Saying Goodbye to a Trusted Friend

More than a decade ago, I was walking by an abandoned warehouse near my office in Goleta . Out of the corner of my eye, I spied a bedraggled stray cat sitting on the cold, hard steps at the entrance to the building. As I drew closer and sat down, he approached me with a somewhat unsteady gait, climbed onto my lap, and started purring. As he looked up at me, I marveled at his eyes – they were enormous and the color of a sapphire blue ocean. It was as if he was gazing deeply into my soul and we made an instant connection.

I didn’t know it at the time, but I had just met my destiny.

I reluctantly left that day after promising to check on him again soon. I didn’t have any plans to adopt a pet right then, but changed my mind when I awakened to the sound of heavy rain on my roof the next morning. I immediately thought of the abandoned cat I had met the day before and knew I had to do something. I jumped out of bed and raced to the warehouse and, sure enough, there he was, huddled under the eaves of the old structure. I scooped him up, placed him on my lap in the car, and carefully drove home. Just like that, this Siamese-Tabby mix and I became a family.

As the months and years passed, Cassidy and I became inseparable. Being around this special soul profoundly the way in which I looked at the world. There was something about his quiet, dignified demeanor that gave me the courage to make cosmic changes in my personal and professional life. He became my muse, my teacher, my purr-fessor, if you will.

At 16, although his spirit was still strong, Cassidy’s body succumbed to the ravages of time. Surrounded by soft music, candles, and the people who loved him most, Cassidy, while nestled on his favorite throw, passed away peacefully in my arms. As his eyes closed for the last time, I knew I had lost not only my cat – but also my best friend. I firmly believe this kindred spirit was sent to me as an inspiration to help other abused and abandoned animals.

After all, it was our destiny.

Cassidy passed away five years ago this month. This column is dedicated to all those who have loved and lost a beloved animal companion. Karen can be reached at karenleestevens@cox.net.

---

Return to Karen Lee's Home Page
Return to the ALL FOR ANIMALS Home Page.