This is the only place I have to write this and get this out of my head so please excuse this.

My beloved friend and pet cat of over 18 years, Puck, has just passed away.

My Stepdad Russ was home when it happened. Not more than 3 hours before was he jumping on the bed to cuddle with him, and then later in the day Puck tried to get on the bed, and just couldn't do it. He walked away for a while and laid on the plush and cushy bathroom rug and just fell asleep...forever.

He hadn't been doing well the past few years. His health slowly deteriorated after I left for college. He would eat plenty of food but not retain any real body mass. It had me worried but after several trips to the vet, and them saying he was healthy, we just let him be happy and enjoy what was left of his life. All the while, comforting him and cuddling with him. He was never in any pain, he was just as active as he had been when he was a kitten.

By Christmas this last year he was practically skin and bones. But all indications showed he was a happy cat, he would jump on me when I was home, and cuddle with me for the hours I had when I was back in Michigan. I suppose I should have known this would happen sooner or later.

He was the ripe old age of 18 (human years).

I miss him...I miss him a lot. I wish I had been there for him to lie on my lap and let go his final breaths.

Goodbye...old friend.