It's not something any one likes to contemplate - the fact that most of us will outlive our pets. Losing a beloved animal friend is difficult. For some people it is so heart wrenching that they vow never to go through it again. That is, they decide never to have another pet. Losing a pet can be like losing a child… a devastating loss of an irreplaceable family member. While few parents decide to adopt a new child when they lose one, most pet parents do eventually welcome another animal to the family.

Deciding when to add a new pet to the family can be difficult. There is no right or wrong time to seek a next pet. Getting another pet the same day, or within a week, after a pet dies is generally too soon -- but not always. I know a couple who opened their hearts and home to a gnarly old cat who strayed into their garden on the very day that their sleek, pedigreed feline companion of 18 years passed on. They named him Gnarly and their love made him beautiful.

I also know people who desperately want and need another pet, but deny themselves the pleasure for fear of the inevitable pain.

We all grieve differently and it is generally best to wait until all members of a family have had enough time to grieve in their own way. Each person had a different relationship with the animal - some deeper than others - and it is important to honor everyone's feelings. Although children have very deep emotional ties to their pets, they are often more resilient than adults. Children may be ready to welcome another animal before the adults are. Don't rush to find a new pet until everyone in the family feels ready to start another relationship.

All family members should be involved in discussions about what the new pet will be. Children need to understand that the family is not going to replace Rover or Mittens - it is going to add a totally new member to the family. No beloved animal friend can ever really be replaced. Choosing a new pet because it looks just like the last one is a recipe for disappointment. Each animal is unique and comes with its special charm and challenges. Color and length of fur reveal little about an animal's character.

Find out what each family member is looking for in a next pet. What sorts of activities would they like to engage in with the pet? Do some reading about how to select, care for and train the sort of pet the family wants. Discuss how responsibility for the pet's care and training will be shared among family members. With the perspective of 20/20 hindsight, the family can talk about how it could do better, or what could be done differently with its next pet.

When everyone is feeling energized and excited by these discussions and there is a real sense of commitment to give some animal a wonderful home for life, the time is right to look for your next best friend.