When I adopted this little fang face 12 years ago, I changed his name from Panther (a little too on the nose) to Baxter. He never seemed to mind and embraced his new "British butler's" name, picked out to complement the name of his brother, Winston.

Baxter's main loves were rotisserie chicken, Meerkat Manor, ruggles (rug snuggles), patches of sunshine on a hardwood floor, and - most of all - my lap.

We had 12 great years together. I will miss having my shadow follow me everywhere I go in the house, using his little paws to pull my hand down to pet his head, and walking in to find him anxiously waiting for me at the door. Baxter was more like a dog than a cat; he always came when I called his name and wanted to be with me every second I was home.

You were an awesome cat, Baxter. I miss you terribly. Rest in peace, baby boy.