In 1987 when my boyfriend of 13 years and I decided to separate, he promised to look after Casper and OJ. They were brothers - 2 yrs old. He was in a house and the cats were happy there. I was moving into an apartment that did not accept pets. I trusted him. Bad mistake.

Eventually he moved out of the house and Casper was given to a home close by but kept running away. OJ was given to a home on Vancouver Island. Since that was so long ago they are both probably very happy at the RB now. To this day I have their pictures up on my Wall of Fame at work and I've tried to forgive myself for abandoning them. Still hurts to this day.

And now, as I see my Speckles age (she's 16 now) and I know that one day I will have to be prepared for her demise. Believe me, I'll be leaning on all of you then.