Mini

When a pet dies, that special place in our hearts feels so empty... But we realize, as time passes, that animals have a way of teaching us about loving, about loyalty, joy, and friendship... And whatever we've shared in their presence can never really be lost. -unknown

It is with a heavy heart that I share the loss of our family cat, Mini. I can't recall the exact year she came home, but I do remember that it was on Valentine's Day. We kids (my younger sister & brother and I) could hear her cries as my mother & stepfather brought her in the house. She was a gift for my sister. I got a curling iron. Yes, a curling iron. I don't remember what Christopher got, but Mary got Mini. And, yes, Mom did hear about that from me from time to time.

Regardless, she was loved by us all. And, as the three of us slowly left home for college, Mini was still there. The last "kid" at home. Always ready to curl up in a waiting lap to be petted. She especially loved Trent's lap when he and I came to visit. And Trent would be covered in her fur afterward.

Her health hadn't been the best the past couple of years. When Mom called this afternoon she said the last few days weren't great so they took her to the vet this morning. X-rays showed a mass in her lungs and she was hurting so they made the very difficult decision.

It's slowly sunk in as the evening has gone by. Especially as I looked through photos. The hardest part will be not having her there to jump in our laps during visits. But I am grateful she is not hurting and is happily playing in Heaven. She was the sweetest, most precious little cat. And very loved by us all. She will be greatly missed.