I lost another cat today, Slinky. Two in two weeks. So hard.

Junior, her sister, came to my yard 14 years ago on August 1. Within a week, we heard crying coming from somewhere near our house and we shined a flashlight to find Slinky trapped in our crawlspace during the time we were having some work done. So Junior and Slinky stayed.

It took me 2 1/2 years to pet Slinky. She remained feral and feisty and fearful most of her life. She was always the muscle cat while Junior was the runt. And it was very sad to see her develop a thyroid condition that she wouldn't allow to be treated. Oral medication, no. Transdermal medication, no. I thought she would leave the planet much earlier but her will was strong. In the end, she was skin and bones and keeping her, even though she still had a zest for life in a wasting away body, was cruel.

So I salute you, Miss Slinky. I salute you.