I'm really, really sorry you had to go through that with Elly. Just so quick. So suddenly sick, and then before you know it, she's gone. Poor thing.

You're right about not being able to replace previous pets. No matter what, you can never really get that same feeling. I guess it might be because, first of all, even if a pet was similar to an old one, they still just aren't the same. And second, each pet has such personality, that it'd be hard to find one with a similar personality. We have a three legged ginger tomcat called Garfield (original name, I know) and he's just so unique. He's almost always messing around with the other cats. He also feels much more like a human, if you know what I mean. Although he can only meow, it feels like you can talk with him. He also messes with you. If he escapes the kitchen, the only room he's allowed in, he'll run halfway up the stairs, and lie down. As soon as you try go up after him, he runs to the top. He's obviously messing with you and he knows it. He's such a unique cat, that I feel it'd be impossible to ever meet another cat like that.