Does Anyone Else Not Want To Vacuum? Options

[tammy]

I'ts been 5 days since my cat Diapey died. My apartment is a total mess. But I don't want to vacuum because it will suck up her cat hair and I feel like it will be "erasing" her from ever being here. And I don't want to wash the blanket on top of my bed because I think that too will be wiping her away. If I wash the blanket and vacuum, what's left here of her?! Does anyone else feel like that?

I'm supposed to go on vacation with friends a week from tomorrow and I just don't think I'll be up for it. Should I make myself go? Any recommendations? If I don't go, how do I explain this to my friends without sounding like a crazy person?

And it really sucks to to wake up in the morning, and as soon as I open my eyes, my heart just sinks.
I don't even have to think about her; my heart is so heavy.

Thanks for listening again. And I am sorry to all those who have lost their pets too.
-Tammy

[howzerdo]

All three of my dogs have died at home, and for a long time after Howie died (10 years ago) I didn't wash the favorite blanket he often slept on or under. He was laying on it when he died. It was a fleece couch throw. I decided not to bury him with it (I had several other blankets to choose from) and instead I saved it for Penny, his companion, and me. Eventually I did wash it. Four years later Penny died and once again I kept the blanket. My dogs Rudy and especially Sophie and cat Edna liked the blanket too. Rudy died 6 weeks ago tomorrow and Sophie still uses the blanket. I am still pretty grief stricken from Rudy's death - he was 10 and had cancer. He was such a joyful dog, I so miss his sparkle. But I am starting to heal. I have adopted a puppy, Sam, and he seems to like the blanket too. This blanket is so special to me. In the winter I snuggle under it on the couch (if it has not already been claimed by another animal :-). I view it sort of like what we might consider a family heirloom - a precious keepsake antique that is being passed along from one dog to the next.
Gina