Lynyrd Skynyrd plays Free Bird while I write this. This song is a good match to Peep, who flew free today after almost 13 years.

She came into my life via an ad in a small local paper I just happened to see. She was a stray kitten turned in at the local veterinarian's office. They were looking to find her a home.

I went.

I saw.

I touched.

She was mine.

But I learned, too late, kittens can't be left alone. They must be acclimated to humans. You couldn't pick up or pet Peep, but when she wanted you, she's come on the couch or the bed for petting. She did bond with Domino, in fact, often she was Domino's shadow. Domino tolerated this. Peep was very close to Domino. Peep got along with all the other cats and Robert the Dog.

Peep had an inflammation in her mouth. About this time last year all her rear teeth were removed, then a a few months later, the remaining teeth extracted. Things seemed to be better, then more issues. A steroid helped, she put on weight, she was again back around the house in all the places she used to be. Four weeks later, the steroid didn't help. She was a brave girl, she accepted all the things done to make her better with no complaints. Even being kept in the bathroom for a week post dental extraction and daily medication.

For the last week, she came into the bedroom and laid against me and purred. I'm comfortable knowing for almost 13 years, she was a happy cat. Loved and cherished. Now every Christmas time, when I think of angels,

I'll think of Peep, who loved in her own way, did what she wanted and passed through this world sharing that love. Goodbye and godspeed little girl. Wait for me on the Rainbow Bridge with all the others.

While you're not here tonight, you'll never leave my heart.