adopting a pet?

[pumpkingirl71]

Anyone else set out to adopt a pet and find that you have have some weird post adoption stress disorder?

We lost our dog in March and are really still grieving. But even though we are not ready for a new dog, I get this weird anxiety when I see a dog for adoption. I can't stop thinking "What if this is the dog that is meant to be in our family and I miss the chance?" Really more than just thinking about it, to the point where I get really emotional

[marsupial-mom]

Im so sorry for your loss. I know that grief over pet loss can be powerful. I hope you find the strength to endure these emotions.

If it's really meant to be, you can't miss the opportunity. Try not to dwell on the dogs you can't yet rescue and just let yourself grieve and prepare for the dog you will be able to rescue.

I remember when we decided to adopt a dog I started scouring www.petfinder.com and visiting the local shelters. I even volunteered at a shelter and started getting attached to a deaf overweight Dalmatian. But we weren't ready for a dog. We still lived in a small apartment where dogs that size weren't allowed. I was so sad when I went into volunteer one day and Shadow was gone, she'd been adopted. But I feel like it was meant to be. The dog we later adopted is a better fit for our home and family. And I'm pretty sure Shadow got a good home.

Is this related to feelings about adopting a child? I'm just curious as to why it's in the adoption and foster parenting section rather than the pet section.

[pumpkingirl71]

Originally Posted by marsupial-mom

Is this related to feelings about adopting a child? I'm just curious as to why it's in the adoption and foster parenting section rather than the pet section.

I will explain it more later, but I feel like I am reliving the waiting process and that is freaking me out But my adopted daughter also has a really complicated relationship with dogs.