Is there anybody out there?

I know first-hand of your loss today. I can’t offer any more solace to you than I can to my daughter, but don’t let this be another reason to end your own existence. In this case we did say goodbye, and so did he. And it was a deep relationship of love and mutual respect. There is joy and love in our memories. Let this go. Please take a breather, and then let’s go on.

RIP Sumo. I will never forget you, and if death isn’t an end then I truly hope to see you again. You were a special animal, an extraordinaryly well adjusted and loving Siamese cat, who never let us forget when you were around, both by talking to us and appreciating our attention with a grateful lick on the face, or a brief plop on our lap. Your purr was ever present at our touch, and we are very sorrowful you are gone. I know your sister is too, as she stayed with you throughout the night.

It’s funny how other mammals provide us with insight into ourselves. If you are depressed, visit the animal shelter and pet the dogs and cats. They are always grateful for the attention, as many of them have lived lonely and often painful lives. It is cathartic, and if we could communicate with them I’m certain they would say “thank you for coming to visit me.” I hope that this will inspire someone here today to find the reason to go on simply because of a furry companion. I know it happens: it’s kept me alive on at least one occasion. Simplistic, and concidental perhaps, but true. The mania eating me up at the time was soothed by my cat licking my hand in the middle of a night of torment. She continued, cleaning each finger, until I eventually calmed down, enough to get help the next day. Don’t discount this: she never did it again and lived for 18 years. Enough said…they do eventually die, but none by their own hand. Food for thought.