Rosie

It’s hard to believe something so small could contain all the love we poured into her. She was so very loved.

Rosie arrived at my house when she was 6 weeks old. She was meant as a present for my brother, but I quickly took her over. She was a bit skittish and rough around the edges. I’d never had a cat before, and I probably put her through too much forced cuddling. She was a fierce, playful, independent spirit. Beautiful and perfect.

When Rosie was 4, my mother moved out of the house and I had to switch houses every week. I missed Rosie and going back to see her face always made me smile. When she was 6, I went away to college. I came home as much as I could but I know my dad was taking good care of her. At this point, I met my partner Andrew, and fortunately, for a cat who does NOT like strangers, Rosie liked him right away.

When Rosie was 12, Andrew and I moved in together, finally into a rental that allowed pets. Rosie bravely moved from the only house she had known to an apartment with us. She was so resilient and adapted soon. From then on, we lived together in 3 different states, moving due to my career. Despite being a “senior” and eventually “geriatric” cat, Rosie always remained spirited and playful. Her aloof side softened year by year until cuddling was a part of our daily life.

When Rosie was 15, she was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. We did everything we could to help her. As it worsened, she adapted to getting sub-q fluids three times a week and eventually every other day. She– the cat who the vets called “fractious”– allowed us to do that and forgave us afterwards. She was very strong.

We had to let Rosie go at 18 after (what we think was) a stroke. Her body gave out. It’s hard to describe all the love I have in my heart for her and all that she gave to me. In my darkest moments, she was the only thing that could make me smile. We took pride in spoiling her and doing everything to make her happy. I hope she was happy until that last day. She will be so missed, a space that can never be filled.