Good-bye to Jett. She was my YLF photo for years.. We adopted her and another black cat, a male, in 2008. She was always my cat, always nearby, needing lots of pets and brushing. She was always healthy and active, and so playful. Her pal Sharkie, Mr. M's pet, has had health problems for the last five years, and I've expected him to go soon for the last 3 years.

So it was a surprise in early April when Jett began acting strangely. She hid in my office for a couple of days. Our vet no longer takes emergencies--shortage of vets in our area. So I took her to Med Vet. She had gotten to be very skinny this last winter, but was still active and playful. Her bloodwork was fine but x-rays showed a huge mass in her abdomen that looked like cancer. I intended to take her back for an ultrasound on Monday. She did eat a little, but then I found her eye socket bleeding. I knew it was too late. I couldn't put her through what might lie ahead. I called our vet and took her in Monday. She was sweet and loving and we had some good last moments with her. Jett was 14 1/2 years old.

I've been heartbroken. I've had females cats that lived to be 18, 19, and 21 years old, so I didn't expect this. No other pet death has hit me so hard.

On top of this, I had continuing difficulties that sent me back to physical therapy for another round. Doing better now.

Around the same time, the NYT published an article, "Ending Your Pet's Life Was the Right Decision. So Why Do You Feel So Guilty." Gave me lots of comfort.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/0.....d=em-share

I tried to post this earlier, but I couldn't. Getting better. Was going to go to the shelter and adopt an older cat, but for now Sharkie loves being the only cat in the house and even lets me brush and pet him, in fact requires it, which he didn't allow for years.

And the NAS is coming up!