How does one deal with having to rehome your pets?

**AnW819** · 05-17-2010, 09:42 PM

Today I adopted out my guinea pigs and I am a mess and now I am trying to find a home for my three cats who are my world.

I love my cats more than anything else, I swear but moving back to dads means I have to find another home for them.

DH was sobbing today. I have not seen DH sob since his uncle passed and I have been crying all day.

How is one suppose to cope with this? I really feel like I am giving away my kids.

I understand I have to do whats best for us right now, and I am doing that, I am just having a terrible time with it.

I am a huge animal lover, and I use to kid with DH that I love animals more than people, lol.

Ugh, I am gonna miss my kids

**ubumartin** · 05-17-2010, 09:55 PM

I'm sorry that you have to rehome your pets. I can't imagine how difficult that is. Hugs and good thoughts coming your way.

**Luckybustert** · 05-17-2010, 09:58 PM

It's a difficult decision you've made, and it's just natural to grieve for what you are losing. I know it hurts now, but you really are doing the right thing for yourselves and for them. Some day when you're in a better financial position you'll be able to have pets again, and while it won't replace the ones you've had to give up, you'll enjoy and appreciate them all the more for what you're going through now. {{{HUGS}}}

**baxjul** · 05-17-2010, 10:30 PM

Hugs. I understand. I had to do that with my cat when we moved to FL, because she was so old, I didn't think she would survive the move.

I have no words of wisdom, but it will ache on your heart less as time passes. I'm so sorry you have to do this.

**AnW819** · 05-17-2010, 11:00 PM

Sigh, why are my cats being extra cute tonight?

**Palooka** · 05-17-2010, 11:07 PM

I'm sure that would be hard. If you was close to me I would take care of them all until you got back on your feet. *hug*

Your dad won't allow the cats?

**AnW819** · 05-17-2010, 11:41 PM

No, the girl who lives at my dads who took over my room is allergic and dad was gonna move out give her his room and then I get my room, but she was here tonight and we were talking and she thinks she may move out because she does not want me to get rid of my cats but I told her no, I don't want you to move out! I want to live with you because I really like her but she says that she does have another place to go and its closer to her work and everything, so we will see?

**Libby** · 05-17-2010, 11:47 PM

Your dad is renting out your old room?

**starsapphire** · 05-17-2010, 11:49 PM

Oh Ashley I'm so sorry. I had to give up my pets once, quite a few years ago. The property owner sold the apt. complex we were living in and instituted a new rule - only one animal allowed. We chose to keep our dog b/c he was a handful and chances were slim he'd get adopted. We got lucky - my IL's at the time agreed to take our three cats so we still got to visit with them, and even luckier - when we moved about 8 months later it was into our own home. We got two of the three back, the third cat had disappeared.

Even though we got our cats back, (two of them anyway) we sure had a hard time of it while they were gone - it is definitely a grieving process. It's hard and painful but we knew it was what had to be done at the time.

I know I can't ease your pain but you need to know that this WILL PASS. Things change and you will work through your problems and in the future you WILL have pets again. It won't be the same pets but they will still fill your life with joy. I know none of this helps right now cause your in a dark hole filled with hsit and everything looks ugly. I'm really feeling for you girl and you need to know that all of this will change, you WILL get through this and there is a brighter future ahead. You will not be living like this or feeling this pain forever, I promise.

Edit: Seems I was still writing as you posted about maybe not having to give your cats up - I sure hope it works out!

**AnW819** · 05-17-2010, 11:55 PM

Originally Posted by Libby

Your dad is renting out your old room?

Yeah he is.

**Palooka** · 05-17-2010, 11:57 PM

Well I hope you can keep your furry friends.

**AnW819** · 05-18-2010, 12:02 AM

Yeah, so do I!

**shoiji** · 05-18-2010, 05:21 PM

Sorry to hear this is happening. I have been in the same type of situation. Fortunately I was able to find a good home for the cats. It is not easy however try and do as much leg work as possible to know they will find a good home. Keep on reminding yourself that you are being a responsible pet owner in trying to find them a good home.

Petsmart should have listings of animal rescue groups that you can call to find out about placement. Also try your vet. They may know of people who would like to adopt them.

Wish I could help you out. But already have two cats now. It is definately not easy.

**krbshappy71** · 05-18-2010, 06:14 PM

Interview the people thoroughly. When the right person comes along I believe you will feel it. It will ease the sharpness of the grief at the moment you hand them over, although it will return once you realize they are really gone. Still, if you interview thoroughly and truly believe you gave them to a good home you will have that to console yourself with. Choose their new homes so circumstances don't force you to surrender them to a shelter where you will never know if they found good homes. The unknown is so much worse. The inability to care for them due to money is so much worse.

Take lots of pictures, and it may also help if you take a picture of the new family holding them, in your house. Then, if they allow it which I would if it was me, take a picture of them holding the pets in THEIR house. Then you will have those during your grieving. The transition moments.

Hugs to you.

**Nada.Leona** · 05-19-2010, 09:01 AM

If you have to give them away, try posting them on Kijiji, and include a list of their medical history (shots, etc.). Someone who sees they've already had all their medical issues cared for is more likely to adopt them.

I gave up my two cats when DH and I moved in together. My mom had taken me in when I was homeless, along with my 8 year old male and my 1 year female cat. My male passed away while we lived there and my female became the jewel of my mom's eyes. So when DH came along, with his allergies to cats, it wasn't so difficult leaving my pretty girl at my Mom's. I just insisted they get her some pet insurance. She's treated like a queen and has a lot more space to roam and play than she would with me. She's quite content and rules the house at my mother's.