Question:
As many of you may have read my hamster passed away today, October 13th 2005. I'm not saying I want to forget about her and go out and buy a new pet, even though I feel really sad right now and angry because it happened for no apparent reason, I would just like to know how long you guys wait after your animals pass that you go find a new little friend to care for.If I were to get another pet it would be a hamster, but I think I would probably try and purchase from a breeder, at least then I know exactly how old the hamster is. I think my hammy was older than it said she was, I bought her from Petland and she was already full grown yet they said she was a baby.Makes me wonder if she wasn't an older one like 2-3 years old already that someone dropped off.I guess I will never know, If I did get a new pet, I would love it so much, you never know with little animals when their time on earth will end, even though I wish it never did, that's what makes it so hard about having small critters, they never stick around as long as you would like them to.


Answer:
I would wait a few weeks though otherwise it's hard to bond with new one thinking so much of the old one. When my dog passes i will wait and be totally alone for awhile before going out and getting another one. It's hard for me to find a pet sitter in my town.


Answer:
It's a totally personal decision. Some people need to wait to heal....some people need another pet right away to feel happy and fill the hole in their heart. I totally respect each individual decision. You still love your animal that passed. Nothing will change that.


Answer:
I also think its a personal decision and everyone is different in whats best for them. You never ever stop loving or forget about the ones you lose but sometimes a new pet helps fill that huge void that they leave behind and heal some of the pain. You should do whats right in your own heart and head as only you know if you are ready to allow a new pet into your life yet


Answer:
Only you can answer that question for yourself. As Kristy and Brenda said, it is a personal decision. I know you will do what you feel is in your heart.


Answer:
I don't know what happens after you die, I'm not a religious person, in some ways I think having a new pet would fill that empty hole, I think pets love you even after they die, they must realize somewhat where ever they go that you need to carry on, I'm not an insensitive person, I just don't know if I should put my animal love life on hold because my hamster died, I'm just very confused at the moment, please excuse my rant.


Answer:
just go with your heart...

when i lost my Kit cat, i had her put to sleep because of diabetes complications, i swore i would not get another cat for a long time...it wasn't a week later till this scrawny mangy lookin nasty little black kitten showed up on my doorstep..i chased him off and he kept coming back, finally snuck in, came in my room and sat in my chair...i dewormed him, fed him, gave him a bath, and eventually i came to love Rebel as much as i had loved my Kit...but i still had a special place in my heart for Kit.