Toby

Toby was a sweet cat who acted more like a dog than a stereotypical feline. I called him my "cog." We met in the spring of 2010 and I became a stepmom to him by that summer. My significant other at the time had gotten him when he was 8 weeks old with his previous girlfriend. One year later, we all began to cohabitate along with my guinea pig, Jack and his bearded dragon, Dino. Toby was friendly to both other animals and humans, playful, talkative, and had an appetite for all cuisines. He never wanted to hurt a soul. Fast forwarding several years, we moved across the country from the east to the west coast in fall 2017 without Kevin. Toby had chosen me and my now ex-boyfriend decided that he should stay with me for the remaining years of his life. We lived a wonderful 6 years together. Although he was diagnosed with CKD and developed other conditions along the way, we managed the symptoms and continued to enjoy life as best as we could all the way up to his last breath the evening before Halloween. Toby even met and approved of my new future love, who is now my life partner. He transitioned into the spiritual realm in my arms. He did not want to leave my side, and I know his spirit is still within and among me. It's everywhere. No longer is he confined to wait for me at home when I am out working, going on trips, or doing errands - he was an indoor kitty unless I leashed him up to explore the neighborhood. He is everywhere I go and involved in everything I do. I love and miss his physical presence so much. I developed an altar and a photo book capturing the good times in his honor. One day, we will meet again at the Rainbow Bridge when the time is right. Not too soon, not too late. Until then, there's only sadness, and bittersweet joy, and love. Always love. Everyday. All day. I love you, my Prince of Cats.