I got Spuds as an anniversary gift in 1987. I remember going to our local SPCA to look for a cat. There were so many and they were so cute but as I walked by this one cage the kitten stuck out his paw and tried to grab my arm so I knew then and there this was the cat that I was meant to get. He was jet black. We took him home and my 2 yr. old thought he was the greatest. That was the beginning of his long life with us. Unfortunately, at around 9 months he was diagnosed with epilepsy and cystitis. He had his share of seizures throughout his life but I was always there for him. We got a german shepherd 2 years later and they didn't always get along but at times they seemed to be the best of buds. At the beginning of September this year a stray kitten no older than 5/6 weeks old walked into where I work and needless to say I took her home. Spuds, being a senior citizen at 16yrs old, wanted no parts of her. Then the health problems started with Spuds. His kidneys were starting to fail. He was hospitalized once and came home seemingly healthy. But within a week and a half the problems came back but only this time he was unable to walk without falling. I knew it was time to make a decision that I hoped I would never have to make. Our Spuds left this world to go to Rainbow Bridge on 10/18/03. We miss him terribly. My family was with him until the end. As I sit here to write this I wonder if someone was watching over us to send us our little Gizmo knowing that we would be losing our precious Spuds. I take comfort in the fact that I know someday we will all be together again.