I met Cotton!by Sushi Cat (guest blogger)

Hi, everyone,

Well, it finally happened. My kitty body gave out on me. I just got too sick to really go on anymore. I've been sick a lot lately. Sometimes, I had a good day (like this weekend when mom took me for a walk outside). But, at the beginning of the week, everything went downhill. I couldn't eat, drink, or sleep, and I lost my voice. I couldn't even purr like I used to always do when I sat on mom's belly at nighttime.

It was an agonizing decision, but mom and dad finally asked the doctor to help me not hurt anymore. Yesterday and overnight, mom and dad spent a lot of time with me. I was sick, and could have used some more rest, but I can never turn down attention! Then, this morning, the doctor came to the house. I was taken into the bedroom and placed on the bed. I knew that something was happening, but I wasn't sure. You know how sometimes you keep wanting something to happen and, when it really happens, you're all of a sudden confused? That was me. The doctor gave me a shot that made me really drowsy. Oh, I haven't been that relaxed and comfortable in a long time.

At that time, dad took my face into his hands and rubbed my cheeks. I thought, "Is this it? Is this really it?" I knew that it was time to say goodbye, but I felt so guilty for getting sick and having to leave mom and dad alone. Who's going to take care of them? Who's going to tell them that it's time for bed, and who's going to wake them up in the morning? And, if they argue again, who's going to meow at dad and then go ask mom if she is alright? (We girls have to stick together.) Who's going to keep dad company during the day, and who's going to sit on mom's stomach all night and stand guard while she sleeps? These were things that were going through my little kitty mind as I gazed into dad's eyes and felt mom's hand petting my arm. She was singing to me (like an idiot, but that's part of the reason why we love her). Then, the doctor gave me the second injection. Now, that one felt really good. And, then, it was all over.

Before I knew it, I was spirited away and put in a line where I was processed for entry to Pet Paradise. By "processed," I mean I was matched up with a buddy to show me the ropes. Lo and behold, they assigned me to Cotton! Cotton is a pure-bred doberman who used to live with dad and grandpa (dad's dad). Cotton chased rabbits (don't tell mom!) and sat on the couch even after being told repeatedly not to. He and I are getting along famously. He has been showing me the sights around PP, and I can't say that I'm disappointed.

Now, I am able to jump and pounce like I used to do when I was a kitten. I also got my voice back--I'm a nice, smooth soprano. No more pain. I hope that mom and dad are doing okay. I know they will miss me, but I'm here having a ball and waiting for them to show up.

Sushi Cat