My 21 year old cat is dying here’s what she taught me about life.

Shortly after I came to Kamloops many years ago I got a cat from the SPCA. My daughter picked her out because she came to her seeking affection. Her name was Princess and from the day she came into our lives she was pure love and bad ass-ery.
She was an alley cat recued from the streets and plopped into our lives perfectly. She has been my tender companion in my dozens of houses, a van, and 3 trailers; she’s traveled with us on trips and was always calm and kind. We once almost forgot her at a gas station! Where she was just chilling under a bush and looked up at us when we came back.

She tolerated small children and pets and was completely fearless in the face of dogs. She was a mighty mouser and tolerant companion to the numerous second cats we had along the way.

She taught me patience raising at least 3 separate kittens we adopted and lost along the way.
She taught me ferocity, control and temperance when hunting or keeping cats in line.
She was strong, gentle and kind.

Her mission was love and peace.

She is the best cat anyone could ever have and I feel so deeply blessed to have been her caretaker and protector.

She is estimated to be at least 21 this summer and this week I’m her palliative care nurse while she leaves our family for good.

I knew this day would come and honestly I thought it would come sooner but it doesn’t make it any easier.

This cat has been my close friend longer than anyone else in my life. She has comforted me through countless tears with her little paw taps and nose boops. Even now as she has barely enough strength to stand she reaches out to me and I can hear her faintly purring.

I know she sees me as her savior but truthfully she has been mine.