One of my favorite critters got sick and we had to put him down. His pic is my avatar pic.

Don't need or want sympathy. I'm pretty used to this whole thing by now.

Just wanted to remember that guy and give a place for others to remember their lost pets, our Pet Cemetery, but without the King horror.

He went out a warrior defending his territory, picked up a wasting disease. It was sad to see him become a shadow of the once strong and thick wildcat with more attitude than I've seen in most people. He did not put up with *stuff*.

The vet had to drug him first before doing work while he was healthy. He delighted in chasing Molly, the female cat, but never forced himself on her. It was just good fun.

Bruno liked to show off his hunting skills to me out on the property, but I don't think he ever killed anything. He liked the chase, not the kill.

Grasshoppers and spiders were his favorite snacks. Kept the house pretty clear of spiders and the garden not so thick with hoppers.

His purr was like the rumble of a 1956 Chrysler hemi with glass packs.

Born feral and a motherless son, we had six darn good years together. Remember playing top hat, white feather and tails? You really hated that but let us do it anyway.

See yah later, Bruno. It was good to know you.

"Sympathy is the heart's One-ness cry." --Sri Chinmoy

We can't help but feel sympathy, since I'm sure all of us know what you're going through. But just remember what Emily Dickinson said:

"Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality."

Thanks Dayna. Old Emily sure knew her stuff. My brother thought the mourning process is a bunch of hooey until he lost his wife. I'm just saying the process is like touch-typing anymore. The tears, the memories. And so on.

This is strange -- for a pet. Guess he was my favorite of them all. What's that, the good die young? Or maybe just the ones I like. And it'll pass on, always does, to leave behind constant fondness. Sliced onions for the soul.

Pets are close friends and members of the family. What other friends live with us for years and provide love and companionship? If we're lucky, we have another human being who becomes that close to us.

I am so sorry for your loss, AuthorMusician. I understand.