i_had_a_cat_named_shadow birdmad I had a cat named Shadow, slinky and sweet playful in spite of her age lover of french fries and ice cream a treat-bandit who would find the packets of kitty treats regardless of how well i hid them and gut them like prey to get at the crunchy contents inside whenever i'd pet her, she'd lick my arm in return if she didn't think i was paying her enough attention, she'd stand on her hind legs and stretch to pet herself with my hands or knees when nights are cold, she would burrow under the covers and nest between my knees or in my armpit, occasionally subjecting me to the_happy_claws i_got_a_cat_named_shadow but only now in that memory space between heart and brain She found a hiding place in my apartment and would not come out except late at night to eat, drink or use the box... last night, she came out and laid at my feet, panting, struggling to draw breath, skinny and looking exhausted I wrapped her in a towel and took her to the vet They told me i could keep her around in a slow, regulated, medicated decline or i could let her go now I held her in my arms scratching her favorite spot behind her ears as the vet injected the anesthetic overdose that put her to sleep, she passed away with my favorite goofy expression on her face, eyes half-closed like when she was almost asleep in life and the very tip of her tongue sticking out I held her for a few minutes more after she was gone Goodbye, Shadow. 1999-2009 miss you already, kitty 090219 ... unhinged my brows are furrowed together and i can't think of much to say. that is horrible bird. 090219 ... z i am so sorry. 090219 ... jane shadow......... i'm so sorry Obird. *sending virtual hug* 090219 ... Ouroboros :( 090219 ... Doar I can sympathize birdman. Please accept my condolences. tears up 090219 ... bird thanks...meanwhile, i still have Tonya, Spooky and that remainder of the Spooklets i have not given out yet because from among the spooklets i_got_a_cat_named_Pixie with her parasail ears and giant feet and soft tabby stripes and her sisters Luna(formerly Butterscotch) and Snowflake who had been competing with Shadow for spots next to or on top of me Snowflake...where to start with that one...quiet and laid back most of the time, like a striped, Siamese version of Shadow...but known for shoving her nose into my eyes or my nostrils or, when i yawn, sticking her whole head in my mouth like some weird inversion on the concept of a lion tamer 090219 ... Doar I_have _grown_in_love_with_a_feline_named_molly she meows, and squeeks, and rubs. Such need she exhibits for love, she jumps upon the chair, rubs her head against the edge of the table, and squeeks, and rubs, and squeeks again. All black fur with white scar fur that times her adventure within the truck's fanbelt. I have a cat named Molly. and I understand. 100117 what's it to you? who go blather from