Kitty

Today was a hard day for the family, though we've somewhat shielded Madison from what has happened. In short, the vet this morning discovered leukemia in Kitty's blood, and in an advanced state.

Kitty has been a wonderful family pet for a few years now, one that Madison has known all of her time with us. When Kitty was a stray, Daddy remembers spending time on the front porch with Mommy, trying to lure the cat closer with slices of bologna. From the very beginning, we knew there was something special about this cat.

Even though he was stray, he became domesticated quite easily. He endured Madison's playfulness with such grace and patience, and each night he would find himself in our laps purring quietly as we watched a movie or played a game together.

At the old house, his perch was on the railing just outside our front door. That's where he liked to sit, king of the house on his throne. If he spent any time away, we'd always see him come back - pawing and meowing at the windows by the front door.

He was a wonderful pet, giving us so many happy memories. Something like this is so tragic. He was without exaggeration at the point of death some time ago when we took him in and nursed him back to life. There was no way he would have survived that cruel winter without us. And for the next year, he lived happily under our roof. He had a very happy life with us, warm, safe and always with enough food. And always enough petting and scratching in between the ears.

We'll miss you dearly, Kitty.