Sorry to hear of this Don, like you guys I've got one that adopted us! I was out walking the dog and the dog wasn't dragging me like usual. She was constantly looking back so I finally wake up and turn around to see this little cat following us! He came right to our house and waited patiently at the back door. We let him into the foyer and the next day took him to the vet where he was given a clean bill of health! He had already been fixed and has been the most affectionate cat I've ever been around. He's just one of those characters, ya know? I guess all you can tell yourself is, you gave them a good loving home and kept them from want. They had a great life and you and the sons should take comfort in that!