I adopted my cat almost 3 years ago after going my whole life thinking I wasn’t a cat person. After watching my dear friends take care of their dorm cat (Beef!) I fell in love. I never quite understood cats- I always saw them through my child eyes as being elusive and standoffish. After solidifying my friendship with Beef I realized how strong the bond between cat and (wo)man can be- because it’s earned. My precious Duchess was the crustiest cat at the shelter but when she opened her big sapphire eyes I knew we were a destined pair. Duchess has sat with me through two heartbreaks, the hardest year of my life, multiple moves, long car rides, and many, many, sleepless nights. To say she’s my best friend isn’t totally correct- I feel she is truly a part of the fabric of my being. She has helped me trust myself to care for another living being, loved me on my most rotten days, and cuddled me when I’m sad (even though she pretends she hates it). I never knew such a small creature could change my entire world. On the loneliest days she licks my hand with her scratchy tongue and lays her head on my legs and I suddenly the darkness isn’t so dark. Thank you Duchess, my sweet girl, my forever love.
