I am so sorry about Jasper. It is such a terrible blow. It will take a while and I am sure you will cry an ocean of tears over the next few months but eventually the pain will lessen and you will be able to think about the good times you had with him. Please believe that.

Also although it is hard not to blame yourself and you can tell from my story that I did the same but really how could you have known? You need to be at work to feed yourself and Jasper and whoever else you have in your family. Guilt is a part of grieving process. That despair will also fade and leave you sadder but wiser.

Thinking of you and sending you a tight hug.

It never ceases to amaze me how real friends fail to understand the devastation of losing a pet. And yet here you are who know nothing about me, and you put into your words more empathy than they will ever know.

There is a wild cat in the area. She has been around for years and I have always thought she was Jerry’s sister. She’s quick and clever and the people that come by twice a year to trap and and sterilize the ferals have never caught her. I think she’s pregnant and if so, I will wait until the babes are old enough and bring them all home. I’ll find them homes and keep a boy. He won’t be Jerry but I know I’ll know which has the character most like him and I will find great homes for the rest. Wish me luck!