It's never easy to lose someone or something we hold dear in our hearts.

The loss of a pet can be a devastating and emotional time for you and your family, especially when the children are grown, or when your pet has been a part of your life for a number of years. Or when they've been an especially dear and faithful companion.

Everyone deals with loss and grieving in different ways. Some people want to get another pet immediately; some want to wait for several months or years.

A ceremony to honor the passing can help, whether it be in your own backyard, a specified pet grave-yard, or cremation with the urn on the mantel. It helps to close that chapter in your life when you honor your pet and remind yourself why you loved them and what they brought to the relationship.

Don't be afraid to get out the pictures of your pet and remember the good times, when your pet was especially loving,or was there for you when you needed him or her.

Pets have their own distinct personalities and should be remembered for the love and joy they brought into our lives. One cat cannot replace another, but there's room in all of us to love and cherish another dear pet who could use a good home.

Take the time you need to mourn properly before bringing another cat into your home. For some this will be weeks, for some it will be many, many months. Your new pet deserves all the attention and love you can give it!