what's cooking?

Before they were even engaged, Adam and Sam adopted a tiny gray Maine Coon.  They lived with us.  They named this scrappy boy, Toby.

Pepper, our late and great gray tabby, took on the immediate role of dad/teacher.  It was about the time when our beautiful girl Sunshine was slowing down, so he was very happy to have some more vibrant company.  They loved each other, dearly.  When Adam and Sam moved into their own home, Toby went with them.  He was now quite a bit bigger than Pepper!

Through the years he wound up with his own canine friends, as well as his own harem!

Of course, things happen as our fur babies age.  For Toby, that meant kidney failure and thyroid disease.  But, until recently, he was still feisty and fiercely attached to Bryce.

Then a couple of days ago things went horribly wrong.  Instead of feisty, he just wanted to be held.  His back legs simply couldn't hold up.  His breathing shallow and despite eating and drinking -skin and bones would describe his once perfect physique.  

Many tears were and continue to be shed.  He was ready to join Lily and Pepper.  He did so peacefully with his family holding him.

When you love someone  it doesn't matter whether they have two or four legs their passing brings a deep, painful hurt.  But having them in your life is more than worth what will eventually turn into warm remembrances.