I feel like I am going out of my mind. One day I am coping reasonably well and the next day I can barely function. I see a shadow and I forget for a minute and think its Andrei. Last night I dreamed of Andrei for the first time, and when I woke up it was like he just died all over again.
Our other cat,Gracie, keeps walking over to the places that Andrei used to hang out. She sleeps in Drei's favorite spot now. Gracie is mourning too.

last night I actually spoke with a breeder about getting another kitten because it takes 3-4 months for a Siberian to become available. I thought we would probably be ready by then and we feel that Gracie needs a friend. As soon as I started talking to the breeder I began to feel so guilty that I was even thinking of getting another cat.
Of course nothing could ever replace Andrei. I told her I'd have to think about it because I realized it was too soon to be thinking of another kitten.

We picked the Siberian breed to begin with because my family has cat allergies and none of us reacted to this breeds dander, but my vet tells me that purebreds are more likely to carry hereditary diseases like the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy that killed Andrei. This also scares me because my family could never go thru this sudden death experience again but we are kind of locked into getting a Siberian if we want to get another cat because of their hypoallergenic quality.

I feel so guilty even thinking about getting another cat but I think I'm trying to cope with Andrei's death by looking to a time in the future when the pain won't be so intense.

Thanks for listening,
Claire

Dear Claire,

You will have your good days and bad days. My dog Stymy has been gone about a month and a half and I can tell you that only time will make those bad days go away. I still miss him sooooo much but my days get better all the time.

Don't feel bad about looking for another animal friend. Andrei would want you to be happy. Only you will know when the time is right for a new friend. My sister-in-law has gotten one within a week. She doesn't like being lonely and I don't blame her I don't either. Me on the other hand need some time to greive. I still search the internet for breeders but I am thinking sometime in the spring.

Just remember furbabies give unconditional love and that doesn't change when they go over the rainbow bridge.

Love and Belief,
Vicki (Stymy's Mom)

Dear Claire,
Stymy's mom is right, there is no right or wrong way to handle grief. Some people get another kitty soon...some people wait --some people never get another--we are all individuals, and each of us handle things in different ways. "replacement" is a purely personal issue and I am sure you know there is no real "replacement" per se--for your beloved little guy.
You were totally committed to Andrei and that is why you feel "guilt" ..but if you have room in your heart for another kitty it would be a fitting testimony to your Andrei to fill it. He is the one who opened your heart and another kitty out there needs a home. You will know when and if it is the right time. I have heard the same thing about purebreds and actually the only purebred I ever owned did indeed have genetic problems. Just do your homework, do the best you can and keep an open heart. We all just do the best we can and certainly I have discovered we can not control many things that happen. We have to make our peace with that.
{{{{{{{{{{Hug}}}}}}}}}}}
Love,
Patti