shout-out to cats

I was reminded yesterday of how old one of my cats has become. She is the cat who very much saved my life and gave me a purpose to keep living when I didn't have any others. She would sleep with me every night and for every nap. She talked to me all the time. Followed me everywhere. (I use past tense here because I had to move away for work for awhile, but will soon be moving back home.) I feel such an intense connection to her, unlike with any other cat I've had. I feel like I really know her.

I think I'll have to be institutionalized when she passes. 

I hate losing any of my cats. They are my children, my best friends, my soul mates.

I can't believe I have been lucky enough to know my cats in this lifetime. They are so special to me -- and to so many of my friends. 

I often wish I could win the lottery (which I never play) just so I could fund all the local animal shelters and rescue operations.