It's hard to believe for us that two years ago today when King was put to rest, I didn't think I could ever face having another furry friend but we obviously did having a companion again in Achilles doesn't remove the sadness I still feel about King and I still miss him so very much, having Achilles is a totally new challenge in our lives never having a rescue dog before definitely having him helps fill that empty place in our hearts but can never forget our previous special furry friends.
I totally understand. It will always be the "grand battle," emotionally, as to whether or not to adopt/acquire another furry friend after losing one that was well loved, and how long one should wait before adopting again.
I'm of the belief that one should not wait. In fact, if it were me, I'd have my new friend "on board" before having to say "farewell" to my old friend. I know that there's nothing I can do to quash the grief I'm about to experience. But, at least, I can understand it. Grief is a "normal response" to an "abnormal event" in ones life. Even HRM Queen Elizabeth II once said, "Grief is the price we pay, for the love we receive." But I also know, even though I wouldn't want anyone trying to tell me this while it's going on, that grief, as horrible as it feels while it's happening, is only temporary. It will pass. Doesn't feel like it when it's going on, but it will pass, and one will recover. And, wouldn't it be better for me to have a "battle buddy" with me, from the very start, to help me recover from it. Hence, bringing my new furry on board before saying farewell to the old one. When it's all done, I have a new friend to love and care for, the same as before.
The more we understand what grief is... how it works... how it affects us, how long it "should' last... etc. etc. etc., the better we will all be to battle/overcome it when it comes. I certainly respect anyone's decision to adopt or not after the loss of a treasured friend and/or how long one waits before doing so. Maybe it's just me, but I'd much prefer to have that "battle buddy" with me at the onset... well before the onset, actually.
Grief is not something to be feared, but understood.