I cherish each moment you were in my life. I'm so lucky that I got to bring you home with me from the animal shelter in Oxford, MS in 2013. You were a scared little kitten huddled at the back of the cage, covered in fleas and sick and underweight. I couldn't resist your little raccoon mask and all your extra toes. When I brought you home on January 11th, 2013, you had a shaved tummy from your spay surgery. A note on your adoption papers (which I still have) says "Polydactyl. Long tail." You instantly jumped in my lap on the couch, and my lap remained your favorite place for the rest of your life. While you were shy with new people, you were never shy with me. We bonded instantly and intensely.

You also bonded with Ouija so well, becoming playmates and snuggle buddies almost immediately. It was so sweet watching you together, taking turns grooming one another, and almost always making physical contact. That was your favorite thing--my sweet affectionate girl. You loved having a paw resting on me, or on Ouija or Jonny.

As you grew, your color deepened, which I learned was a trait of snowshoe kitties. You were such a playful kitten; you could play for hours with your string toys, and you loved fetching your tiny toys. You eventually stopped playing fetch once you grew out of kittenhood, but you remained so playful your entire life. You'd carry your favorite toys around the house with you and make the sweetest little chirps. My little bird kitty. You loved the laser pointer and your little bear in the red sweater. Even just a week before you passed, you played so hard with the green lizard toy.

You were with me in three different apartments in Oxford, MS, before we made the big move to Florida. Our studio apartment was too small for all of us, so it was a relief when we moved into the larger rental house. You LOVED the sunroom, and would hang out there for hours in the heat, watching the birds and squirrels, and posing so lovely next to my orchids. Then another move this year to the home we bought, which would be your final home. I'm glad you got to be here with us in the new house, and I'm sorry we had to leave the sunroom behind.

You were so well-behaved, and loved nothing more than attention from your people. After your veterinary appointments, the staff would always rave about how sweet and cooperative you were. The best patient. Your sweet, gentle demeanor was such a counterpoint to Ouija, who was so naturally mischievous. All you wanted was a snuggle and some playtime. I don't think I ever even raised my voice at you your entire life (not that I'd have the heart to anyway!)

It was so therapeutic having you around when Ouija passed in December 2022. You were our little velcro kitty, always there for purrs and cuddles. You were such a constant that it really felt natural anytime you were beside me.

Then we brought home your new brother, Shadow, in September 2023. He was a shy little kitten at first, but once he came out of his shell, he loved playing with you. I know his full-on kitten energy was a bit too much for you at times, but you accepted him. While you didn't have the same close relationship with Shadow as you did with Ouija, you still played with him and even gave him kisses sometimes. It makes your bond with Ouija even more special.

Oh my sweet girl. I could spend the rest of my days listing things I miss about you. It's especially difficult in the mornings, not having you here to go through all of our routines together. Waiting patiently for your asthma treatment, getting your treats, then your breakfast. Then jumping up on my desk when I'd start my work day, sprawling out over my mouse and keyboard, resting your sweet head on my hand, purring the entire time. You really wanted nothing more than to be in the same room as me. I'll miss your affectionate little tail wiggles you'd do when you were happy. You were so generous with your tail vibrations. I'll miss the way you'd sit with your little polydactyl feet folded in front of you, like you were a therapist ready to listen. I'll miss how you'd curl up next to me in a perfect little nap circle. I'll miss your goofiness. I'll miss you making biscuits in my lap or on my chest, poking me with all your extra claws. Little pokes of love. I'll miss how you nuzzled up under my chin, getting as physically close to me as possible, purring the entire time. I'll miss how you'd gently tap me with your paw when you wanted attention, sometimes booping my nose. You were so sweet and loyal, trusting me completely.

In my heart I know we did everything we could for you, but I wish I could have spoiled you more during your final few days. Even though you were sick and I knew our time together would be coming to an end, I am shocked it all happened so quickly. I stayed up all night with you on your final night, and seeing you in pain was the sign I needed. Dr. Stephanie from Lap of Love came over the next morning to help you have a peaceful passing. I sent you away with purple blooms from my Phalaenopsis pulchra. I brushed you one last time and kissed your sweet head. It all happened in the blink of an eye. Jonny and I were relieved you didn't have to be in pain anymore.

I'll always remember our final cuddle before you started declining. I was having a rough day, so I got in bed for a nap. You jumped up in the bed with me and got under the covers, all your feet pressed against me. We napped together, and I felt your little feet moving as you were dreaming, my arm wrapped around you.

Jonny and I will never know another love like the love we had with you, our little soul kitty. Thank you for being ours, and for all the love you gave. Goodbye my sweet girl.