Dear Whoopie,

Do you remember when we took you home in that cardboard box? You were sitting on the windowsill at the shelter, the only quiet and relaxed one, looking into the outside world and wishing you could be a part of it.

My brother and I were infatuated with an energetic and noisy black cat, but our parents chose you because of how chill you were. And I'm so glad they did.

You were scared at first, coming into a brand new home with new smells and sounds and people you didn't know. But once you realized that this was it, this was your forever home with your forever family, you came out from hiding, ready to meet us with a happy meow.

You showed me how much fun we could have together, playing with fabric mice and string and feathers. Sometimes we even gave you catnip, which you went absolutely crazy over. It made me happy to see you acting so freely.

I was even happier when you decided that I would be one of your favorite people. If you add it all up, we must have spent weeks just cuddling together. You'd lie on my legs when I was stretched out, watching television, or curl up on my lap so I could cradle and pet you. Often, you fell right asleep, completely relaxed and knowing you were safe in my arms.

We shared a bed in your younger days; as you got older, you didn't stay with me overnight too often, but you'd always be up before me in the morning, meowing for breakfast and attention. I loved holding you, bouncing you gently and kissing your nose, your forehead, your cheeks.

We grew older together. You saw me graduate high school. You said goodbye to me as I went away to college upstate for a year and a half; I always looked forward to coming home to see you. One of the things that killed me was homesickness... and being so far away from you.

I took a break from college, but I've been back for a year at Stony Brook. I feel like I belong there. You've supported me all the way through it. Through everything, I've done.

I wanted to take you with me whenever I moved out of my parent's house, but you were 17 years old. You were so tired and grew weaker and weaker very quickly. When we took you to the vet, they told us it was your time to pass.

I miss you so much. But I want to thank you for everything you have done for me, for all the time we have spent together, for being a true friend and a beautiful soul. Seventeen years of friendship and love is nothing to sneeze at. I'm so glad to have met you and so thankful to have been your special human.

I wish you peace and happiness in your new life. One day, we will see each other again, but know that I am always with you no matter where you go.

Your best friend forever,

Shannon