My cat was a part of my life longer than any husband or job or place to live.

“The loss of a “life witness”: Not only do our animals provide us with their uninhibited emotional expression, but they also allow us to express parts of ourselves that we may never let other humans see. They observe our weaknesses, our victories, and move through years of our lives with us. During periods of upheaval, they often provide us with security, stability and comfort.”

Upheaval indeed. She comforted me during the my job loss due to COVID and for the many uncertain months since. I joked that she was my assistant, but really we did have a work routine. If I was sitting up in bed to write, she stationed herself beside me. Without words she taught me over the years what she liked or didn’t like. She trusted me.

The biggest comfort I have found today is that when I have shared my loss with anyone who has lost a pet, they understand the grief without explanation. It just never gets any easier to part with a forgiving companion that seems perfect just in the fact they are forgiving and accepting and and never say the wrong thing. 

In a real way, my rescues have always rescued me. So thank you Jellie cat, for sharing the last 17 years with me. I consider you an unofficial service cat. Rest well and I hope there’s a heating pad somewhere waiting just for you.