by Mia
(Carlilse,PA)

My Maine Coon Bruce was such a cuddle bear and had the most amazing personality. I got him as a kitten. Bruce followed me everywhere, chirping/trilling/talking the entire time, and always supervising everything I did. He gave me sand-papery kisses when I asked for a smooch and was always reaching out and touching my check with his white furry paw. He would look up at me with so much love and trust in his eyes. He was my buddy and he was always by my side or a least in the same room.

Bruce always greeted me at the door when I came home and, boy, did he let me know it if I was gone for too long. Bruce would wake me in the morning with whisker tickles, head butts and kisses. Every night he sat on my lap as we watched TV and always came to bed with me to snuggle. He was my best friend. He was there for me through some really tough times, always giving unconditional love and support.

My Brucy had intestinal cancer and we fought a tough fight. We were at the Vet's office on a weekly basis, running tests and putting him on different medications. I did everything possible I could for him.

On the morning of 7/7/12, after a short, but brave, battle and Bruce had not eaten for 3 days going on day 4, I had to make the agonizing decision to let him cross that Rainbow Bridge. I could see in his eyes he was weak and his quality of life was poor. I called the vet in tears and told her it was time.

I held him the whole time and whispered to him that it was ok to let go now. He looked up at me one last time with those loving and trusting eyes, then he gently fell into a deep sleep. I held onto him for a while longer in an uncontrollable sob and, when I was ready, he was gently taken from me. For the longest time I felt like I couldn't breathe.

There isn't a day that I don't miss him, and I have cried an ocean of tears over his loss. I had my fur baby cremated and placed in a wooden urn. On those bright sunny days, I sit him out on the deck, which was favorite place to lay out.

I know I'll see my Brucy again someday, and he can never be replaced. I now have two Maine Coon kittens and the girls, who are sisters, are doing a great job at easing the pain of losing my boy. I still cry for my Brucy, but Bella and Lynxy bring so much joy and that wonderful Maine Coon personality that I'd missed so much. >^.^