When she wanted pets she would sit next to me and tap my arm repeatedly with her little paw until I stopped what I was doing and snuggled with her.

I will miss Lila sleeping with me wrapped around my right arm. She would take a few minutes to adjust her position then plop down and push her little paws into my hand and drape her head over my wrist. She did this almost every night. It was the cutest, sweetest routine.

Lila was an amazing soul. I've owned cats for most of my adult life and loved them all, but Lila was special. She was found on the street by herself at 10 days old. Someone brought her to the local shelter where they were going to put her down, but a rescue friend of mine offered to foster her and bottle feed her until she was ready for adoption. The minute I laid eyes on her I knew she belonged with me.

We had 10 wonderful years together before she got sick. I wish it was longer,L but I'm happy and grateful for the time we had together. She will always be missed and have a big place in my heart.