I met Sylvester in February 2011. I had just moved into an apartment in Central Austin, and noticed this beautiful, fluffy, black and white male cat who was skittish and unwilling to be pet. My neighbor told me that Sylvester had lived in my apartment two years previously, and had been abandoned by his owner. The neighbor fed him and looked out for him, but Syl mostly lived outside. In April, finally, Sylvester let me pet him, and then moved himself back into his old apartment. No matter how many times I tossed him outside, he insisted on moving in. So, he became my cat. I changed his diet to a grain-free formula and suddenly he was a very trusting and affectionate cat. Sylvester was either 7 or 9 years old when he moved in. In late June this year, I noticed Syl was less active. He had always been a huge cat, strong and healthy. Very talkative, very affectionate, very bossy and snuggly. I thought he had arthritis, but he was soon diagnosed with diabetes. For two months, shots and blood tests and doctor visits, Syl responded well to treatment. He had a really good month in August. He returned to his active self, going outside and exploring, waking me up in the morning to eat. But by Sunday, September 6, he suddenly stopped eating, became very unsteady and cried all night long. Early Monday, Labor Day, I saw how sick he had become, told him how much I loved him, and through the tears and the sadness, called my son-in-law and asked him to take us to the emergency vet hospital. I knew it was his time to go. While we waited for our ride, I told him how amazing he was, how lucky I was to know him and that he could go be Freya's (Norse Goddess who drives a chariot pulled by Skogkatts...magic, flying cats) Skogkatt now. The staff at Central Valley Emergency Vet Hospital were compassionate and understanding. After getting a prognosis from the doctor, I knew it was time to let Sylvester go. My son-in-law and I returned to the hospital and were ushered into a private room. A nurse brought Syl in...he looked calm and comfortable wrapped in a shaggy towel. I spend some time kissing and talking to him, and praying to Lord Jesus to guide him on his journey. Sylvester was the most interesting and unique cat I have known. He had a big personality and was a constant companion. It was clear his noble spirit and guardian qualities were strong attributes and I'm so glad I adopted him when I did. Goodbye, Syl. I know you'll get to see your brother that I had heard about, and all the wonderful furbabies and featheredbabies and even scaledbabies and run around, make biscuits and enjoy the sunshine. I'll see you again, my love.

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