Rascal

We just lost our sweet little Rascal two days ago. She had the prettiest thumbs you ever did see and I loved to play with them. My husband brought her home to me 23 years ago (he found her along the road after someone had dropped her off as a tiny baby). She lived a long happy life and she made our lives happy for 23 years. I will never forget her and her beautiful paws.

Leena's answer:

I am so sorry for your loss.

I have been there many times myself. Our kitties did not live quite that long, but our last two Abys were 17 when they passed the Rainbow Bridge, and our "moggie" was 16. And they all went within a year. It was so sad, but in the end the decision to let them go was easy when it was clear they were old and not feeling good anymore.

Still, if you have someone as a friend for over twenty years, they really are family members and a piece of your heart goes with them. I remember crying so much that when we went swimming the next day after our first Aby passed, and I had my swimming goggles on, I had to take them off to empty them of tears.

And even today, when I remember my old cats, tears are not far. Still, now the memory has mellowed into smiles and remembrance of the love we shared and the funny things they did. And so it should be.

I could not be without a cat long - when our little Bertha, my heart cat, passed in April, by Christmas we already had our new three kitties. And oh boy how much love and life they brought with them. They are totally new personalities, and often when they do something funny, my husband and I not only laugh at them but also at the memories of the old cats that come to mind.

And you know what: I truly do believe our pets are waiting for us when it is our time to go. If anyone says animals have no soul, they have never experienced the love our pets give us. And if love never dies, then neither do they.

Big hugs to you.