Snikker Snak, May 2001 - Nov. 22nd, 2013
Back in the summer of 2001 I adopted a pure black kitten. A bundle of joy and fuzzyness as well as a good cuddler.
As she grew up with our family she was the baby of the family, she never caught a mouse or even harmed a fly, she was always quiet unless she was in heat. (we then got her fixed). Her fur was silky and shiny as well as semi long. She was afraid of her own shadow in many cases but all around she was a joy to come home to. When you own a pet and love them like your own child for over 12 years it is hard to say goodbye for the last time. Since my divorce many years ago I insisted on custody of her, (she was a cat that was more in tune with men than women so there was no argument there).
Well after I moved up north and settled in a bit Snikker Snak was in cat heaven with the large new yard. She would sit in the middle of the yard watching the birds land to get the seeds we set out for them. She would never try to attack them but she would try to talk to them with little meows. She would love to spend her whole day there.
As the weeks went by her body fur started turning a golden brown while her head area stayed black as coal. We figured it was all the sunshine she was getting.
At night she would come in and sit in my lap while I was watching TV or at the computer typing occasionally rubbing her head against my arm for pettings. She would come when you said TUNA as that was her favorite treat. When time for bed she would sleep by my side and I would rest my hand on her to let her know I was aware of her.
A couple of days ago she started walking funny like she was drunk, It was about time for her checkup anyway so I took her to the vet only to have to come back after making an appointment. She got to the point that I had to help her into the litter box as she was so unstable on he feet, everything happened so suddenly as she was becoming very lethargic. She stayed with me every moment she could. I loved the loving looks she gave me as I held her close and stroked her soft fur while she purred and gave me kitty kisses. The next day we went to the vets for tests and they found that her kidneys were in total failure causing her blood production to stop entirely. She was dying and she knew it, I didn't till then. My choice was to spend thousands of dollars on treatments that in the long run would not benefit her in the least except to prolong her slow suffering......and mine........
After the bad news I had no choice but to have her put to sleep. While I was thinking about it I let her walk around the examining room watching her stagger and fall over when she would try to shake her head. She came over to me and kept rubbing on my leg as I scratched her back, she really loved that of course. I then picked her up and cuddled her for the last time as the vet came in to give her a shot to make her sleep trying to hold back the tears, (unsuccessfully). My mother drove me to the vet and I called her into the room so she could say goodbye too. Snikker was just starting to feel drunk from the anesthesia when the vet tried to give her a snack.....she feebly tried to eat them but couldn't, as she eventually fell fast asleep while I had my arms around her petting her and giving her kisses as the tears started flowing from me wetting her fur.
The vet returned with the shot that would end my friends suffering and begin mine. She was very gentle and the shot worked quickly, just like a doctor would check a human patient she announced her passing using a stethoscope to check for a heartbeat.
My sweetest little friend was no more...........Fortunately since I live in a rural area so there was no problem of me taking her home for the last time. Of course when I got in the van with my little fuzzy bundle in my lap I broke down......Now I know why a wolf howls at the loss of a fellow pack member.......On the way home I continued to pet her and scratch under her chin even though I knew she was gone.
Upon getting home I was more like a zombie with a mission. Stoic and determined we placed Snikker Snak into a padded box (after one more kiss goodbye) along with the towel she was bundled in and sealed the box up. I got the shovel and went to a very pretty part of the yard and tried to dig but kept breaking down and losing my focus. I did manage to call my neighbor (good friend) and squeak out that I needed help to bury my little friend. Scott came right over and finished what I couldn't do. We placed her little coffin in the ground and covered her up. I placed a large piece of limestone over her grave to prevent animals from digging her up. The stone is just right to write her name and dates. Although it is very hard for me to get over her passing, her grave is within view of the house. Last night my mother set a basket of flowers on the stone. I have a very hard time getting over her, Even as I write this I have tears in my eyes. I had to share this experience so everyone would know what a wonderful friend a cat can be even for the toughest men. I like dogs too but this cat really touched my soul in a way I never thought possible. If I knew that day would be the last with her I don't know if I would have had the strength to have her put to sleep. I never knew she was in that bad of shape. She hid her ailment well until near the end.
I dedicate this to Snikker Snak, My little child who was taken too soon. We will meet again later. I also dedicate this to those who have lost their little friends too. God bless all of Gods little furry creations that he gave us to show unconditional love.

I wrote this dedication because after all the love my little friend gave me I did not want her to be forgotten. Sometimes even a hard-ass like me has a soft spot. I know she will be waiting for me when it's my time. I know she will be my guide to the happy place she now resides, Heaven would not be Heaven if our little ones were not there to greet us as they did in life.