When they told me many months ago, that Winchester was going to be COD, I was thrilled. But time passed and I forgot.

Just recently, I was reminded when going through old email and thought, "Hmmm... I should update them." But I couldn't bear it, nor updating his web page. And here my beautiful boy smiles back at me today.

My beautiful, handsome, bright-spirited cat also died over Christmas. He was fine, and a week beforehand started limping. We thought he'd sprained his little paw, but nothing showed on the x-rays.

Within the week, he'd lost all motor control from the neck down, including continence. Every darned test was Normal! Even the specialist hospital neurologist couldn't figure it out.

Finally, an MRI indicated a soft-tissue tumor, though, that was eating his spine. He stopped responding to pain meds, although he'd purr and rub his face on my husband, to whom he was devoted.

Our dear little soul had to be let go December 27th. Our hearts are still sad, and we continue to speak of him as though he's in the next room.

I miss him at the most unexpected moments. I didn't realize I showed him everything I was doing while I cooked, for example. He'd sit as close as he could on the counter, kind of bobbing and nodding his head, (he was hand-shy, probably from his former owners) trying to see what I was doing and if it involved food for him. I evidently showed him everything I was doing, because I continue turning to show him ingredients, or stuff I have in my hand.

My husband says this is his gift to us: being able to remember him in our everyday activities. He would be sleeping between the keyboard and the monitor right now, as a matter of fact. This was a toughie, because he was a big, handsome, 16 pounds. An well. He's not in pain and will remain in our hearts.

Thank you all so much for your well wishes. I know he feels them in his spirit, as do I. What a gift this is today, to see my boy peering regally back at me.