Saying goodbye is never easy...

As a veterinarian, I have noted with interest that during a single human lifetime a number of pet lifetimes may pass, and as we recall each pet that shared our time, it seems that they never stayed with us quite long enough. ~T. J. Dunn, Jr. DVM

This sweet, regal looking lady is Gizmo. I know, the name doesn't fit her. Look at those little legs crossed. So demure!

This pic was taken just after Giz spent 2 days at the vet getting treated for the beginnings of renal failure back in late December, explaining why her little leg was shaved (for the iv). I called her "boots" for days after because it looked like she had a little boot on.

I found Giz almost 15 years ago at the Humane Society in Phoenix, Arizona. She was a little ball of black and white fur and immediately brought such joy to my life. She purred like a motor boat and would get on my nightstand and drink out of a cup much bigger that she was with her paws wrapped around it.

Giz was a lover of chasing wadded up paper balls around the house. She was with me through many ups and downs, broken hearts, eight moves (including one across 2 states), a marriage and welcoming two new (human) baby girls into the family. She loved to jump from the top of the armoire onto the bed scaring the @#$% out of my hubby, who only became a cat lover after he met the likes of me and my little fur babies and I warned him that in no circumstance would I give them up for a man.

I never thought a cat could be so emotionally in tune to humans, but Giz was. If she sensed I wasn't happy, she was there. If I cried, she would come and rub on my legs, and purr telling me in her own way that she was there for me. Just the other night, K was awake at 1 am with an ear infection and guess who came to visit us on her bed? Even though she wasn't feeling well herself, she jumped up and slept on K's bed the rest of the night. I guess I never realized till now how steadfast and unconditional her love was.

After almost 3 months, Giz's health declined to the point that we have decided that it was time to say goodbye. I have had to explain to my girls 3 and 6 that Giz went to sleep and won't be waking up. She welcomed them after having me to herself for almost 9 years. They will surely miss her. I miss her. This is by far one of the hardest things I have ever done. My sweet kitty is gone.

I love you Giz. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend and confidante over the years. Our house will never be the same with out you!