Cat Memorials and Picture Gallery: Butler

I adopted Butler from a no-kill shelter on May 8, 1991. I had been volunteering there for about a week when I saw him. It was love at first sight. When I told the woman at the shelter that I wanted to adopt him, she said she already knew. In fact, someone else had already approached her about adopting him, but she told her he was already taken. She knew before I did that I couldn't live without him.

In March of 2001, he had a near-fatal reaction to a shot of cortizone. Thanks to the compassion, dedication and expertise of his vet and his internist, he bounced back beautifully. In July of 2006, he began to show signs of decline. He lost his appetite and started hiding under the bed. We treated him for pancreatitis, but we worried that it might be cancer. He showed no signs of improvement, and we realized that he would not be able to tolerate chemo or surgery, due to the previous damage to his heart and liver by the cortizone.

I spent the last three weeks of his life by his side trying to comfort him. On Thursday, August 3, 2006, at 5:37 AM, he drew his last breath. He was the most intelligent, loving cat I have ever known. He brought us so much joy and happiness, and we miss him more than words can tell.

We love you, Butler-Man.