For what it's worth, I would love to see you adopt Puppy but if you're not ready, you're not ready. And there's no need to feel guilty over either decision.

FOR ME, I adopted Gus and Lizzie way too soon after K'Cee passed. (She passed on a Monday, I adopted Gus and Lizzie that Saturday, and had surgery two days after the adoption.) I don't regret my choice of furbabies but I did feel guilty about adopting so soon, I kind of felt that I cheated my heart cat out of a "proper" mourning, that I did her a disservice, etc. All of that of course is ridiculous but as you said, the head and heart are sometimes at odds.

On the other hand, I was facing surgery and a long time off my feet and on my butt and couldn't imagine anything worse than being alone in my home during that time. (Yes, I had FiFi bunny but I have a hard time catching her when I'm "normal" so I could forget even attempting to let her out during this time.) So, it was adopt them while I could drive or wait three months and chance that they might not be there. Selfishness won out; I went and adopted both and cried the two hour drive home, asking K'Cee to forgive me.

When I got them home, first order of business was a bath and pedicure. Afterwards, I shut them in the bathroom with fresh blankets, litterbox, food, etc. Then I sat down and bawled. What had I done?

I checked on them frequently, earning hisses and growls anytime I entered. What had I done? Later that night, I was able to snag Gus and I took him into the living room; I held him and just cried and cried and cried. I told him about K'Cee and how she would be so mad at me and what a great cat she was and how I felt like my heart had been split open. He didn't move but he didn't growl. We both fell asleep and I woke up with a stiff neck (not to mention puffy eyes) 5 hours later, Gus still draped across my chest.

Five months later, I still can't think or mention K'Cee without tearing up. But what I CAN do is answer the "What have I done?" question. I have rescued two kittens from a humane society and, more specifically, a foster that had 25 other cats and could only tell me that Gus (then a different name) had very long whiskers. I have provided medical treatment for their colds, flea-disease (I can't remember what it was called), got rid of their worms, and put them on a good food. I have slowly opened up parts of my home and heart to two kittens who have very different personalities; Lizzie the clown isn't much for cuddling, while Gus, who was only known for his whiskers, is a snuggle bug and will wake me up to be held. (It hurts my heart to think that this cat who so clearly craves attention, didn't receive ANY in his foster home. The foster's quote to me was, "Well, I have about 27 cats. It's hard to know each one's personality." The foster cried as I left so I know he cared for them, I think his heart was just bigger than his schedule/wallet.) Even now, there are places in my home (and truth be told, my heart) that are off limits to the new kitties, they are "K'Cee spots" and I'm just not ready.

I honestly couldn't ask for better kittens, though. They are THE BEST about using a scratching post/pad. The only times they've had accidents were when the antibiotics (and change in food) gave them tummy aches. They don't get on the counters (anymore... or at least that I know of.... though Lizzie was bound and determined to hide behind the Keurig when I first let them out of the bathroom). They don't try to run outside. They get along with the bunny although, being kittens, I don't let them play together. Their only "vice" is any sort of paper; they will SHRED it (or better yet, put it in bed with me THEN commence to shredding it). Oh and Gus has a fetish for the kindle and ipad... he knows how to turn the pages (digs at it like he's in the litterbox lol) -- hard to read with him around.

So, would I adopt again so soon? I can't say "no" but "probably not." My heart still DEEPLY aches for K'Cee. But then I see these two kitties running around playing or hold Gus and listen to his monster-sized purr, I know I made the right choice for THEM .... and me, too, even if I'm not ready to admit it yet.

Fret not, it'll work out like it's suppose to.