Tiger
I've had Tiger ever since his mother gave birth to him right next to my bed on September 16, 2011. He was the runt from a litter of 3 and was the only black and white cat even though his sister and brother had all white fur with spots of brown and black. What drew me to him was his tiny little body and his bright red nose. I watched closely over him for the next 2 months making sure he got his nutrients and was able to grow and play like his sister and brother. When the kittens were old enough, we gave them to a new home but I couldn't let go of Tiger so he became mine. As the months flew by, Tiger enjoyed playing fetch with one particular ball. Every morning you would hear the rattle of a cheetah printed ball and you knew it was time to wake up and start throwing. He would make me laugh because if you refused to wake up and play, Tiger would jump on the bed with his ball and start shaking it so you knew he meant business. Tiger also loved to eat! He was so chunky before he was even a year old. But he made the best cuddle buddy. He kept me company every time I was home alone because even Tiger hated to be alone. In November of 2012, Tiger started to change. He no longer played fetch or cared for company. He couldn't walk without pain. And his eating habits went down. It only took a week till everything about him changed drastically. On November 20, 2012 me, my fiance, my brother, and my sister-in-law rushed Tiger to the emergency animal hospital praying that we could get him back to healthy and back to Tiger again. We waited what seemed like a lifetime, trying to figure out how we were going to pay for Tiger's treatments when the doctor walked in with an honest and open heart. She explained to us that Tiger, my 14 month old baby boy, was fighting through his pain but was ready to let go at any minute. Even if we had paid every dollar to get his as much treatment as possible, there was just no way he was going to survive. She then gave us the heartbreaking decision to euthenize him. I broke down completely in tears. All of us filled with emotion. Tiger was important to all of us and as much as it killed me to know I would never wake up to my Tiger again, I knew I couldn't stand to keep him in pain any longer so we agreed to do what was best. The nurse brought Tiger in so we can say our last goodbyes and you could see it in his eyes how much he loved us all and we made sure he knew how much he meant to us. The doctor walked back in, shots in hand and she told me to step closer to Tiger and just talk with him. I held his paw as the vet put him down and watch his breathing slowly fade. As soon as I knew he was at peace, I cried my heart out. We all did. I will never forget how much love he had in him and how much he enjoyed playing fetch and stealing people's straws. He was full of spirit. Now his ashes and a clay print of his paw sit upon my dresser so I know he feels comfortable. Right back in the room he was born in. Right back at home.
Rest in paradise Tiger boy.