Tygger

Click image and let Tygger take you to his sister Sootie's Memorial page

I was always told that I couldn't have a cat when I was little. This was very disappointing since I loved these animals so much. Then one summer day, the summer I was 13 my aunt came by our house with a stray five weeks old kitten. I had to have him and to my surprise and delight my parents said yes. From that day on Tygger was by baby. He was a very gentle loving cat, and very affectionate. He knew when I was feeling sad and was always there to sidle up to me with a warm purr. He was always at the door when I came home and had a special meow to greet me. He was always a very healthy cat, so when twelve years later he stopped eating and began losing weight, I was concerned and took him to the vet. I foolishly assumed it was something treatable, nothing to worry about. So when the vet told me it was advanced kidney disease and that he didn't have much time left in him, I felt like my whole life changed. It might sound dramatic but I would be losing my twelve year old baby who I couldn't even remember not being there with me. The two nights before I was to have him put to sleep, I spent almost every moment just gently petting him and silently saying my good-byes, knowing I wouldn't see him anymore, hear his sweet purrs and meows anymore, or have him sleeping right above my head as he had for so long. It truly broke my heart. I knew this was for the best, but my heart was ruling before my head. It is the hardest part of a pet owner, letting go. So Tygger, we miss you very much, and I hope that when I get to see you again, you will be there to welcome me with a healthy happy meow. I love you buddy.