Congratulations on making it through all nine lives. You're truly a trooper. You've been through a lot, from people falling through the roof to getting into a fight with a giant dog and winning. Multiple moves and a lot of cat food seem to have taken its toll on you, as much as I hate to say it. The hardest part about you using up all these lives means that now I have to say goodbye.

Growing up you were always my constant. You always greeted me when I got home, you always sat next to me on the couch, and you just seemed to pick me out of everyone else in the house to be your favorite. I became so attached to you, as you did to me.

You were my first pet, and you've given me more than I could ever say. When I was little and terrible at making friends because of being home schooled, you were my best friend. You let me dress you up and push you around in a stroller like a doll, you were always ready to just sit and listen to me talk or read, and you were always there when I cried. You would lay on the edge of the bathtub while I was in the bath and even though I would drag you in every time, you still came right back and laid in the tub. We even had sleepovers every night because you always made sure to be in bed with me. It doesn't sound like a lot, but it meant so much to me.

Although I love you more than words can say, being this close to you is making this time so hard for me. A few years ago mom started to notice your age getting to you. When mom started telling me you were getting old because you couldn't keep your food down, I ignored it. You, my best friend, couldn't get old. You're only two years younger than me. But when you started getting uncontrollable ear infections and arthritis, it slowly started to hit me. I was terrified to leave for college, praying that home would still be home with you there.

Now, here we are. At the ripe old age of 17 years, you have to leave me. It's taken me a really long time to accept that putting you down is what's best. It's so hard to see that things that were once so easy to you, like jumping on the bed, are so hard for you now.

I just wish you could understand what I say so I could thank you for everything. For being my best friend, for sleeping with me every night, and for making home feel so much like home. Thank you for hanging in there so I could spend these last few weeks with you. I hope I've made your nine lives so great, like you've made my one. I will miss you and love you forever.

Sincerely, the little girl whose life you changed.