It’s always sad to say goodbye to a friend. If you ever bought one of my books and looked at the bio up front, chances are you saw a reference to “my two amazingly smart and affectionate cats, Katy and Bianca.”
We had to say goodbye to Bianca today. This is the way I’ll always remember her:
Ed Bott (@ wordpress.com) 
It is always tough to say goodbye to our furry companions, Ed. I’m sorry to read of your loss. May your memories of her sustain you.
-steve
One of my own cats, ten years old, died not long ago due to long-term diabetic complications. He had been diagnosed a year and a half ago, and I had been giving him both insulin and hydration.
A week before his death, a stray kitten started lurking around our house. It didn’t take long for us to decide to take her in.
Ed,
I’m sorry for your loss. While Bianca is no longer here physically, your thoughts, memories and pictures of her will keep her alive forever.
Ray
As I read this, my own cat is curled up in my lap. I am sorry about your loss. She looks like a beutiful animal.
Ed, I’m very sorry for your loss. I know how wonderful it is to have cats as companions.
I am so sorry, Ed. I still get very broken up over my dear dog, Randi, who was put down almost 5 years ago. Maybe Bianca and Randi will be friends. 🙂 I hope you can find comfort.
Sorry to heard that Ed.
I’ve managed to lose two cats this year, both adopted strays.
My thoughts are with you tonight.
Ed
My heart goes out to you. As the Dad, the last trip to the vet for my first two dogs was mine alone to take. They both lived long and active lives which ironically made their loss so painful. devastating is probably the most appropriate term. I can say that, as time passes, the memory of all the wonderful things they brought to our home brings smiles to our faces.
We now have three Shelties (Shetland Sheepdogs) and they keep the house lively and a fun place to be. But, I can honestly say that we really have 5 dogs, because the first two have never left. We no longer mourn their loss. We celebrate the life we shared with them. In time, I trust you will do the same.
Ed and Judy: You’re in our thoughts. Bianca was a special kitty – Sue and I both fell for her immediately when we visited with you guys and know just how much a part of your family she was. Hold on to the great memories.
Bianca,s loss is very sad to the Bott family. Just remembering all the most enjoyable and happy times Bianca gave to you, i hope, will make it not so hard to bear.
Just before I sat down and read this, I finished feeding my five furry monsters. I wouldn’t want to lose any one of them. It’s easy for them to work their way into your life. Each one of mine is special for a different reason as I’m sure your two were.
She got ten good years and from knowing you, it’s certain they were good ones. All the cat hair you’ve cleaned from between the keys and out of the innards of your computers seems now like an insignificant inconvenience, much less than it did at the time . I know you’ll miss her.
Best wishes to you and Judy.
Hi Ed,
Sorry to hear the news. Went through the same thing recently. They sure grow on you, don’t they?
Dear Ed, my condolences. Cats are wonderful animals to live with.
Was Bianca a Ragdoll? The picture you provides looks so much like my own Ragdoll Calliope. Just wondering.
Be well.
Thanks so much to everyone for these comments and the private e-mails. Judy and I appreciate the kind words more than you can imagine.
Bill, we got Bianca and Katy from the Mercer Island animal shelter in 1997, so we really don’t know what breed either one is/was. Bianca looked to me like a Balinese, but Judy swore she was a Himalayan. But her personality was what made her special. We called her “pure love in a fur coat.” Not a mean bone in her body.
Our Thoughts and prayers are with you, Pets are extension of our human familyies, with one key exception. They love you unconditionally and are always depended on us.
I’ve had to say goodbye many times with what I consider “Hall of Fame” cats over the past 25 years. I still remember all my cats because of their distinctive personalites and special friendships. Glad you shared her with us, Ed, thanks.
Our favorite was “Captain Crunch” (because he loved the cereal) Klutzy, (fell off furniture) a consumate mouser, pal to the kids and I was his favorite when he was hungry. I guess that’s because I could get the cans open faster or pour the cereal quicker. He lived a long and contented life.