I adopted Dre from the shelter about 9 years ago. I had originally seen a large black cat, and had put him down as my first choice. On the form, you had to list a second choice, so I just put "Tabby". (there were about 40 tabbys there at that time) When I came back the next day, another family had already adopted the black cat, so the woman told me that I would get "the tabby". She brought the cardboard carrier up to the counter and I could see a bit of Dre, but didn't really know who I was getting until I got home. How lucky was I in the end. Dre was a fantastic cat with a unique personality. She was extremely vocal (she and I had long conversations back and forth) and she was so gentle and loving. She used to sleep on her back with her feet in the air. It was hilarious. She would actually come to me when I called. I had never seen a cat do that before. She slept with me every night, and we had our routines each day. She was a comfort to me, and was with me through boyfriend breakups and several moves.

She never got into anything. My fellow cat owners were amazed that I could have plants, a Christmas tree, etc. with no fear. She didn't jump up on anything other then the sofa and my bed. She was an easy cat to love.

She died yesterday, and I am fresh in the grieving process.

I think it's great that I have found this community that cares about each other and our pets.

Thanks-
Dre's Mom, Shannon

shannon - it sounds like you and dre were meant for one another. so sorry that you had to let her go. please come back and share your complete story and post any pictures that you have. it is so hard to lose a pet that you were so close to. by coming here to this forum you are surrounding yourself with people who know exactly what you are going through. it has been such a huge help to me when i lost my kitty. we are all at different stages in our grief and can let each other know what to expect. sorry again, be strong, ah

What a wonderful story of how you came to be together! I find it amazing how animals actually choose us to be their families, their carers, their Moms and Dads. This makes them all the more special, as it really cements that bond between them and us.

Dre sounds like such a very special girl, and I am so very sorry about what happened. I am sure you will find great comfort here, as you share with others who genuinely care and understand how you feel. I found this site by chance last week (but then again I dont believe it was "chance" ... it as meant to be!!!), when I was feeling so devastated, as I contemplated the fact that my beloved Shanti was going to be put to sleep so shortly. It has indeed been a great source of comfort and support. Come here often, Shannon, and keep the memory of your very special girl alive as you share with everyone here.

Take care

Lotsaluv

Avril

Dear Shannon-

I'm so sorry for your loss of Dre. She sounds like a wonderful kitty and companion.

I'm glad you've found this website, too. It really is a warm healing place.

You're in my thoughts.
Kathleen

Shannon- I am so sorry for your loss of Dre. It must have been fate that brought you together. It has been 5 weeks for me, and it is still a struggle to realize Lucy is not with me anymore. It sounds like you have lots of wonderful memories of Dre. Thank you for sharing her memory with all of us...

Caroline

I lost my lovely tabby cat, Carmen today. She had cancer of the mouth, which was only diagnosed last Friday. I had to let her go at10.30 this morning. I can't believe how overwhelmed with grief I feel. I keep expecting to see her. I so much want her back. She was extremely affectionate and was always wanting to be petted. She was naughty when she was younger, and even latterly, she'd break into the fridge! I'm so sorry about your little cat. Finding this site has been so helpful. I just feel I'm going mad with pain. I hope you're feeling a bit better now.

best wishes,

Alison

That was a very touching and loving tribute. It was the first one I read just before I posted about Daddy Cat and I suddenly realized that there were people out there who felt as I did. Thank you for sharing.