HOW DO WE FILL THIS VOID?

Q Our two dogs were poisoned by criminals who wanted to break into our home.

They thought that if the dogs were out of the way it would be easier to break in.

Our beloved dogs didn’t make it and we are devastated. We loved them to bits and it has left a huge void in our lives.

We all feel it would be disloyal to our pets to get puppies now because it would mean we didn’t love them enough.

We’re also worried that we won’t love the new puppies as much as we loved our doggies, who were taken away from us in such a cruel manner.

We’re all feeling so conflicted about the whole situation. What do you think we should we do? Cathy, email

A The death of a beloved pet always leaves a big void and in this case you haven’t lost just one but two dogs, and in such an awful manner.

Getting new pets wouldn’t mean you didn’t love your dogs. Rather think of the love you have for animals as a legacy that your dogs left you. Your pets have taught you how important animals are to human beings and how much we need them for our mental health.

The new puppies can help you heal and help fill the void you’re currently feeling. It won’t mean that you’re not mourning your dogs – rather see it as a way to help you work through your grief.