My dear boy died last week. There was neither obituary nor funeral. I watched him decline for just over a week. Late Thursday night he slowly and quietly made his way into the guest room and half under the bed took his last breath. I found him early in the morning, cold and stiff.

Some say “he was just a cat”. I went to the shelter to adopt a petit, female kitten. My boy was the only one calling to me. Lifting him from the crate he held his arms around my neck and would not let go. I left with him, a 10 year old, 18 lb tuxedo boy. We should never have expectations about what we want because our best friend will always choose us with out any doubt at all.

I was married at the time. Zek happily joined a family in the making, one Miss Ellie toy poodle and the oldest family member, Fly kitty.

He would hop up on the bed when it was bedtime. Purring me softly to sleep and after I fell asleep would quietly leave so as not to awaken me. He would be the door greeter when we arrived home from work. We moved several times up and down the east coast and he took it all in stride, acting as a calming influence on the younger members of the family. He would jump onto my lap to say pay attention to me and when I was sad he would come and nudge his nose on my hand just to say “I am here for you”. He wouldn’t leave my side when I was bedridden after a hip replacement; leaning close into me to comfort me.

When my marriage dissolved he was there to mop up the tears in his fur and kiss me gently as a mother to a distressed child relaying things would be ok.

When I made my cross country move not a peep came out of his mouth as he endured the four day drive. Knowing he was there gave me courage to strike out on a new start and not feel alone.

You see he was not just a cat, he was my best friend and confidant. My heart is broken and he will be sorely missed.

Love you always Ezekiel.

Alex S.