To SOON?

I think everyone grieves in their own way and has their own timing, everyone is different. Just remember that whenever you get a new pet, never expect them to replace the one lost, they will have their own personalities and ways, and need to be loved for that. I say that because my beloved cat died last year, and I was so distraught and sad that I got another one less than a month later. Well I kept expecting her (without even realizing it at first) to do the same things my deceased cat did, it was a bit hard because I was still grieving, but I will have to say that she did help, gave me something to look forward to as my house didn't feel so empty anymore, and I started accepting her as her own kitty. Now we are super bonded and she is awesome! Good luck and I'm sorry for the loss of your pet, it's so hard. You heal but you will always miss them.

First — If you have to ask, you are not ready. When you can say yes inside your heart, YOU ARE READY! Personally, I have adopted a new animal as soon as the next day (and that was a very healing experience because this cat was slated for euthanasia that afternoon) to waiting for over a year. Losing an animal companion also can reflect other losses in your life that you haven't attended too, thus magnifying the loss. I still sniffle at commercials when I see cats, dogs or horses that remind me of one of our family that has passed on. The pain will soften, but not go away. Be gentle with yourself.

Everybody is different. I know friends and family are trying to help, but sometimes rushing into adopting another puppy is NOT the best course of action for you. Only you know when you are finished grieving and only you know when the time is right. What you are feeling is perfectly normal! You certainly do not need professional help.

I just have to say, this is perfectly normal. Our pets are more than pets... they are friends/family. When we experience a loss, it's so very hard to let go. You don't want to. I was sitting at home last night tearing up over the cats that I have lost. I miss them all so very much but they wouldn't want me to close my heart off. They'd want me to move on but remember the good times we had together. Get another pet. It would give you another friend and a way to express your love again. Your pet that passed would love you to share the love he/she experienced with you. I have a suggestion, create a scrap book of your lost friend. That might help to. Know that you are not alone in feeling this way. I miss my friends so much every moment of everyday... just don't forget, others need your love too. I hope you get a new pet. If you do, share it here... cause I'd love to know you found a friend to help you cope and to share your love with. Good luck.

I have been very lucky that most of my pets led long, healthy lives but still I have gone through the loss of a pet several times, George, and will be going through it again this year as my 12-year-old Pup is dealing with cancer right now. Each time I have said, "No more; I can't deal with this again" but, as my friends and family members have said many times, the animals find me. You see, I have never really went out purposely to find that special companion. They just seem to come into my life at any given time and won my heart. It is at that moment I know I am ready. As others have stated, there is no time limit; it is an individual process each time. Some people do need grieve counseling, others do not. Listen to your feelings, George, and you'll know when you are ready.