and then you realize shelters/rescues are full of super healthy dogs yearning for a home, and same for cats, and then you go adopt at least one, and realize you've honored what your previous pet would want for you.

(speaking from experience, 5 rescues here now, lots of activity for lots of fun...thankful for WFH flexibility)

not ready for that yet but i look forward to that future

yep, understood, and your future looks bright!