I talk about my cat in my first book Cerebral Palsy: A Story 'Finding the Calm After the Storm.' Now I am talking about her again. Anyone with a pet, will know how it feels to lose their trusted friend. Parting with a pet is painful.

On the 4th January 2022 our beautiful cat reluctantly crossed the rainbow bridge. Her name was Pumpkin. She was a rescue, we had her for 15 years and we loved and doted on here. When my family faced trauma, she saved us.

She was a special needs cat. We rescued her when she was 1. We weren’t emotionally ready to let her go. We knew she was poorly, but didn’t understand just how poorly she was. Quietly unassuming, she taught us many things; she taught us about spirituality, about love, about behaviour. She taught us simplicity, she showed us what mattered in our every day lives.

Her love was unconditional; she was there for us 24/7. Living through traumatic events including Covid-19 that significantly changed our lives, Pumpkin would sit with us. From slumber she would come and look for us.

Because she had food allergies that we didn’t always understand, she wasn't always easy. Because she was a rescue, she found it hard to let go of her past, but if we had our time again, we wouldn’t change a thing. She was perfect.

Even if you don’t start out wanting a pet, eventually years into adopting one, they get under your skin and you can never imagine a life without them, which makes the parting harder. Just watching her was a beautiful experience.

She was awkward and stubborn, she liked what she liked, but perfect in every way; her little mannerisms made me smile. We’d come home and she’d be there at the front door, and I would smile some more. She wanted the attention and loved floor cuddles, but the rescue in her meant she would never sit on your knee.

She was a homing cat, she didn’t go far. She was also moody and wasn't always on top of the world; but she knew she was loved, she knew she had a warm bed and a family that doted on her. We never stopped trying to find food that didn't make her sick. Her allergies got in the way, but that didn’t matter, we loved her unconditionally.

Even though her allergies were difficult, and we didn’t always know how to help her; we never stopped trying to get her the help she needed. She knew we were trying, and she trusted us. She was our rock, now we must be her rock as she transcends into spirit.

We miss her already; she is close by. We brought her home to rest and have since already noted her presence. My children are already sending us little anecdotal stories of her presence. I too have felt her presence. She is missed.

Dedicated to Pumpkin…. 21.4.2007 – 4.01.2022 (Please adopt don't shop)