They say that when a pet dies, they go to their own special heaven where they are young and healthy and there are plenty of butterflies to chase and mud puddles to romp through. And when you pass, you are reunited with them and you both cross the Rainbow Bridge into the next life.

Today I lost a family member. TJ was with us from the day he was born, my sister catching him from her cat Sassy as she gave birth. He was the runt yet with a big head and he laid claim to all our hearts. He got his name because he looked just like a cat we had since I was 8 and he lived 18 years. Tony... so he became Tony Jr. He grew up to be a big cat, rough and tumble with a nick in his ear from brawling to scars and scratches from defending our home from feline invaders.

Recently we noticed he was losing weight and his eye was swelling. So we took him to the vet. She said it could be an abscess tooth, but she wasnt sure. In fact, the other alternative would be cancer. She gave us antibiotics and medicine which didnt help. He was getting worse.

Today we took him to the vet where we decided to end his suffering. We were there to the very end, holding his paw, caressing his ears. It broke my heart. It still does. But he was with us for 15 years. And I wouldnt trade one day.

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Goodbye TJ... We loved you.