How long do you grieve?

[heidiv]

Oh boy that is a loaded question..........How long to wait?? Like many have said its mainly up to you....From experience I had to greive a very long time for my little Cilla Sue...... She was attached to me by the hip I think at times... Not having her around really bothered me but for my other kitties I really needed to give myself and them time to adjust to Pricillas presence being gone..... I think I started to look for another pet in about a month or so. I had one type of cat that I wanted to take her spot. I still to this day cry about her.....You never forget the ones you loved so dearly.... We adopted Chloe about 1 1/2 monthes later. She was a wonderful little sweetheart she was so sick when we picked her up that it took a while to get her back to health I think that was the reason I healed so well I found some peace taking care of Chloe........ Chloe is still one of the sweetest cats I have ever owned..... But she has a different personality than Pricilla had so about a year later we adopted Paris who was a Blue Point Siamese (The same as Pricilla and the same personality also) I wouldn't take back one day of Paris's personality I just love her dearly as I do all of my cats but Paris was I believe sent to us from Pricilla

[sirrahved]

I've found it is easier if I adopt again right away. It's like they fill a little bit of the hole in your heart.

[Freedom]

It varies from person to person, from pet to pet.

When Mr. Amber Cat died, I couldn't even consider adopting for over a year. When Dazzle was gone, the house seemed so empty (we had FOUR other cats, for goodness sakes!) that in 2 weeks we had another little kitten.

The important thing for me is, the new pet is NOT taking the place of the old pet! Each pet wants to be loved and cared for in his or her own right. It's like, you love your grandmother and your grandfather. One dies. You don't love the other one in place of, but because you love that one. Hope this helps.
Sandra

[Taz_Zoee]

Freedom said exactly what I was thinking. When ever you decide to get another pet....it is not to take the place of the one that has passed. But as sirrahved said...it fills the hole in your heart.
When our DJ dog passed it was only three weeks before we got another dog. That was because the house seemed so empty without DJ. Zoee didn't replace DJ, they are two completely different dogs, with different personalities.
Now when (and I hope this is a LONG ways away) Taz leaves me, I will just see how I feel at that time and make my decisions then.
So it's really how you are feeling. Do not feel guilty if you get another cat right away. If it will make you feel better, then go for it. Cole will understand you've got lots of love to share.

[Craftlady]

The next adoption (s) always lets you know its the right time.