Susan - myself and my husband moved over to Austin, Texas 18 months ago now from England, and we had a huge dilemma on whether or not to bring our 10 yr old wonderful moggy...our vet in the UK gave the all clear and we did bring him with us, he flew on the same flights we did, and travelled so well; 3 wks after getting here, his health went down hill fast - evidently he had a heart murmur that our vet had not picked up on, and he died a few days later, which was just awful.

We were both racked with guilt and I think it took me close to a year to get over losing part of our family...do not feel bad at the sadness and grief you feel - no-one can ever tell you how long it will take to get over this, but I can tell you that you will...my husband wanted another cat but I didnt - however, he persuaded me to go to the ASPCA shelter and we came home with a 6 month old cat, who needed alot of time and attention, as she had been abused...she has turned into the most wonderful companion...I now realise that I turned my grief into a positive and feel so glad that my husband took me to that shelter (although I was kicking and screaming not to go!)

The vet in Austin was wonderful - I had never heard of the Rainbow Bridge, but she sent a copy to me, which I have subsequently framed and it hangs on the wall above my desk at home...when I read it, it reminds me of what an amazing addition to our family Samuel was. His photo still has pride of place on the mantel.

I am so sorry for your loss...it takes time...