As a few (very few) of you know, recently one of our cats had to be put to sleep.
A few years ago, I came across this interesting bit of writing that I thought I would share with you all. While this is directed at cat owners, it is easy to shift a few details to apply it to a dog. After losing the cats I have had in the past, this has helped me immensely, though it does make me cry.


The Last Will and Testament of an Extremely Distinguished Cat
I, The Cat Above All Cats, because of the burden of my illness, realize that the end of my life is near... and so I hereby bury my Last Will and Testament in the heart of my Friend. She will not know it is there until some time after my death. Then, remembering me in her sadness, she will know of this testament. I ask her, then, to inscribe it as a memorial to me.
I have little in the way of material things to leave. Cats are much wiser than men. We do not set great value upon things. I have only my love and magic to bequeath. These I leave to all those who have loved me, and especially to my friend, who I know will mourn me the most. Perhaps it is vain of me to boast when I am so near to the Gate through which we must all, one day pass but I have always been an extremely special and distinguished cat!
I ask my friend to remember me always but not to grieve for me too long. In my life I have given her comfort in time of sorrow and a reason for added joy in her life. It is painful for me to think that even in death I should cause her pain. Let her remember that no cat was ever happier but I have grown ill and pained. It is time to say "Good-bye". It will be a great sadness to leave her but not a sorrow to die. I accept this part of the journey as a natural part of life…not something alien and terrible which destroys life.
What will come to me after death? Who knows? … But I would like to think that I will be joined by companions I've known in life. I will romp about in mice-filled fields with those who have gone before me. Every hour is mealtime and there is always a little brook with fresh running water. I will spend long evenings in front of fireplaces with logs forever burning and curl up with memories of the old days on earth and the love of my special person.
This is much to expect but peace is certain… and a long rest for these weakened limbs will be welcome.
One last request I make. I ask her, for the love of me, to have another. It would be a poor tribute to my memory not to have a cat in her life. I have never had a narrow spirit and have always held that most cats are good (some dogs, too!). Some cats are better than others, of course…like me! And, so, I suggest another of similar background but others could be suitable, too. No cat can be as distinguished and handsome as I was but she must not ask the impossible. He will do his best and even his inevitable defects will help to keep my memory ever green.
To him, I've left my green chaise lounge and my place in the garden window which I loved so much and wish him long, sunny afternoons of snoozing and bird watching.
A few last words of farewell, Dear Heart. I have loved you completely and no matter how deep I sleep I shall hear you. Remember always that Angels are not allowed to show their wings on earth, but there’s no rule against whiskers!