Introduction

I know what you're thinking.  Another blog about cats?  

Don't I see them enough on my Facebook and Instagram feeds?  

Well, I’m not writing this book for you.  

I actually don't care if you read this or not. 

 I’m writing this for me.  To help me process my feelings of loss over……a cat.  

To you he may just be just another cat, but to me, he was the best cat ever.  Without a doubt.  I will probably never have a son of my own, so Tyler was the closest thing to that.  I loved him more than a pet, I loved him as if he was my own child. My fourteen years with Tyler happened to coincide with some of the brightest and darkest periods of my forty years on this planet.  He was there through them all.  The soaring highs, and the deepest, darkest lows.  So…..maybe as a way to jot those memories down, or maybe as a way to make sure I don’t forget a single detail, I’m writing this book.  My first book, and maybe my last.  Who knows? I’m sure I will have other cats, but I don’t know if they'll be worthy of a book. Although that would be a cool idea, wouldn't it?  A book per cat?

Anyway, some acknowledgements.

First off, thanks to Little Shelter in Northport, NY.  For introducing me to Tyler, to Gayle, the volunteer with NINE cats that showed me around.

Second, to the vets Tyler has had over the years.  Mario Veza, Ellen Leonhardt, and of course my 3,000 Facebook friends and amateur vets who seemed to think they knew what was troubling Tyler as he aged.  For taking care of my cat, for making him happy and healthy.  Thanks also for being realistic.

Third, to my parents.  We don’t talk anymore, but if they hadn't agreed to allow me to bring a shelter cat into our lives, this book would be about….I don’t know….my pound puppy of 29 years?

Lastly…..I would like to acknowledge the man of the hour.  Or the man of the book.  Tyler.  The cat.  THE cat. You changed my life, Ty-Ty, and I hope I changed yours.  I like to think I did.  I miss you every day, but I wouldn't have changed the past 14 years for the world. It’s hard to imagine a world without you, without those very long whiskers and that purr.  Can’t wait to see you at the bridge.