Steve, I'm so sorry to learn of Tia's passing. I know that she provided your household with much love and joy during her time with you. May she spend eternity in the land of sunny spots and catnip toys.
As I write this, I am flanked by our recently-adopted kitties. When our beloved mini-dachshund, Fritz, passed away a few months ago we visited the NHHS and came home with a brother and sister feline pair. Troy is 11 and Lily is 10. These are two of the sweetest and most loving creatures ever to walk the earth, and fill our days with much laughter at their crazy antics. Although they are not what most would consider young, they are so full of life! I wholeheartedly second the notion of opening your heart and your home to pets who are "experienced."
(Note: as I typed this reply, Lily decided she needed some snuggling time, and has climbed inside my bathrobe and is now kneading my belly and purring up a storm. )