When my Himalayan cat passed away this year, I knew it was time– we had shared 18 wonderful years together.  Over only a week, he just wound down until he finally curled up in the closet and slept. I called the vet, who came to the house (mostly for me).  I laid Claudius on my lap and said goodbye. A moment later, he was gone.

About a year after I got Claudius, we moved to Bobby’s house in Marin.  An indoor cat in the city,  he’d watch the video, A Day in the Park from his kitty condo.  Once in the country, Bobby put him in his own tree and he was delighted!  Claudius was playful, smart and spoiled.  He had his own stay-over pet-sitter so he was never alone; he ate off of china (on his placemat on the floor) and I kept him beautifully washed and brushed. (He was great about being bathed.)

I miss him and I’m grateful for the memories.

**The crew at Etched Images, etched this Napa River rock for me through their fabulous service Etched Eternally.  They offer pet memorial stones along with high quality etching on wine bottles.  (A discount for their celebration line is in my guide.)