I thought I'd write a quick note in honor of my wonderful cat Marcel, who left us early yesterday morning. He and my pup Bungee woke me in the wee hours and I found him at the bottom of the stairs unable to use his back legs or tail. I rushed him to the emergency vet, and it turned out he had a blood clot in his spine, and by the time we got there, his feet were already getting cold. The doctor said his prognosis was very slim, and since he was in a great deal of pain, we decided to help him on to his next journey. I held him as he left this world and found peace.

I adopted Marcel 14 years ago when my now ex-husband moved into the guest room and my other cat Pizzi started sleeping in there with him. I went to the local shelter and saw a sweet white spotted kitty snuggled up and "nursing" on a female in the cat area. He took to me right away, and ride home on my shoulder, chewing my hair and snuggling the whole way.

Marcel was the most open-hearted and patient cat I've ever known. He'd tolerate the stream of visiting dog cousins, my cranky old lady-cat's temper, and was at the door any time someone visited. His playfulness and silliness as a young cat lightened my life as I went through hard times, and as an aging cat, his ready purr, patient soul and snuggling abilities warmed everyone's heart (even those that didn't like cats).

We'll miss him, but I'll forever be grateful that he shared my life!