by Susan Calder
(Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)

My little man Harrison came into my life in March of 1997 from the Toronto Humane Society, and was on death row, as I would call it. He was to be euthanized that day. He came right up to me, and rubbed the cage, and rolled over and over. I let him out of the cage, and it was as if he just couldn't give enough love to a stranger. He was coming home with me.

From the beginning, he was just such a lovely little man. He had the most gentle soul. He loved everyone, and they all fell in love with him. He never hissed or growled at any of the other cats. He greeted me everyday at the door, along with his brother and two sisters. If you know what a ragdoll is like, that is what he was.

You could do anything do him, and he would love it. He would stretch out on my lap, and sleep for hours, and would snuggle up to me in bed. When he played, he would snort and run around like mad. My little man, my little child, he was my Harri Son.

Harrison had colitis all his life, and it was well managed. He had a really bad episode starting in January of this year, which I really could not clear up. With lots of great advice from Dr. Neely, and my vet, he was not doing bad.

But starting in June, he really started becoming worse. The medication wasn't working. He did not enjoy eating. I feed him for over a month, and did everything I could do. He spent July 24 at the vet, and he was diagnosed with GI Lymphoma. His little belly was filling up with fluids.

He was a trooper. I did bring him home for the night, so have one last night with him. I knew he was in pain all night, so I made the decision to let him be at peace and to go meet Jesus.

I held him in my arms at the vet, and rocked and rocked him. We said prayers over him for him to be accepted into Heaven. He fell asleep, and the Dr. took him away. So many tears, and words cannot express the loss of this sweet cat. He was more than a cat.

He has left a great void in our life. You look for him and he is not there. You want to call him, but know he will not come. We lost his sister in January, so I do know they are together in Heaven with our God.

God Bless Dr. Neely for all her advice, kind words and really helping with everything during Harrison's courageous fight. We love you Dr. Neely, and we truly believe you were sent here to love and care for our feline family members.

Thank you,
The Calders