She was about three years old, and as much as I want to bring home every homeless fluffer I meet, I just can't. I take turns feeding the cats who live near me, along with a woman whose name I don't even know. We do what we can to help these sweet things, although I wish I could do more.

Of the half dozen feral cats near my home, Sweetie was the first to let me pet her and pick her up. She did a little food dance whenever she saw me arriving with food. From time to time I'd sit quietly with her and give her some scratches - the other cats wouldn't get that close, but she was fearless and friendly.

She liked to sit in a tree now and then and surprise me as I approached. She was sneaky like that. Cats of course have no choice when it comes to sneakiness - it's in the genes.

She was a good girl, a beautiful cat with long hair - tan and white with a snow-white chest, feet, tummy, and cheeks. She didn't get many breaks in life, but she was still the sweetest thing you could ever meet. I'm so sorry she's gone, but I know she's in a better, happier place with all kinds of furry friends.

This breaks my heart, and I'll miss her so very much.

I guess I just wanted someone else to know . . .

She was here.