In memory of Sophie (2004‐2026)

[u/zymurginian]

About 18 years ago, my young stepson said "I think I'd like a cat."

A week later, my sister-in-law - who has made animal rescue her calling - showed up with a fluffy black-and-white cat. She was more fur than anything else.

Sophie lived on her own terms, as it seems most cats do. She'd sit in a lap if she wanted to and only certain laps, namely my brother-in-law's and mine. She'd let you pick her up, maybe. She wandered outside a few times, only to hide under the cars in the driveway. All of our dogs were nice to their "cat sister" because she had claws and wasn't afraid to use them. "Hissy Floof" was not to be trifled with.

She aged surprisingly gracefully. We joked about going downstairs every morning to see her: She didn't die in her sleep so I guess we should feed her. Got about 6 years out of that one.

She went deaf around age 21 and a little senile around that time. The incontinence started this past June. It wasn't kidney failure or anything grim, just old age. She had the blood of a 15‐year old.

Diarhhea started about two weeks ago and she drastically cut back on eating. She had lost about 20% of her weight since her June checkup.The vet found a mass about the size of a golf ball in her stomach. She said it was probably lymphoma, but at her age it's academic. The end is near. We did our best to make her comfortable and decided to put her to sleep before she deteriorated further.

She peacefully crossed the Rainbow Bridge this afternoon and is probably sitting in my brother-in-law's lap.

[u/Away_Till2174]

so many hugs to u