I am crying reading all this right now. It brings back memories of furry friends I have lost. I have to say though if some of them were still here the one's who have come into our lives after they were gone would not be here. And I can not bear to think of where they might have ended up. My one kitty who came to us after our favorite boy was killed by dogs was abused and could barely walk at 4 months old. He had an operation to fix he's abused leg. Now as I write this he is laying against my leg happy as any kitty could be. But if our other boy Niko was still here Bo would not. And I believe he would not be as happy or even alive if he wasn't with us. We took a chance with an injured kitty we didn't even know. But when we saw him at the shelter and he meowed so loud for us to come see him we could not resist he's sweet eye's. And now he is the most grateful cat I have ever known. So yes it is worth the short time we spend with them. They make me smile and feel true unconditional love!