PetDetective.nz - Kim's Blog

Unresolved pet loss. Part one: When your pet has not come home

People going through the unresolved loss of a much loved pet, often say it’s the "not knowing" that hurts so much. They don't know if, or when, to grieve. Or when, or how, to stop looking. Or how to even contemplate, let alone begin to accept, that a much-loved family member may not be coming home again.

“It really pains me to say this”, they will say “but I would rather know, than not know - even if it was the worst possible news”. I can honestly say I’ve heard these words thousands of times from people whose pet is still lost. I’ve even said it myself as I have been through the experience of having a lost pet several times.

Unresolved pet loss. Part two: Finding an end point

If you have searched for a long time, and when you start to feel the time is right, it can help to think of a "closure date". This is a date when you give yourself permission to "close off" your search. It could be months away from now, but it gives you (and your family) an end point. Only you will know when that time feels right for you.

As you approach your pre-decided "closure date", start to think about how you may want to use that time that will be freed once you’re no longer doing the flier drops, door knocks and internet searches. Even the time you spend worrying. What will you replace that time with? What will you do with that time that’s positive for you and moves you forward?

10 tips to settle your cat back in at home

Your lost cat is home safe! What now?

Here’s some strategies to help settle them in.

01 House arrest

Help your cat re-bond to their “home zone” by keeping them inside with a litter tray for a week. For a repeat offender, the recommended sentence is up to three weeks. You probably won’t be too popular with your cat for this, but it’s for their own good!

Lost Pet Rewards

Should I offer a reward?

I get asked this a lot and although there is no right or wrong answer, most lost pet experts worldwide generally say no. But at the end of the day it’s definitely your own personal choice.

In New Zealand, I firmly believe 99.9 percent of people genuinely WANT to help you find your pet. So, a reward is generally not necessary. I have seen thousands of pets reunited purely through the goodness of people, with no reward.

Six ways to settle your dog back in at home

Being lost can be scary for your dog as well as you! Here’s how to settle him back in when he’s safely home again.

Endorphins end anxiety

Exercise build lots of positive endorphins, lifting the mood of your dog. Exercise is great for discharging energy, making your dog feel calmer afterwards. Find a school kid keen for a bit of extra pocket money to help with extra walks.

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