My sister bought a kitten at the rescue center near Winthrop, Wa. She gave him to me when she seen how bonded we were. I asked if I could keep him at her house so he could run around all the time. She had a huge place next to a mountain with open fields. Every time I went to visit Hugo, together we'd go exploring, walking side by side. He grew into a big, sleek black cat. Every neighbor loved him, as he caught all the neighborhood mice. He was one of the most friendliest cats I'd ever known. But when I was there, he was different. He followed me and when anyone tried to touch him, or pick him up, he'd run to me and crawl up my leg to my shoulder. He loved to ride on my shoulder. We played our little games together, me running and Hugo chasing me trying to get in front my me and stop me. One day, my mom told me that Hugo had been shot by a neighbor. The neighbor had done it just for fun. Hugo hadn't done anything to him.He dragged himself all the way to my sister's house. My mom told me that his back leg was absalutely shattered. The vet said we could have that leg removed and have a three legged cat (the surgery was a big risk) or put him to sleep. The vet told me that if his leg was cut off, he'd have to live inside all the time. I tried to imagine Hugo inside but I couldn't. All I could see was him running around being a happy, healthy carefree cat. He was put to sleep in the summer of 2007. What's worse is, the police didnt do anything about this. They said since the cat was on the neighbor's property he had a right to shoot my beloved cat. I am still very shaken up about this. I miss my cat, and I know this man could shoot another cat or dog. He has already shot my sister's dogs twice but they survived. He got away again with no charges. I guess all I want to say is goodbye to Hugo. I wasnt there when he was shot, and I wasnt there when he was at the vets or when he was put down. I couldnt get my mom or dad to drive me over there so I guess I'm feeling guilty. GOODBYE Hugo, I loved you and I still do.