Photo by BRUNO CERVERA on Unsplash
This article first appeared on Divorced Moms and has been republished with permission.
As we all know, getting a divorce is an incredibly draining and stressful process. It can literally feel as if the rug has been pulled out from under your feet.
Yet, when the dust settles, it likewise is a period of opportunity, an opportunity to attempt new things and put yourself first. When a marriage ends, you must rediscover who you are and what you want out of life now that you’re living a Plan B.
If you’re looking for a new love interest, one who will be forever loyal, love you no matter what and help you through those times of stress, loneliness and sadness after divorce, visit your local shelter. Rescue a dog or cat who will, in turn, rescue you from the dreaded negative side of post-divorce life.
Think about it this way, you can give a home to a being who has gone through something like you and are also looking for their “Plan B.”
If you are looking for genuine unconditional love and support, a rescue pet is the correct choice for you!
Here are 4 reasons you should adopt a pet after divorce.
- The healing power of an animal’s love is phenomenal.
- And your pet wouldn’t fret on the off chance that you eat an entire tub of frozen yogurt for lunch, or that you couldn’t be bothered with taking a shower on any given day.
- A rescue pet will remain close by, loving you for precisely who you are. You never have to worry about not being enough, if you’ve got love to give, they’ll always return it.
- A rescue pet will be relentless in his/her loyalty to you. They’ll follow you to the ends of the earth and, to the bathroom too!
Pets are a big responsibility but, you won’t regret it.
You may be thinking that the last thing you need after going through a divorce is to take on a new responsibility. Especially if you have kids. The last thing you may want to do is bring into the house, another being to take care of.
Yes, it’s a time-consuming responsibility but, I can tell you from personal experience that a new pet is worth the effort.
When I divorced, I adopted two Chihuahuas. The last breed of dog I ever thought I’d care about owning but, those dogs saved my life. They gave me something to worry over, fret over, love on and take into consideration other than the miserable turn my life had taken.
They were the silver lining behind the dark cloud I had been living under. Yes, there was Vet expenses and potting training and walking them daily but, the time I spent being showered with love by them and loving them made all that seem unimportant.
And pets are an excuse to have a bit of fun.
You can dress them up in T-Shirts and sweatshirts and, frilly dresses. You can put antlers on them for the holidays. I would take photos of them, even started an Instagram account in their names.
I would send photos off to CanvasPop and have art made from them. I have 2, 12×16 canvases hanging in my bedroom of my girls. Since they’ve been gone, those pet portraits keep me company and spur such wonderful memories of the 2 rescue pups that saved my life so many years ago.
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Here are 7 other reasons to adopt a pet after divorce, according to the Humane Society.
1. Because you’ll save a life.
Each year, it’s estimated that more than one million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States, simply because too many pets come into shelters and too few people consider adoption when looking for a pet.
The number of euthanized animals could be reduced dramatically if more people adopted pets instead of buying them. When you adopt, you save a loving animal by making them part of your family and open up shelter space for another animal who might desperately need it.
2. Because you’ll get a great animal.
Animal shelters and rescue groups are brimming with happy, healthy pets just waiting for someone to take them home. Most shelter pets wound up there because of a human problem like a move or a divorce, not because the animals did anything wrong. Many are already house-trained and used to living with families.
3. Because it’ll cost you less.
Usually, when you adopt a pet, the cost of spay/neuter, first vaccinations (and sometimes even microchipping!) is included in the adoption price, which can save you some of the upfront costs of adding a new member to your family. Depending on the animal, you may also save on housebreaking and training expenses.
4. Because of bragging rights.
No one needs to see another selfie—unless it’s a selfie of you with the adorable pet you just adopted! Adopt a pet, post those pictures and let the well-earned likes roll in.
5. Because it’s one way to fight puppy mills.
If you buy a dog from a pet store, online seller or flea market, you’re almost certainly getting a dog from a puppy mill.
Animals from puppy mills are housed in shockingly poor conditions with improper medical care and are often very sick and behaviorally troubled as a result.
These puppy mills continue to stay in business through deceptive tactics — their customers are unsuspecting consumers who shop in pet stores, over the Internet or through classified ads. Puppy mills will continue to operate until people stop supporting them. By adopting a pet, you can be certain you aren’t giving them a dime.
6. Because your home will thank you.
Many of the pets from shelters and rescues are already house-trained, which means you’re not only saving a pet’s life, you may be saving your rug. Adopting a mature pet not only gives older animals a second chance, it often means introducing them to your family will be much easier.
7. Because all pets are good for your health, but adoptees offer an extra boost.
Not only do animals give you unconditional love, but they have been shown to be psychologically, emotionally and physically beneficial to their companions. Caring for a pet can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment and lessen feelings of loneliness. And when you adopt, you can also feel proud about helping an animal in need!
Here’s the thing, my 2 adopted pups lived to be 18 and 19-years-old. During those years, we traveled together, supported each other and had very long one-sided conversations. They became an integral part of my children and my lives.
And not once did I have to worry about them leaving me, irritating me, neglecting me, or breaking my heart. They taught me that I was worthy of only the best when it came to love and that’s a lesson, I’ll owe them the rest of my life.
