> Especially knowing that cats only have a few months of memory space, and by the time I get back, she won't even recognise me.


Well, I don't agree with this part, although I sympathize about the rest. My aunt adopted a cat from a lady who was forced to go into a nursing home. Once a year or so she (the lady) would be able to visit, and the cat would immediately bound to her, and stick like velcro for the duration of the visit. Once she would leave, the cat would mourn for a day or two (as cats do, not eating, and hiding in the basement) before going back to normal. I think cats may have longer memories that you think.

We lost our Lab a year ago last August. She was thirteen: a good old age for a dog that size, especially with the health issues she had: by the end of her life she had one of those day-of-the-week pillcases favoured by senior citizens who take multiple medications, which, come to think of it, she was.

We've finally reached the point where we feel we could allow another dog into our lives. It's amazing how they work their way into your heart and stay there. I once had an elderly neighbour who had owned a series of dogs over his life, and said he would never have another weimeramer (sure I spelled that wrong), because it was "The most human dog he ever had."

I'm glad Smallcat found another happy home - and I hope your move is just as happy. Good luck!

te "welcome to the hemisphere!" ach