My beloved Sebastian died recently, during Thanksgiving weekend 2005. I had Sebastian for 13 years.

Yesterday, I got a new cat named Barney. I did this before I felt ready because I thought Carmen, my calico cat, could use a companion. Barney and Carmen are working out that relationship and I am sure, in time, they will get along fine.

I adopted Sebastian in 1993 when he was about a year or so old. When I first got Sebastian, I was in my late 20s, afraid of responsibility and I was reluctant to take him. First of all, I never had a cat before. I grew up in a family that only had dogs as my father was allergic to cats. When I first got Sebastian, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the fact that I had to now take care of another living being beyond myself.

Over the years, Sebastian and I had gotten to know each other quite well and we bonded very well. Sebastian moved from place to place with me over the years until we settled in New York City. He was my constant companion and cherished friend. With each new place, Sebastian made me feel less lonely as he was my friend.

As I sat tonight watching television, with Barney laying by my head, I suddenly realized how much more Sebastian has given me, even beyond his life. As humans, we are commended for "saving a life" when we adopt a stray dog or cat. I think, however, that our animal friends give us way more than we can ever give back.

I realize now that without Sebastian, there would be no Carmen or Barney. Any other cat, or other animal for that matter, that I may have from now on can thank Sebastian for showing this human the true nature of a loving relationship and the possibilities of boundless love. He lives on....