Almost two years ago, I had to make that hard trip to the vet with my old boy, Oswald. He was a big black and white gentle giant who used to meet me at the door. He was the friendliest cat I have ever had. He had diabetes and developed kidney failure, so I had that tough choice to make.

When I was driving to the vet, I thought my heart would break. Coming back home without him in my arms, I sobbed the whole way. It took months before the pain subsided and wasn't a constant ache. Although I have two other female cats, I had Oswald for 17 years. He was very special to me. I was glad that neither of the other cats looked like him, because that would have been so tough.

Fast forward 20 months - a woman I work with and I went for lunch at a mall. There is a pet store where the Humane Society has animals up for adoption. We went in and looked at the cats. There was a black and white boy in there, smaller than Oswald, but very friendly. At the beginning of May, we did our calamari-at-the-mall routine, and stopped by the pet store. There were a few new cats in there, but the black and white boy was still in his cage. I said to my coworker that it was a shame - he was running out of time. He was also three years old, no longer a kitten and not as cute as some of the younger animals they had in there.

The next day, I went back and filled out the adoption papers. Maxwell came home.

It initially hurt a bit. He looks so much like Oswald and has much of the same disposition. Now I am beginning to discover him as Maxwell, as have the two females who are getting over the hissy-fit stage and playing with him.

I promise him a good life. I also promise him a good death when that time will ultimately come. I kept my promise before with Oswald, Carmen and Squeaker, so I know I will do it again. And my heart will break. But that is okay, because he curls up next to me and purrs. I'll grow to love him, too.

Thats beautiful i wish you many happy years.

The day will come soon enough, think about it then not now.

Give all three a hug from me.

Love Sue

That's fantastic!! Congratulations on the new adoption and I wish you, Maxwell, and the group all the best.

Ken Albin

Congratulations and I know how tough it is. I just adopted little Eli. It certainly is bitter sweet, but they all deserve good homes and that is what we are able to provide them.

Our old buddies will remain with us forever. We are so much better off for having had them, but the new guys need us too.

Good luck with your new family and welcome home Maxwell.