perpetuating misery sighing about what used to be and never looking forward to tomorrow. Besides, doesn't it help old people having animals around- lowers their blood pressure or some shit?

[yojimbo7248]

I am in a similar situation. My parent's life revolves around their dog who is getting old and won't last for another year. They are in their late sixties and claim that this is their last pet. Their reasoning isn't the lack of respect for their current dog's memory but that they will not be able to deal with the death of another dog when they are pushing 80 years old.

13 years ago when the previous dog died, they said the same thing but bought a new dog anyway. When the current dog dies, if they don't buy a new puppy, I will. I know that it will be harder for them dealing with the death of a dog when they are in the late 70's but they have always had pets. Dogs have always been like family members and the benefits of having a new one in my parents life after this one goes outweigh the pain of dealing with its inevitable death.

I vote for going out and buying your parents a pet.

[Furtherman]

Do it.

I'm sure your parents come from the old school of "respecting" the dead and therefore have never thought it through that the dead are dead. Animal or person, it doesn't matter. They're gone and not looking to see if you "respect their memory".

Get them a new pet. They'll thank you for it.

Although there may be too many people who think a little suffering is good for how they are seen by others or "respecting" the dead, EVERYONE will eventually feel better when that feeling goes away.

Get them a new pet.


And smack your brother while you're at it. What is he? A little younger than your parents?

[Foster]

Getting someone else a pet is not a good idea.
They may not want another pet for many reasons, like the burden of
taking care of it.

[Freakshow]

I know some people believe that deceased pets will 'send' them another pet. I'm not sure if I believe all that, but I think it helps get over feeling like they are replacing their previous pet. I don't know if just getting them another pet is a good idea, but maybe you could research somebody at the shelter, find one with a good story and talk about them and get them interested, maybe?

[Friday]

When my dads cat died he swore he would never get another cat. After all, he was never a cat person to begin with. But he did develop an adorable relationship with Cuddles (who he inherited when my parents divorced).
So it didn't surprise me when a month after Cuddles died, he and his wife came home with a new kitten. They now have two and love them very much.

I don't think they would be replacing their previous buddy .... because there is no replacement for a pet that has been a companion for years. But considering how many homeless animals there are, it would benefit both sides if they were to adopt a new friend.

But you do also have to take their wishes into effect. So surprising them with an animal might not be the best way. Maybe.... accidentally coming across a ... ahem... "stray" or "abandoned" animal... or having to stop by a store that just happens to be next to an adoption center while they are along for the ride... :innocent:

[BinaryBimbo]

When my dads cat died he swore he would never get another cat. After all, he was never a cat person to begin with. But he did develop an adorable relationship with Cuddles (who he inherited when my parents divorced).
So it didn't surprise me when a month after Cuddles died, he and his wife came home with a new kitten. They now have two and love them very much.

I don't think they would be replacing their previous buddy .... because there is no replacement for a pet that has been a companion for years. But considering how many homeless animals there are, it would benefit both sides if they were to adopt a new friend.

But you do also have to take their wishes into effect. So surprising them with an animal might not be the best way. Maybe.... accidentally coming across a ... ahem... "stray" or "abandoned" animal... or having to stop by a store that just happens to be next to an adoption center while they are along for the ride... :innocent:

I like this approach the best; Hell even be blatent about your intent. Just make sure you get them into contact with another pet early and often. Do things like pick up a kitten from someone you know who will take it back if need be, and then tell your folks you just wanted to see if they wanted the cat before you had to drop it off at the 'Gas Chamber':ohmy:
Sooner or later they will find a new friend, and everyone will be happier.