I had to do one of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my life today. I had to say goodbye to my little buddy, my best friend, who has been there for me in sad times, as well as when I was extremely happy. Who would have thought... a little feral cat, who I caught in a friends garage, hissing and spitting at me... would become a piece of my heart. It's so surreal that he is actually gone. He would have been 16 in May this year. Considering during his entire life, he was only sick once, and sneezed a couple of times... I did everything I could to make him better (the last 3 weeks), but his little body was done. Dr. Findley told me that when he stopped doing 2 of the 3 things he loves doing, then that would probably be the time to bring him in. Jasper was a fun, sweet, loving cat. Always in your lap, or right up beside you, purring, wanting and loving the affection and attention that he demanded. We had many happy memories... and then some not so good... but more good than bad. He road-tripped it to Colorado on more than one occasion, and also was my comfort when I was upset because a "friend" had betrayed me. I will miss the morning kisses on the nose, telling me he wanted a snack... the walking over my head when I turned over in my sleep, so he could sleep right in front of me... his turning upside down when he was in a good sleep... him stretching long and hard after a good nap, and him fetching his balls of paper I'd throw. Yes, he brought them back to me after he played with them. But at the end... when his eyes were visibly sick, he stopped purring, he didn't want to be around people, he groaned when I tried to pick him up, and he hid his head in his blanket the entire way to the vet... I knew it was time. Over fifteen years of loving on him was over, in what seemed to be an instant. I didn't like that feeling. I really didn't. But I can't see myself not loving another cat. Just not today. Jasper will always be in my heart. Plus, I have tons of photos of him. Thankful that I took so many... They will be sweet reminders. He was my child. And that feeling will never go away.
