Yesterday we received in the mail, a sympathy card from out vet's office that was signed by all the staff there: the doctor who euthanized Lizzy, the receptionist who was there that night, the intern, all the techs, and all the assistants, many of whom weren't even on duty when we were there last tuesday night. Each one of them had written a personal message like "I'm truly sorry; it's so hard to say goodbye to a companion like Lizzy" and "Lizzy will be missed by all of us" (apparently that person didn't know her very well). It was extremely sweet and thoughtful and I was quite touched by it all. I've had many pets over the years and experienced varying degrees of compassion and understanding from veterinarians when those pets were ill or dying, but never anything like this.

I'm not an outwardly emotional person, as my husband will attest. I find it very difficult to remain serious about even the most sacred of subjects and my cynicism knows no match. But I've had several experiences in the past week where I've seen a black streak out of the corner of my eye and my brain thought, oh, there goes Lizzy running from the girls, or I've awoken in the middle of the night because I felt the pressure of a cat jumping up on the bed and lying on my feet. It all goes to show that I was much more attached to and used to her in my life than I'd ever been willing to admit.

It's hard to say goodbye to a pet that's been a member of your family for thirteen years. And the last thing on my mind was replacing her as soon as possible. But sometimes someone comes into your life and you just know it was meant to be. When I first saw her, I thought she was just there to rummage around in the garbage can and I tried to deny it, but she's come back day after day and I feel it's time we adopt her. Sure, she's been living on the streets and as such, she looks a little ragged. But I have a feeling that once I give her a bath and maybe take her to the groomer she'll be just as beautiful as any thoroughbred cat. Either way, she needs a home and we need something to love.

Lizzy will be missed, but our new pet, Polly, is just as loving and cuddly as Lizzy ever was.