I adopted Sakura, along with her shelter brother Bogart, in 2010, shortly before I turned 30. They were the littlest loves of my life, stewarding me through multiple large-scale moves, job transitions, mental health challenges, loss and heartbreak, and everything else you can think of that comes with life. The continuity and stability they both brought me was a balm. Sakura, in particular, was perhaps the sweetest cat I've ever known, with a personality that bloomed mostly in the last 5 years of her life when she became an only-cat. I'm glad I was able to give her the space and attention she needed to be herself in her final years. Our bond was deep and unbreakable and I will miss her endlessly.