Unsure - Wouldn't Mind Some Advice, I don't know if this is the right area for this... Options

[Sammysdad]

This is sort of about a new beginning. One that might happen. But I am not sure where else to put this. Sorry if this is not the right place for this topic.

Not even two weeks ago, we lost our boy, Sammy. He was such a joy of a cat. He was only three years old, and had never been sick. In fact, he had just been at the vet the week before, and got a clean bill of health. The afternoon of the Sunday before last (Superbowl Sunday, actually) I came home from running an errand for about half an hour, and found him dead. I have no idea what happened to my poor little boy. He appeared perfectly fine when I left. I am still grief stricken, of course. But managing. Still, I look to see him every day when I come home, and of course he is not there. It's still just a shock. Anyway, long story slightly shorter, we have learned of an older cat who belonged to a lady who died a few months ago. Her family is preparing to sell her house, where her cat still lives. The daughter comes over a couple times a day, and feeds and plays with the cat. They would like a good home for him, and through friends, relatives, etc. we were put in touch with them. Tonight we met this cat. He's 8, and has clearly been through a lot. Very frightened of us, but I could tell he was a sweet boy. I'd love to take him, but I am so unsure about whether I am ready. How do you know if you are ready? How long is the "right" time to wait? I know I won't ever forget Sammy, but I wonder if this is rushing it. My partner is ready. He loved Sammy, but he is one of those people who is totally practical in all things: he loved the cat, the cat died, he misses the cat = solution: get a cat. I don't want to say no, but I don't want to feel like I'm trying to set aside my feelings for the sweet cat we just lost that I'm still working through. So...what do you all think?

[janika]

Dear Sammysdad

Firstly let me say how sad I was to hear of the so sudden loss of your darling sweet Sammy. It must have been heartbreaking for you and I know you will be feeling very lost and empty without out him. Thats the best way I can describe my feelings still after almost 6 months since my last darling dog Noushka left me at 13 years of age. Our darlings will never be 'replaced' but I do think that doesn't mean that we can never love another fur baby, who needs our love and care. Sometimes I think 'fate' takes over and brings along a little someone who will be our 'saviour' at a time when both parties are so in need of help. You would have a dear kitty who needs a loving new home and daddy, and even though you will still be grieving I think the new kitty will help you through this dreadful time. I like to think that it's our angels (your dear Sammy) sending these signs for us, in order to help us through.

Be led by what your heart tells you to do. Never feel that you are diminishing how much your Sammy means to you. You obviously both shared so much love and he will always be with you in your heart and soul.

I 'm sorry I can't be of more help, but if it were me I would try to help this dear kitty who is going to need someone with lots of love to give. I do know how you feel though, as every time I start looking to rescue another dog, I first get excited and then think, but it's not going to be my Noushka or Tasha, and it's them that I want. Sadly that can't be, but knowing that they are forever with me in my heart, does help, especially with time.
Maybe your partner knows you so well that he thinks this is the right thing for you both to do. He probably hurts just the same but everyone deals with their emotion in different ways.
Please come back here and let us know how you are doing and what you decide to do.
Hugs
Jan and my Angels