When I first met Coco, I fell in love. She was an abandoned Siamese kitten, barely 6 weeks old, that had invaded my Aunt's garage. My aunt was unable to keep her because her kitty had cancer and could not tolerate adoption of a new kitten. When she told me she would have to take Coco to a shelter I was adamant that would not be her fate! So I took her in despite already having 4 cats.

She fit in the palm of my hand, and was such a little spitfire even then - fussing and hissing because she didn't want to be held. I remember telling my aunt I would break her of that; instead she trained me not to carry her too much, lol. She especially hated having her tail touched. To her last day, she would get terribly upset if we touched her tail.

Coco loved being outside but given she was an indoor cat, she would only be outside while we were outside. She was one of the biggest reasons we moved from an apartment to a house with a big yard, so she could sun herself and eat grass, and just hang out. That was my favorite thing to do with her - she and I would sit outside, enjoying the summer happy as clams.

I still miss her terribly, her beautiful face, her meowing to go outside, her barking and snapping at me when I would touch her tail, and her never ending love of bacon. She had the best purr that would put us to sleep in an instant. She and I had such a strong bond, we understood each other, and she brought so much joy in her 16 years.

I'm so grateful for the help she was able to receive at the WSU Veterinary teaching hospital for the cancer in her jaw. They gave my little girl 9 more months of life; she was able to enjoy her last summer with very little pain. Dr. Fidel was such a joy and wanted only the best for our little girl. I am happy to make this contribution to an institution who truly values the lives and well being of our furry loved ones.