How long do you grieve?

[Felicia's Mom]

I have done it differently each time.
After Inky died, I waited 3 years to get Cleo.
After Cleo died, I waited only a few days to get Felicia.
After Shadow died, I waited 2 months to get Beau.

You can have another cat and still be grieving for your lost one.

[momcat]

First of all, I offer my sincerest sympathy on the loss of your pet and know that my thoughts are with you. Grieve is something we all do in our own way and in our own time. There is no right or wrong way to accept and come to terms with the loss of a loved one, especially a pet. They have such a unique and special impact on us and every aspect of our daily lives. The folks here at Pet Talk understand that the loss of a pet is the loss of your best friend. Again, there are no hard and fast rules about adopting another kitty or puppy. When the time is right you'll know. I firmly believe that our pets choose us, they seem to instinctively know who will return their unconditional love with the care and attention every pet deserves and they sure seem to choose someone who really needs them.
Take your time and follow your heart. There's a furry little bundle of joy out there waiting for you. When you find each other, you'll know because it will feel so right.

[Kalei]

When my rabbit Baby died 5 years ago I felt like I died myself. To this day I still sometimes cry because I miss her and still love her so much. But now I have another bunny and she and I are certainly bonding very good.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

When the time is right your next pet willl find you....

[Barbara]

It's up to you.
You will never forget Cole.
But if you feel like it you can make a new kitty happy.

[kb2yjx]

All the responses are very good. I NEVER forget those who have gone to the Bridge. I have their photos on my desk in the living room. Their ashes are in special containers. However, I think the cats that we have spent a portion of our lives with, would say that they left so there would be room in our home and heart to save yet another life. I am quite sure that Boo played a part in Hayley coming to our home, and Spunky surely prompted Hope Simone to dangle in the cage screaming to get my attention!!! You will do the right thing, and Cole will be proud of what you do!!!

[Miss Z]

For me, I usually end up with an immensely long gap before I get another pet to fill the space of the previous, although this isn't entirely down to the length I grieve. I'd probably say that I don't grieve that long, about 4 or 5 days and I'll be back on my feet usually. That's because I stick to the belief that my pets wouldn't want me to be sad for them but to be happy that I had the pleasure of owning them. Of course from time to time I still feel sad about them, but that's nothing compared to the horrible empty feeling you experience in the first few days of grief.

The main reason the gap is so long is because my parents don't want us to have any more. They'll always tell me how much easier it is to get things done now that pet has gone and how I should be caring more about the pets I have rather than wanting another (of course, I deeply love the pets I've got and wouldn't swap them for the world, but my parents sometimes believe that when I want a new pet I'm otherwise saying, "Hey, I'm bored of Tia, I need something new to occupy me!" ). I'm still waiting to finally persuade them to bring another cat into our lives after we lost Zsa-Zsa back in July.

[Cataholic]

Freedom really expressed my thoughts best.

I recently lost Tenny, and the wound is so fresh for me. Even though I have 5 other cats, my home is emptier, noticably. While I do not plan on taking on another cat anytime soon, I think I will "know" when the time is right.

I am so sorry for your loss.

[kuhio98]

I mourn the loss of Kuhio every day (5 yrs later). But, we adopted another kitty less than a month after Kuhio died. Your grief doesn't stop just because you adopt again. Adopting again doesn't mean you're "over" it. Just my opinion.

[kb2yjx]

Kuhio98!!!! Those are very wise words!!!

[JuniorxMyxLove]

I'm still waiting to finally persuade them to bring another cat into our lives after we lost Zsa-Zsa back in July.

I lost a Zsa-Zsa on October 3, 2005! It was actually picking her up from getting shaved[her knots were too much to brush out] that we saw the litters of kitties and ended up bringing Gypy and Lexi home!

Thanks to everyone for the great responses. Maybe in a few months or something, I'll start talking to my parents about getting another cat. Maybe. Or maybe I'll just stick with my kittiess and dog and guinea pigs. You never know.

For every pet that's died[not counting Mitch and Spike, they died in pre-current vet days] we got a plaster thing with the pet's paw print pushed into it. On our christmas tree, we put Bonnie, Zsa-Zsa, and Freddie. In the order they died. Freddie was my little angel. We spent all our time together. When she died[cancer] I was torn apart. But, having Cole[we already had him but we weren't close] really helped me. Also, I had my riding, an hour a week that I could forget about not having Freddie or Zsa-Zsa there anymore. Cole's pawprint isn't wrapped up in a cupboard like the others.. It's hanging right there, where I can pet it and remember him everyday. It's not going away, not out of sight like the others.

[catmandu]

I wish to change the word commerate for mourn.
I miss my Pet Angels but am not sad , but have such happy memories and fond times of the years we spent together.


And I have the feeling that Cole and The Pet Angel Relocation and Adoption Squad are finding you a new Cat to love, and share your home with evenas we type.
Cole doesnt want his Guardians to be sad and lonely, and there are always Cats who need a Great Furr Ever Home.