My Best Friend

Saying goodbye is something that no one likes to do.  Most people don't get a chance to say their goodbyes and are left with regrets and lots of words unsaid. I fortunately get to say my goodbyes to my best friend.  My best friend has chronic kidney failure.  I thought that it was something he was going to recover from but no matter how many prayers I've said or tears I've cried there is no getting around the fact that in a year he will no longer be by my side.

Odis has been my faithful companion for over 8 years.  A tiny, scared little kitten, I brought him home wrapped in a towel.  From the moment I laid eyes on him we were bonded.  The very first night he slept curled up on my shoulder trying to get as close to me as possible.  We've been that close ever since.

A near death scare made our bond even stronger.  As a tiny kitten Odis became very ill and spent almost a week in the vet's.  My free cat had now become an investment cat! But I loved him to bits and didn't care.

Odis began greeting me everyday I came home from school and continues to greet me the same way.  He will be sitting at the door that I enter and I will pick him up and he will nuzzle me.  I think he is trying to tell me he missed me!

I've never seen an animal be so in tune with my emotions.  If I'm upset, I don't need to do a thing-he just senses my emotions and gives me the love I need.  If I'm crying, he will be right next to me sniffing my head and giving me air kisses in my ear.

Odis has moved 5 times with me and has been a champ through all 5 of them.  The biggest move-11 hours in a car.  My baby did great with the help of some sedatives. 

He's killed countless spiders for me, warmed me when I was cold, comforted me when I have cried, made me laugh and smile when I was sad.  And I can't do a damn thing for him now.

When he became ill and I sat with him in the vets for hours. He kept looking at me with his huge green eyes wondering why he was being poked and prodded.  But when I burst into tears when I was told he had kidney failure, he forgot it all and comforted me.

Last week we were told his kidney failure is terminal--there is no telling how long.  For now he remains good.  I am doing everything I can, but knowing that it's not enough is crushing.  I am cherishing every second I get with my special boy.

I dread the night that I go to sleep and he is not there on my pillow. I don't know how I can bear it.  To some people he is just a cat, but he is my best friend.  I can take comfort in the fact that I gave this cat the best life possible and loved him unconditionally, but to know I couldn't save him will always hurt.

I love you Odis!