Rest in Peace, Ringer

Ringer, my friend and cat for 18 years, had to be put to sleep late Saturday morning. We adopted him 18 years ago this month at the age of three months (I was eight at the time). He was the kind of cat that made you want to have a cat, even if you weren't particularly fond of cats. He was a trusting, loving soul that left an impression on all who met him. No matter where I went or how long I was gone (hours, days, months), he was always there at my parents' house to greet me when I came back. There are so many stories, so many memories. He lived as full a life as a cat could ever expect and then some, and he was loved through all of it. A true blessing.

Five years ago this month, he had a stroke. We pulled him back from the brink, and he made a full recovery. Every moment after was a miracle. It reached the point where it seemed that he would go on forever. But a blood clot robbed him of his ability to walk (he was already showing symptoms when I saw him on Sunday). He stopped eating. This time, I could not save him. All I could do was hold him, say goodbye, and end his pain. It's hard to say goodbye to something that's been with you for 3/4 of your life. But when I saw him Saturday morning, I knew it was time.

Rest in peace, Ringer. I couldn't have asked for a better cat.