How do you cheer up after a pet has died?

Answer 1

Rabbits, just like humans, handle the loss of a beloved companion in many ways. Some are able to take the loss in stride, adjusting quickly, while others need a period of mourning to work through the grief. I would suggest you would best be able to help your female rabbit the same way you should a human, simply by being there for her. Spend extra attention, lavish her with affection, provide distractions, and - most importantly - give her time to get used to the loss and return to normal behaviour.

Some might suggest getting her another companion right away but I think that is something that should be reserved for further down the road, should she still seem lonely. The sudden introduction of an interloper so soon after the loss of her mate may prove too stressful.

Answer 2

I've lost a lot of pets, because I used to rescue old cats from the streets. It has always helped me if I took the time to write about the pet's life, beginning with the first time I saw him/her. I included why I felt drawn to help that particular animal, how much I hoped he/she would trust me, and the ways the animal responded to being cared about/cared for. I often wrote the life story as a poem, and just kept writing the key parts of the animal's life until their last illness and death.

I also discovered how certain music promotes tears/crying. You can use that music during grieving to help you get in touch with your sadness. Play the music and just let yourself cry for a little while. Look at pictures of your pet and recall memories as you listen to the music. When you think you're all cried out, place your pet's pictures and toys that you plan to keep into a small box. If it's a cardboard box, you can cover it with pretty wrapping paper or use markers to make your own designs on the box. Then, you'll have a "keepsake" of your favorite friend that honors your pet as well as marks the pet's death.

When my cat died two years ago, I put several photos of him onto my wall and every night for many months I'd say goodnight to him. Slowly, the need to "talk" to him lessened, but I still have his photos up just to remember / honor him. I had found him as a 4-week old kitten and had him for over 18 years, so he was very much my "family".

I vowed after he died that I'd never, ever "replace" him; I just couldn't stand to lose another kitty. But... about 4 months after he died, a stray cat came by who was very hungry. I always feed the strays here, but... this time, I kept my heart in check. I didn't want to get attached to a new stray cat. This one kept coming for food for four months. By then, it was December (I would normally take a stray inside long before because winters are so hard. But I didn't with him.) Finally, right before Christmas, he came and laid on the cement step outside my door. He was ill. That first night in my house, he slept 24-hours without moving. We took him to the Vet the next day, and he recovered.... and ... well, by then, he owned part of my heart. But I don't feel he "replaces" my deceased cat. Instead, there's a new special relationship developing between the new one and me.

If you do decide to get a new pet, don't try to replace your old one. Instead, look to see which animal draws your heart to them. Or, like what happened to me, you might find that life just brings another pet into your life.

I'm sorry for your loss. Pets are very special.

Answer 3

if one of your rabbits has died then give more attention then before treat it with more love and care until it has got used to being on its own.