Oh yes, always. Those two years after Nebula died were the only time I've ever lived without a cat around (or a pet of any kind). I had no idea how much of my ability to be content was bound up with the presence of an animal - I was miserable in ways I'd never been before. Casey was such a relief when she came along. (I have posted about her before, but it's been a long time since I mentioned her, I think.)