When i was about 8 years old, Casey came into my life. She was no ordinary cat. I was riding my bike in a neighbors driveway, when I saw a cat walking around. Thinking it was a friends cat, I ran to get it. This cat was so loving. As i approached her, she ran up and rubbed against my leg. I picked her up, but when i showed it to my friend,it wasnt hers. I took it home and showed my mom. My mom said we'd feed her and drive around to see if anyone was missing their kitty. I gave her a bowl of food, and ate some choclate cake . She scarfed down the food, and on top of it ate my cake. We took her around and no one claimed her. I asked my mom if we could keep her. She was hesitent, but after awhile she agreed. So i named her Casey. For a few years she was perfect, healthy , until one day she became ill. We took her to the vet, and she had distemper. The doctor said she was so sick, that she was going to die. He let me visit her. She was so frail and sick I cried. I rubbed her head and said, " please dont die, I love you. A week later, a miracle happened. She was better . The doctor said she fine and is ready to go home. For many years CAsey spent her days on the sofa , lounging aroubd, playing with toys and her night on my pillow. She was so caring and could adjust to any situation. As she got older say maybe 13, she began to get a tumor between her shoulder blades. She was still ok and pain free. When she turned 15 the following year. The lump had trippled. Casey of course toughed it out and made it through. In october 2003, she began to loose weight. Pound by puond. She wasnt eating . The she stopped sleeping by my pillow. October 21, 2003, it took her to the vet. The doctor was surprised she had been so strong, but now was in pain. I asked if there was anything to help her feel better.He said, i could give her a cortizone shot. I said what can that do. He said prolong her life. I didnt want her to suffer for my own selfisness. So i called my mom and told her casey was going away. That was the hardest descsion of my life. She seemed grateful to know she would be at peace. A week later after she had died and been creamated, i recived this beautiful poem, "the Rainbow Bridge. " It had eased my pain. Today i was able to share this poem with an old couple i help who had lost their dog. Casey was an amazing animal who had given so much to the family as well as me. She visited the old people in nursing homes, sat in their laps and brought them love. Everyone, even those who didnt care for cats loved her. If i could duplicate her i would. So hers to Casey< see ya soon! love Mommy