For Those Contemplating Another Pet . . . Options

[Jess]

It's been just over 9 weeks since my Sydney passed and a few days ago we adopted an 8-week old Siamese kitten. She is just a doll - a total lap cat and cuddler, which is what Sydney was. I just wanted to share my experience since I know others on here have been torn about the decision about whether/when to get another pet after a loss. It was really my husband who initiated the whole thing. When Sydney first passed, I couldn't imagine ever having another pet fill her place in our lives, but my husband really, really wanted another cat, since we were so used to having two.

I didn't think I could ever love another pet the way I love Sydney, and I firmly believe that she and I share a special bond that will never be fully replicated, but it took me about a day to start loving our new little one, Saylor. It's nice to have a new little ray of sunshine running around the house, and I look forward to coming home again each day to see her, which was one of the hardest parts about losing Sydney. She was always there to greet me at the door and spent all night on our laps, so I was constantly aware of her absence when I was home.

All of that being said, having a new kitten has not diminished my love for Sydney, nor my grief over losing her, one bit. My love for Saylor occupies a completely different place in my heart, and my heart still aches for Sydney. Last night as we were laying down to sleep, Saylor curled up on my husband's chest, which is where Sydney slept every night, and I lost it. I started crying hysterically, which I hadn't done in several days. Saylor is wonderful, but I still miss Sydney with every fiber of my being.

So for those of you who feel that getting another pet would be like replacing the one you lost, please know that this is simply not possible. Every pet is irreplaceable and carves out their own little place in our hearts. I do, however, recommend waiting until the grief is no longer constantly unbearable. I say constantly because for me, it still feels unbearable at times, but not every second of the day. I knew I wouldn't have been able to open my heart right away, and I'm glad we waited a couple of months.

Peace to you all.