Seventeen Years Of Love & Companionship With Kitty

It was only on March 10th we decided our devoted & loving companion should be put to rest. Callahan was almost 17yrs. old but tough right up to the end. It was 1988 when we found him... we intended on originally getting a female but, he was sitting on the porch looking out and it was he who took our hearts immediately. Without any doubt, he was the "one". We found our gray tiger tabby soul cat. The first night with him, we were watching an old Clint Eastwood film and decided such a fine cat deserved a fine name..hence "Callahan". Little did we know he would live up to his name on several occasions. But, his love and devotion for us never wavered. Being in our second year of marriage, we had no idea what paths we would take with him. In the past 16 years, he endured several moves. The biggest one being a move from FL to AZ on an airplane. He was so adaptable!!! Never one to complain too much, he always knew we were family and he would never be left out. He was the type of cat who would run to the door with me to see who was there! He would let vistors know immediately if they passed muster with him. Vets were always in big trouble when he went to visit or visa versa. We went through quite a few and were always happy to hear of a new one in town. He was feral with them white coats. But, I didn't blame him a bit. Two surgeries did it. The first being "fixed" the second for a wound from a fight. Plus, he hated shots. Who doesn't? Needless to say, he was tough. But, he was always there for us! Having no children, he was everything to us. We had routines every single day. He was so much a part of our life. The three of us were like a woven tapestry of love. How does one deal with the little reminders every single day? I burst out in tears at the smallest reminders of him. Tomorrow will mark three weeks since the vet came to our home and peacefully put him to sleep. He felt so bad that when the doc came in the house he just lifted his head and put it back down. No fight was left in him. We tried everything including the fluid therapy but, he continued on declining. We did not him to suffer any more. period. But, it is still so hard. One thing that people say who don't understand the bond is that "oh, you can get another kitty" That is the worst thing to say! He was EVERYTHING to us. Any helpful advise would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Kathleen