Feline friend

We're all very sad this morning. We have to put my kitty Dolce down. We thought the feeding tube we had placed on Monday might help her, but last night, she wouldn't move and didn't want to be held, and at one point we found her hiding in a bunch of junk in a box that we were going to take to Goodwill. And then she had diarhhea several times in the night, around the house. We felt that she was trying to tell us something. This is not a thing I take lightly. Helping a sick animal pass on is just about the hardest decision I've ever had to make. I realize that at some point, it has to stop being about me and what I want - to keep her forever - and think about her quality of life. She just seemed so tired and sick. I don't want her to be sick and in pain anymore.

Tim has been so wonderful, taking her to the vet when I can't and being supportive of the feeding tube and of trying anything that might make her better -- even though he wasn't the one who really wanted a cat in the first place. I really appreciate that.

I remember taking Dolce home from the pet rescue, how loving and sweet she was. That's how she got her name. She was just the most affectionate cat and really helped fill a spot in my heart that was left so empty with Ansel's passing. Maybe Ansel can hang out with her for a while and show her the ropes, even tho she IS a cat. It's amazing how pets become such a part of your life. They really are so much more than pets - they truly are companion animals.

I will miss my companion. Very much.