Today is an atypical gray day for me. As a friend of mine recently had to do with his dog, I find myself at the end of a very long and sweet relationship with my dear little companion, Otto. Many of you have met him, many may have not.

My little tiger of a cat was laid to rest earlier this evening. He lived a very full and vibrant 17 years with me. It’s amazing how much a little animal – a feisty little long grey haired domestic guy with beautiful green eyes – impacted my life. We experienced so much together: good and bad; happy and sad; scary and fun; boring and exciting. You name it Otto and I lived it together.

Fortunately we had the last week to really prepare and so both of us were ready to say goodbye.

The last year has been a rough one for me. I lost my Dad to cancer back in May, 2009. But as with his passing, for as crappy a thing to have to endure as this, it couldn’t have gone any better. Dr. Sherrie Crow and all the staff at Elliot Bay Animal Hospital are absolutely wonderful. I can’t recommend any other vet more highly than her and the staff there.

I am going to really miss you Otto. You greeted me at my door with your little smoker’s meow every time I came home. You were the perfect complicated little companion.

Maybe you’ll be sitting on my dad’s lap now instead of mine. Sweet dreams my little guy. You’re in a better place now.

Gerry M.