Goodbye, dear friend

Last week, I said goodbye to a dear friend. I've known her since she was born, almost 16 years ago.

I held her when she was a baby, and I held her the day she passed away.

In between, she stood by me as we moved from one apartment to another and another - and finally to a house, her last home. There was that one time she tried to hide in the cupboard, but she came out when I asked.

She knew me when I got married...and she knew me when X left. She watched him leave, and has greeted him at the door countless times since, when he would come to visit. She only ever tried to poop on him or scratch him when he was trying to wash her or trim her nails. There was the time he gave her a cold, but I think she forgave him for that long ago.

When I was sad, she would sit in my lap. When I was sick, she would lick my hand. When I messed up, she still loved me. Even that time I put the Santa hat on her, and she got it caught on her head. She stood still so I could take a photo (I helped her right after, I swear).

People think when you have a cat, you're a pet owner. I don't consider myself an owner, mostly because I don't consider my pets possessions. I own a pair of shoes - pets are my family. They're four-legged, furry kids who depend on me for food, shelter, water, and care. They look to me for guidance, love, safety and strength.

How do they repay? With unconditional love and friendship - something no person I've ever met can give.

Goodbye, dear friend. You will always be loved, and you will always be missed. I promise your ashes will always sit under the Christmas tree.

Found it here

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...