On August 5th, 2004 I lost my best friend. For 20 years I was blessed to have one of the greatest companions of all time, my kitty Moe. I was 8 years-old when I found him in the woods. I took him home only to hide him in our dog house until my parents decided he could stay, which was my birthday present. Two-years ago he had a stroke and became blind. He adapted to the condition extremely well. Yet, it broke my heart to see him wonder around. He stayed in my bedroom for over a year without leaving. He was the greatest company I could ever have. When I took him to the vet to find out why he went blind I learned he had a heart mur-mur and also Feline Aids. They told me for being 18 years-old at the time he was in great condition. He never looked as if he was a day over 10. I started to believe that he would actually out-live me. One of my greatest memories will always be the day I returned home from a trip. I missed him so much and worried constantly about him. I ran to my room to see him and when I called his name he jumped up and started meowing over and over as if he was so grateful for my return. 



At the beginning of August 2004 he started acting rather strangely. He began wondering throughout the entire house as if he had no idea where he was. He would go into corners only to get stuck. I believe he had another stroke causing him to forget where he was going. Then he had a seizure and seemed to have some type of hip problem. The night before he left he took a few sips of water I talked with him and he suddenly went into a comma. I knew the next day I would have to end this misery. I thought since he was so old he would go peacefully, but he didn't. As I sat waiting for the vet to call us back he started gasping as if he was on his final breathe. I knew he was only seconds from leaving. Rather than see him go through a painful death the vet immediately ended his pain. I'm grateful for his long life with me, but it feels as my heart and a huge piece of my life and my child-hood is gone forever. He was like my child and one of the only things I have ever loved so much.