My Bootsie was 17 yrs. old and I had to have her put to sleep today because she had a cancerous tumor around her ear & down into her neck. She was the sweetest cat ever, so patient and loving, always wanting to sit on your lap. I tried so hard to heal her thru herbs & prayer but in the end she had to cross over The Rainbow Bridge where she is waiting for me along with my Rusty, Corky and Cubby Bear (who I just lost 2 1/2 weeks ago! I hardly had time to recover from that loss before I had to give up another of my babies. I tried to hold her, love her & kiss her as much as possible these last few days because I knew this was coming. She was so thin & you can just tell by their actions that they are not feeling well. The vet said she would probably only have 1-2 more days before the cancer would be invasive enough that she would be in pain so I felt I had no choice but to let her go for her sake as my last act of love for all the wonderful years she gave me. But no matter how many we have together it is never enough--they are gone too quickly! The pain in your heart from having to make that fateful decision is almost too much to bear & even though hopefully it will lessen will mever completely be gone. I just think if I could hold her one more time, kiss her little head one more time but to know that I can't do these things ever again or see her little black body w/her 4 little white feet is almost beyond bearing. Now all I have are memories. I loved her so. I only pray that she is at peace with no more sickness, no pain and is truly waiting over the Bridge for me where we will be parted no more. Goodbye little Bootsie, until we meet again--I love you more then words can say!