Sasha

Sasha was my baby. I got her the day after I moved out and got my own apartment. She was 6 weeks old. I was 4 months pregnant. Sasha followed me everywhere. She sat on my lap in the bathroom! She was my constant shadow. She loved me unconditionally, which was more than I could say for anyone else at that time. She slept on my back until I couldn't sleep on my stomach and then she slept curled up next to me. She had to be touching me. After my daughter was born, Sasha slept in the crib with her -- back to back. Purring like crazy. Lizzy could do anything to Sasha and she never minded. She even won over my mother, who disliked cats. Whe Mom would babysit or visit, Sasha would climb on her lap or play with her knitting. They were definitely friends by the end. 11 years, one husband, four more children, one dog, and two kittens later, I had to make one of the hardest decisions of my life. Sasha had serious thyroid problems and the cost of her treatment and maintenance was not feasible for us. I put of the inevitable until my hubby pointed out she was no longer comfortable or happy. I was not able to be with her when she died, due to a mean veterinarian. Sasha is now buried in my parent’s backyard. I still miss her daily. She was a Maine Coon and would *talk* to me all the time. Like no other cat I've ever heard. I love and miss her so much. I know it seems silly, but I can't even tell people about her without tearing up. I miss my kitty.

Laura Santo