So this is how it feels to have to say, “Good-bye,” to the most precious pet you have ever had. Mikie has been with me for seventeen years; as I thought back on moving here to Wisconsin seventeen years ago, there has only been one week when a precious pet has not lived in my home. I have had a precious cat for seventeen years; for fourteen years, I have had a precious dog. Both of my best friends are now with God.

I must say it is so quiet around my home, and there are so many memories that keep flashing back to me, with Mikie as the star character. His last few days were so hard for him, but I know he cherished this time with me, as well as I cherished them. He has been like a child to me, like a little fur ball of love. I miss all the times we showed our love, all the times he laid on my lap, all the times he greeted me at the door by putting his head through the banister and “meowing,” all the times he climbed up on my back as I was sleeping and purred in my ear.

So much quiet; so many memories. This hurts, but I am glad he is with his brother, Sammy, with my husband, Michael, and with his birth mother and two sisters. I am confident in this because God gave him to me at a time when I needed love, a time when I moved to a new place and needed a furry paw on my lap or meowing in my ear. I will always love him, and his memory will never fade from my heart. “Thank you, Lord, for giving me such  a beautiful friend. ” ” Rest in peace, sweetheart!”

Anna Hartt