First photo is the last I’d ever take of my boy Britchy (officially Britches) and I had no idea it would be the last. The next morning he had a sudden medical emergency, an excruciatingly long drive to an emergency vet, and I had to make the decision to let him go. Saddle thrombosis due to heart disease which had no signs until it was too late. He was 12 and a half. I tell myself he was living his best life then it was over, no long term illness or old age issues. It brings me some comfort.

He was my soul cat. I met him the day after he was born. He picked me to be his person. He was my reason for living for a long time. He was more emotionally intelligent than most people but also had the orange cat moments of one brain cell activity (I say this with nothing but love). I’ll never have a love or connection quite like ours again.

It’s been a week today. It’s still deeply painful. I’m doing my best to memorialize his life and meaning to me. Loving on my other cat as much as I can, he’s a special boy too and grateful he is with me through this.