I made this last week a few days after we had to say goodbye. I thought I had posted it already. Aagh. I want to make something better for her when I can.

Cocoa was my childhood pet. I got her when I was in middle school(so probably 12-13 yrs old) right after participating in a parade with the school band (I played clarinet). My friend's family had 3 momma cats all give birth around the same time, and had 20+ kittens to rehome. They kept all their kittens in a shed and she was the only one that wouldn't dart away when I approached. :)

She was the kind of cat that would make any new human her friend. She was very affectionate and vocal, but wasn't quite at the smother-you-with-love level. We'd have people who insist they hated cats like Cocoa. She was one of the "good" cats, apparently.

She's been a core companion for me most of my life. When I was depressed or having an emotional break down she'd hop right in my lap and purr like a motor boat. She'd follow me around and just enjoyed being around people. There were times she got into trouble (ie: getting mauled by a racoon), but with love (and a lot of vet bills) she lived a very long and what I hope was a happy life.

She lived to be about 17. The vet said she was having kidney failure and we decided that the kindest thing to do for her was to not prolong any more suffering.

I now have no animal companions left. She was sort of this last... attachment?? to my youth/childhood. I feel a bit empty, I'll admit. But I want to wait a while and heal before trying to reconnect with a new furry friend.

I love her dearly and I'm glad I got to have such a wonderful cat. :)