Thanks Folks. 26Tudor, that is a very touching poem, thanks for posting it.

I have to give some real credit to my ex, Nancy, for the wonderful life she have Alto the last year of her life. Nancy was always DEATHLY afraid of cats, when we brought Sniffy home 18 years ago or so, Sniff got out of the big box we had her in, and we found Nancy standing on a chair out of fear this little kitten would hurt her. Over the years she learned to accept and tolerate them, but was never a true cat lover. But when she took Alto in that all changed...........Nancy is a heartbroken as the rest of us, maybe more......her roommate buddy is gone.

I remember Uncle Bob posting something one time when we first found Lucky in the street. He said to the effect "sometimes pets come into our lives for reasons we can't explain, but they are meant to be there." He was 100% on the mark with that one. All pets ask so little and give so much in return.

As a side note, I've mentioned we have a bunch of stray cats that come to our shop every night to eat. We go over every night and there are usually a bunch of eyes peering out from under my utility trailer where I feed them. 4 were our favorites, Mama Kitty, Shmoo, Blackie, and Whiskers. Whiskers and Blackie were kitten siblings and were always together. A few weeks ago Blackie stopped coming around and Whiskers looked lost. Now, for the past 3 nights none of the 3 has been there, and we are worried about what might have happened to them. I only hope someone picked them up and has given them a good home.........but I fear that is not the case.

Life can be a real b**** sometimes.

Don