Mammal Memoirs shares the stories of the animals who pass through our village – sometimes briefly, sometimes forever – always leaving pawprints behind. Contributed by Dogs of Glory; Billy & Gigi.
A New Beginning: Bringing a Puppy or Kitten Home
Life after loss, and the responsibility of welcoming a new companion.
Losing a beloved pet leaves an empty space in our homes and our hearts. Eventually, though, many families begin thinking about welcoming a new puppy or kitten into their lives. A new pet is not a replacement for the one we have lost. Every animal is unique, with its own personality, quirks and needs. Instead, bringing home a new companion is the beginning of a completely new relationship – and a commitment that may last 10 to 20 years.
Before you bring one home
Puppies and kittens are adorable, but they are also hard work. They need time, patience, veterinary care, appropriate nutrition, training and plenty of attention. Before getting a new pet, ask yourself:
- Can I afford routine veterinary care and unexpected emergencies?
- Do I have enough time for exercise, play and training?
- Are my home and garden safe and secure?
- How will I introduce the new arrival to existing pets?
- Who will care for the animal when I am away?
Whenever possible, choose your new companion from a responsible breeder or consider adopting from a reputable rescue organisation. Puppies should ideally remain with their mother and littermates until at least eight weeks of age, allowing them to develop important social skills.
The first weeks with a puppy
When your puppy arrives home, provide a quiet, safe sleeping area and access to fresh water. Puppies sleep a lot – sometimes 18-20 hours a day – so make sure they have plenty of opportunities to rest. Begin toilet training immediately: take your puppy outside regularly, especially after waking, eating and playing. Accidents are inevitable, so be patient. Reward good behaviour rather than punishing mistakes.
Puppies also explore the world with their mouths. Keep medicines, chemicals, electrical cables and other dangerous objects safely out of reach, and provide suitable toys for chewing. Socialisation is equally important: introduce your puppy gradually and positively to new people, appropriate dogs, household sounds and different environments. Your veterinarian can advise on safe socialisation while your puppy is still completing its vaccination programme. Vaccinations and regular deworming are essential during puppyhood.
And what about kittens?
Kittens are equally dependent on us for a healthy start. Newborn kittens are born blind and deaf and depend completely on their mother. If you find a tiny kitten alone, don’t immediately assume it has been abandoned – the mother may simply be away looking for food. If the kitten is cold, weak, injured or clearly orphaned, seek veterinary advice promptly. Very young orphaned kittens require specialised care, including frequent feeds with appropriate kitten milk replacer. Hand-rearing a kitten is a major commitment and should ideally be done with veterinary guidance.
As kittens grow, they become increasingly curious and playful. Provide them with a warm, safe sleeping area, a litter tray, fresh water, appropriate food and safe toys. A simple cardboard box can often provide just as much entertainment as an expensive toy!
Start their life on the right paw
One of the first things to do after bringing a new puppy or kitten home is arrange a veterinary examination. This allows your veterinarian to assess their health and advise on vaccinations, deworming, nutrition, parasite prevention, microchipping and sterilisation. If you are not planning to breed responsibly, sterilisation is an important part of pet ownership: preventing unwanted litters helps reduce the number of animals that end up in shelters or without homes.
A new story
Perhaps the most important thing to remember after losing a pet is that your new puppy or kitten is not the pet you lost. Don’t expect the same personality. Don’t compare them. Allow your new companion to become itself. Your previous pet had its own story, filled with memories that will always belong to them. Your new puppy or kitten is about to begin a different story – one that you have the privilege of being part of.
Every pet’s life eventually comes to an end. But before that day comes, we have the opportunity to give them a life filled with safety, companionship, good health and love.
If you are ready to open your home again, welcome the new arrival for who they are. You are not replacing an old friend. You are beginning a new friendship.