Lost Kitty Shelter Drama

So we lost our kitty a couple weeks ago. She went outside one day and just never came back. I'm sad and hope she didn't suffer but I'm not devasted about it. Growing up, our cats always came and went, not like dogs who are always so loyal. I was feeling a little guilty about not "looking" hard enough for kitty so we made a trip down to the animal shelter yesterday to see if she had been turned in (knowing it's very unlikely, I mean who calls animal control when they see a wandering cat?) And knowing the animal-lover inside me would kick in wanting to rescue all the cats, and having my kids in tow, I really knew it wasn't the best idea... So I tell all the shelter employees I'm looking for my cat and they show me the strays and the cats waiting to be adopted - SO MANY!! Of course my kids start asking to take one home and the cute cuddly kitties staring at me start pulling at the heartstrings. After a good hour of debating and holding our favorites, I make the judgement call..."sure kids, let's get a new cat!" We picked out a darling long-haired cat with big blue eyes. The DRAMA The staff sends me to the back office to meet the "Adoption Specialist." I start filling out the paperwork and running my mouth how we came in looking for our cat and now we're going home with a new one, thinking it was funny. Obviously I'm an animal lover or I wouldn't be there. The lady immediately rips the paper away from me and starts drilling me - "how long ago did you lose your cat?? what have you done to find her? have you taken postcards to all your neighbors and posted signs at the shelter?" I stutter trying to assure her we've been looking when she announces that I haven't grieved long enough and I need to search for at least 30 days and grieve longer before I can adopt another pet. WHAT?!? Who is she to tell me I haven't grieved long enough over my pet? It's not like I'm going to return the cat if it doesn't work out. I mean I'm trying to help the stray pet population and she is denying me?? Ridiculous! she even flagged my name in the system like I was a freakin' criminal! No wonder they have so many animals needing homes. If I wanted the cat bad enough I'd just send my husband or a friend back in to get it for me - and forwarn them NOT to mention having lost any pets. Be warned! So I'm over it for now...so many cute, cute kitties needing homes but there will always be another cat available and life is chaotic enough at our house right now. Sorry boys, no pets for now :(