Mr. Bell was a special guy. I have known him since the day he was born.  He was born with 5 other kittens on a fishing boat parked in a driveway in Monroe Twp, NJ.  Through his 11 years, he’s experienced several relocations, two car trips from NJ to Fla, and 4 plane rides from NJ to Fla.  He’s always been around people who have loved him and cared for him.  I was fortunate enough to find stability in 2006 through my wife.  He’s lived in the same house for the better part of 6 years, and even got his own little section of the house.  We had a few scares with him running out a few times, but he never completely fled.  He was more concerned with eating grass.

I think what I will remember the most about Mr. Bell is just his constant yearning for affection.  He always wanted to be laying on someone, getting pet, or slamming his head into you to mark his territory.  Unless you were a lizard or smaller creature, he didn’t have a bad bone in his body.  He gave us so much love and comfort that it would be impossible to put it into words.  I’d often have issues with insomnia, but he could put me to sleep in 5 minutes if he was purring next to me.  He loved laying with my wife and kneading her as well.

Though he only lived to be just past his 11th birthday, the joy he brought into our lives will last a lifetime.  I am so unbelievably grateful for having the time with him.  There were moments in my life when he was the lone thing I looked forward to seeing.  I got to spend the best and worst days of my life with him.  But, regardless of circumstance, he always made things better.  It’s that unconditional love that always shines through.  He enjoyed his window sills, bird viewing, plant nipping, catnip, laser pointers, and human affection.

While the loss of Mr. Bell has been extremely tough, it is the fond memories that will forever bind him in my heart.  A part of me left and will never come back.  I would do anything in the world to have him back with me in a healthy state, but I know that cannot happen.  I just hope that he is in a place now where he can be rewarded for all of the good he’s brought into our lives.  I couldn’t ask for a better cat and a more loving animal companion.

Your mother and I love you.  We think about you all the time.  Rest in peace Mr. Bell.  I hope you truly are at Rainbows Bridge and that we will cross paths once again.

— Marc from Punta Gorda, FL