Congratulations on the new addition.
Coach,
A few years ago, my daughter's beloved, best behaved dog you evermet, died from cancer, he was only 5 and it hurt us all so very much. She had just lost her baby bull mastif a year before that mysteriously so she was devastated. She swore she would never get another dog.
Then she met and fell in love with Bently, a 4 pound yorkie (now) that will be 2 years old on Tuesday!
You can never "replace" one pet for another, they are all different and unique just like kids, so don't be afraid to take that ride up to the shelter!
We have a grand cat that loves with us, Nala, her brother Simba and cousin Sox died a few days ago. She used to live with her mommy, my daughter, but Bently drives her crazy.
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We have always been dog people, but we love cats, they are amazing creatures!