So many recent threads have mentioned the passing of an animal companion. I have responded to a couple of them, and mentioned the impending loss of our "first adopted." Well, Thursday p.m. it finally happened, me and the Mrs. Freightdawg had to have our kitty put to sleep.

We had been married just six months when we gave shelter to his mother, a very pregnant silver tabby. We watched him come into this world, protected him and his litter mates and then, when he was not even completely weaned, got permission from his less interested "owners" to adopt him. We had to feed him with a eye dropper for the first few days, until he could lap milk and eat some solid food.

He was just a little past a month older than 19 years when the end came. We were all together when the doctor administered the drugs. We were able to complete the circle with him - birth through life and through the portal into death.

We could never have children, so for 19 years he was the one solid constant in our lives. We've moved repeatedly, changed jobs and even careers, even came precariously close to divorce, but that little silver tabby was always by our side.

We have two others, a long haired tortoise-shell and a short haired tortoise shell/tabby cross. They are wonderful companions, and a bridge to the future. We will probably adopt others after a suitable time to grieve. The only thing keeping Mrs. Freightdawg from having as many cats as she wants are city zoning ordinances.

One of these days, when the old 'Dawg gets around to posting some pictures in the pictures section, little Half-Pint will be there too.

To those who have also lost companions recently, our thoughts continue to be with you. It truly is amazing how deeply they touch our lives.

Freightdawg