I adopted you when you were three months old. I took you back to my apartment in that suburb of Detroit. You were a snuggler from the beginning, letting me wrap my arms around you and bury my face in your fur as I slept. I was single and still a bit of a nomad. You moved across the country with me three times, making the trek from Michigan to Seattle, back and then to Seattle again.
You've been with me through a slowly rotating carousel of boyfriends and best friends. You were with me (waiting patiently in my small one-bedroom unit) when I met J. at Starbucks. You were here when I first brought my babies home from the hospital.
Given how possessive you were of me, you adjusted quickly and well to kids, mostly tolerating their clumsy hugs and inept attempts to help me feed you.
No one can tell me animals don't feel love. Or at least affection. You have. You do. Until tomorrow when I will have to say Goodbye.
My comfort and constant, gentle presence through my twenties and thirties. My sweet friend.
I am all choked up reading this. I have been there with two beloved pets and it is sooo difficult. It sucks to know that we have the end of life decisions to make when we adopt our little friends, but we do. Know that you've given your cat a wonderful life, and you will always cherish those memories. XOXO
Posted by: Leslie | May 30, 2008 at 02:49 PM
:-(
I'm sorry. We had to put down our dog a few years ago. Losing a pet is one of the crummiest experiences ever. They really become a member of the family and a best friend. Hope you're doing okay through this.
Posted by: Sue | May 30, 2008 at 02:49 PM
Oh how heartbreaking!
I'm sorry!
Posted by: Jen-The Mom | May 30, 2008 at 03:30 PM
I am so sorry. I can feel how much you love her in your post.
Posted by: Melissa | May 30, 2008 at 03:38 PM
I'm sorry.
Posted by: Pez | May 30, 2008 at 04:22 PM
My heart's with you, friend.
Posted by: nutmeg | May 30, 2008 at 04:42 PM
I'm so sorry.
Posted by: franticallysimple | May 30, 2008 at 04:52 PM
You poor thing. It really is a terrible thing to lose a pet. They really are part of the family. My thoughts are with you.
Posted by: AndreAnna | May 30, 2008 at 04:53 PM
So sorry. She's a beaut.
Posted by: Lisa Milton | May 30, 2008 at 05:06 PM
I'm sorry for you loss.
Posted by: M&Co. | May 30, 2008 at 05:06 PM
I'm so, so sorry. My thoughts are with you tomorrow.
Posted by: all things bd | May 30, 2008 at 05:19 PM
Aw, Angie, I'm so sorry.
Posted by: slouching mom | May 30, 2008 at 05:46 PM
Our pets should live as long as we do. When your heart feels like it's breaking, may you find comfort in your memories and in knowing you were loved as much as you loved. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Tricia | May 30, 2008 at 07:07 PM
Ooohhh.... I am so, so sorry. It's so horribly hard to lose a pet. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow.
Posted by: Teej | May 30, 2008 at 08:10 PM
Oh, sweet sweet Ollie. My heart goes out to you, lovely. Pets are our greatest fans. They don't care if we stink, if we're neurotic, emotional, overplucked our eyebrows, or poor. My dad once said that people are irreplaceable. I'll include pets in that too. I'm so sorry.
Posted by: Vanessa McGrady | May 30, 2008 at 08:47 PM
I am so sorry. I could weep for hours just thinking about losing my Oreo who was at times my only source of companionship....he's like my furry rock and I love him so much. I can only imagine your sadness. Just thinking about you and sending you some happy thoughts.
Posted by: Cass | May 31, 2008 at 05:48 AM
Oh my, I am so sorry.
Posted by: jenn | May 31, 2008 at 06:01 AM
aww.. i am sorry. what a loss of such a beautiful pet and friend...
Posted by: Manager Mom | May 31, 2008 at 08:56 AM
Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose a beloved pet. My deep sympathies.
Posted by: MommyTime | May 31, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Precious boy. We will love you, always.
Posted by: M | May 31, 2008 at 12:34 PM
I'm so sorry. What a special kitty. Love that picture.
Posted by: JCK | May 31, 2008 at 07:32 PM
Aw, rats. That's just the worst. So sorry, Miss Adither.
Posted by: foolery | June 03, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Oh, Angie. I'm just catching up, but not sure that I can bare the next post. I am so very sorry. I can honestly say that I know how you must be feeling. It sucks to lose a pet.
Posted by: Lulu | June 10, 2008 at 10:59 AM