“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”– Anatole France
I lost my cat, Billy, in 2004 and life just stopped. I was lost in sorrow and eventually sent this email to “those who would understand.” If you are reading this, I know you will understand also………

They’re Not Just Pets

The following is probably more of a catharsis for me than it is an explanation to you of why I haven’t been sending any e-mails lately. I believe most of you know that I have a “team” at home which consisted of five of the most wonderful cats. My senior cat, Billy, had been ill for quite a while and I knew the day was coming when I would have to put him down. I always said it would break my heart, but I would do what was best for Billy. Well, last week my heart broke because I had to do what was best for Billy. It left me devastated. Even knowing that letting him go was the right thing to do didn’t bring me much peace. In the team’s “pecking order,” Billy was the king, the leader of the pack, the disciplinarian, and, at times, a bit of a curmudgeon. He made his presence known and his loss is overwhelming. Each time I think he is no more, it hurts my heart. Sadly, the other team members continue to wait for Billy to come home from the vet’s office, but that’s not going to happen this time. Billy’s death has placed “our” routine in a painful shambles and the team and I are trying to find a new pattern for our life with one member missing. I know time will take care of this.
So, my friends, I took some “down time” – time to deal with this grief and let the emptiness begin to fill with the memories of Billy that I will cherish always. I thank God for all the years I had Billy with me and I hope and pray I will see him and all my beloved pets again when it is my turn to leave this earth.
It really has been “rough” around here lately. But, we are moving forward. The team members are becoming more animated, and I even smiled when I thought of Billy, instead of crying.
Now, my friends, it’s time for me to “ease on down the road.” My team is waiting and it’s their dinner time.
Shakespeare: Love well that which thou must lose ere long.

Lucille from NY