Empty House

[Sef]

When the House Feels So Quiet & Empty

The death of a beloved pet can make our home feel very lonely, even when there are other people or pets around us. Some have described the quiet as “deafening.” Below are some ways in which we might change our environment so that it feels a little less empty—particularly if you live alone:

• Consider creating a green space in the home with live plants and perhaps a water fountain. The sound of flowing water can be soothing, and you can talk to and tend to the plants.
• When leaving the house, consider leaving a radio on so that there are sounds when you return.
• When returning home, plan to do something enjoyable such as take a warm bath, phone a friend, or watch a favorite television show.
• Consider rearranging the furniture so that the “feel” of a room is different.
  
• Let in the sun. Natural light helps improve mood, and seeing the world outside can help one feel less isolated.
• Get a stuffed animal to curl up with at night.
• Create a sacred space for keepsakes and reminders of your pet that you can come home to at the end of the day.
• Invite friends, close neighbors, or family over for meals or just to socialize.
• Perhaps consider another type of pet if you are not yet ready to adopt the same type of pet that you had before. Educate yourself on how to properly care for a hamster, parakeet, betta fish, etc., and see if any of these seem like a good fit for you.
• Consider volunteering to dog-walk or pet-sit a friend's or neighbor's pet, or look into fostering a pet with your local rescue or animal welfare organization.