Goodbye, Sweet Boy

Dear Leo,

This morning, we said our final goodbye to you.  Your dad and I hoped you could die at home, but as things progressed, we decided that helping you die was the last gift we could give you.  Many tears were shed making this decision.  We hope you understand.

I remember vividly the day you came home more than eleven years ago.  J-ster (your human brother) and I had been looking for the perfect cat.  It had to be raised by its mother, patient with kids and beautiful.  When we found you, I called your father and said, 'We found the perfect one!'  

You and I were an instant chemistry match and no one but me (and your Cat Princess auntie) was allowed to pick you up and love on you.  

You were aloof and discriminating from the very beginning.

Oh, how I will miss the way you pranced along the railing on the deck to wherever I was, hoping that I would scratch behind your ears or run my hand over your back.  Then, in the winter months, I rolled over in bed to discover that you had found your way under the covers and were snuggled up against me.  

A mini heater, purring.

You tried to fit into every space, including your dad's pants.  We often found you in a drawer, an open cabinet or in the clothes hamper.  You must have spent your days - and nights - looking for new places to hide.

Thank you for putting up with all of my pet names for you:  Mini Monkey, Little Fuzzy Guy, Baby Head and many others equally embarrassing.  I could call out 'Lee-Lee' in my high, sing-song voice, from anywhere in the house and know that you would eventually appear, unable to resist the opportunity for a cuddle.

When Paige came to live with us, you taught her about boundaries and manners.  Even though she grew to three times your size, you would stand on your hind legs and slap her around if she misbehaved.  When that didn't work, you bit her nose, which would end all disputes.

In pictures, you look like a big cat, but we know you were just a little squirt with long hair, barely 8 pounds soaking wet.  Nevertheless, your beauty and your big attitude made you appear regal and in charge of most everything.

This weekend will be one of  sadness and laughter as we talk about you, think about you and mourn the fact that you are no longer with us.  But we will never, ever forget you.

Now, and forever, you are Momma's Precious Boy.

Rest in peace.