We've been through our fair share of premature heartbreak. In a nutshell, we have lost our only bunny (and each time, our only pet) twice in the space of 17 months from completely different but totally unavoidable illnesses. None of my bunnies have lived to a ripe old age. Sassy got to 6, Lily got to 4.5, Luna only got to 3
(yet somehow, childhood friend who kept all their rabbits unneutered and unvaccinated in small hutches had theirs live until 8 or 9 each time...) Looking at those ages, increasing our level of knowledge and care each time seems to only be taking us backwards in lifespan, but I know that's not the case. Even with the best will, knowledge, and care in the whole world, there will always be something to go wrong that you can't predict nor see before it's too late.
However 4 weeks after Luna passed away, we came home with Sora and Smudge. Even though our hearts were still broken, it felt like the right thing to do and they are so happy here now
it feels like a lovely tribute. Before Luna we had been 6 months without a bunny or any pet and the loneliness that came with such a situation was only making the depression worse.
The difference here is that we were completely bunnyless, whereas you still have one bunny. If we lost either of these two I make every effort to bond the remaining one to another bunny, I'd have to put my own grief to one side and think of the bunny in that situation.
All I can say is heartbreak will always be involved with having any pet somewhere down the line, there is no way to change that. However, heartbreak shows just how much you loved and cared for them. If it feels right for you to get them then go for it
(PS. - You live near me :wave: )