I don't want to sound trite, but I'll take the risk. God, in His wisdom, made it such that there is always room in our hearts for one more. No matter how many are already in our hearts, another space is available. Our lifespans are mutliples of those of our pets, with few exceptions. Ten years +/- for a dog? Fifteen, for a kittie? I see it as a tribute, to let another pet into my heart. The one who passed could not stay. But I have room in my heart for one more.

Belittle you? I can't imagine. Bless you, I can.

Lar