"why don't you let me take care of that (he had a bucket, cleaner, rags, etc.) and that way I can get myself a burger."

A straightforward proposition, you didn't have to do it, and he got fed. There are worse economic arrangements.

A straightforward proposition, you didn't have to do it, and he got fed. There are worse economic arrangements.

Totally! I'm cool with that.

Tep, love it! I've actually seen that ring before and thought how gorgeous it was, but it's even better given your background with möbius strips.

Bonny, I'm very worried about you, and I'm going to offer some advice that you of course can feel free to ignore. Go to a local rescue and find the next beloved companion who is waiting for you to rescue him or her. They need you as badly as you need them. They will never replace Bartlby, but they will begin to help you to heal. You need a dog in your life, and some lucky dog needs a human as wonderful as you.

Every time I have lost a pet, one of the only things that has kept me going is the rest of my loving furry family. I just worry that you don't have anyone to comfort you--to take care of and to take care of you in the way only our furry family can.

I second Pix' suggestion. I actually got my little momo two days after I had to put down my beloved Josie. I always knew I wanted another cat, so I thought why wait? And it was truly helpful to me and to the mo, who as a black kitty was probably not headed home with someone else. My vet told me black cats are the hardest to place.

ION, I am now the mother of a 2 year old! How did that happen?

Teppy that's a lovely necklace!

Bonny, I can agree with Pix. It may not be the first dog you meet but you'll find a wonderful companion. It was hard for me when I lost Anna, 20 years of being not only my pet, but most times my best and only friend. It took a few tries but I found Maddie and Dean.

A cousin lost her beloved cat to cancer and on the day she picked up the cats remains there was an amazing dog available for adoption. My cousin never thought about being a dog owner, but she fell in love and it's been a perfect match.

Will and I are celebrating Christmas early and we're having steak, mashed potatoes (with real cream and butter), bread, salad, and some frozen broccoli. with mini cupcakes and peppermint bark for dessert.

We exchanged gifts and Will got me this beautiful dragonfly pendant - it has amethyst and topax wings. It just needs a longer chain.

Black cats are the best...makes me sad other people don't think so.

I was thinking you needed another critter, bonny, someone to hug and cry on.

A young dog would help distract you from grief by keeping you very, very busy.

After my 17 year old cat, Turbo, passed away, I swore I would never get another pet. I considered him my soul kitty, and I knew I could never love another pet as much as I loved him.

Two months later, I got a shelter cat. He'll never replace Turbo in my heart, but I love him dearly and he brings me so much joy.