It would be an obvious understatement to say it’s been a rough week. Things didn’t get any easier when we had to take Heather to the vet to be put to sleep. She was twenty (!) and had developed some allergies she couldn’t shake no matter how many steroid shots she had. The shots would help her bounce back for a week or so and she’d be jumping around and going outside for some sun, then they’d wear off and she’d be hiding in the corner and having sneezing fits. She was tiny yet mighty and wouldn’t take any BS from the four males in our little clowder but her age and the allergies finally got the best of her. She seemed in obvious pain and would complain if I tried to pet her. That was unlike her, she’d always been very friendly. Finally she stopped drinking water, lost her appetite, and continued to have sneezing and coughing fits. We managed to get her to drink some tuna water, but then she stopped even that. Mrs. rocksout and I had been discussing what to do for weeks and after a lot of boo-hooing and second guessing ourselves we knew it was time. It’s always hard losing a member of the family who’s so close and been with you for so long, but we knew it was for the best. We’ve got her a little patch in the backyard next to her brother who we lost about six months ago. We’ll miss that unique bond and her spirit and attitude. Goodbye Heather!