I've been reading some of the entries in the Crossing the bridge forum and can't stop crying. I feel your pain and your losses! It's devasting to lose a pet and you never really get over it - you just learn to go on. My Whiskers passed away 5 years ago - a beautiful long haired black gentleman. He was almost 18 years old when he died of renal failure. He held on until my daughter came home from university and then passed over the bridge. We were all devasted by his loss as he had been a cherished family member since kittenhood. I still think of him all the time and miss him, but think back to the happy times we had. It took me two years before I could accept and love another cat. I now have my Loki who is not a replacement for my Whiskers, he is loved for himself and his quirky personality. I am very comforted by the thought that I will once again see Whiskers when I too pass! Chin up, all of you, it will get better.