I took Pumpkin in as a stray in late 2016. He had been waiting outside my workplace for several nights in a row begging for food, and I decided to give him a home.

While he and our other 2 cats never really got along, my family really enjoyed having him around. Pumpkin was playful and affectionate. I loved watching him chase a laser light around the room, tackle his scratching post and drink out of the sprinklers during the summer.

Sadly, about a year after I took him in, he began losing weight rapidly and refusing to eat his food. I took him to the Valley Vet Clinic, and it was determined he needed to be put to sleep. While I was frustrated that there was nothing more we could do for Pumpkin, I was glad that he would no longer be suffering.

I am very thankful for the staff at Valley Vet Clinic - especially Dr. Sederstrom - for their professionalism. I was able to take Pumpkin home for one more night so my family could say good bye to him, and the process of euthanasia went smoothly. I will always cherish the memories we made during the year we had him, and I have a greater appreciation for the value of life because of this experience.