Most of you are aware that I write this blog for two reasons. First, to keep friends, family and business acquaintances apprised of what's happening in the funnel cake business. Secondly, is, in my perverted style, to entertain. This entry has nothing to do with either. However, if you've visited the farm, or if you were ever at my old warehouse, this post may have some meaning to you. About ten years ago, I was sitting at my desk in downtown Lynchburg when a stray gray and white cat strolled in and announced, "I'm here." Being the old cynical b****** that I am, I stared at her and said, "so?" She proceeded to make herself at home, and, of course, I gave her a bite of my cheeseburger, and the rest is history. She was a diminutive little thing with huge eyes and a face that knocked you out. Plus, an attitude that would make Peggy seem like Little Orphan Annie. She also possessed a vocabulary that was better than mine. I named her Squirt. That seemed to fit. Over the next two years, she was the boss of my warehouse and managed to have two litters of kittens under my desk. Peggy got a kitten out of each litter. When I closed the warehouse and began the long process of shutting down my wholesale floral business, I carted Squirt out to the farm where she became queen of our household. She slept on my bed and would attack a foot if I was unlucky enough to have one uncovered. When I was at my desk, she would guard the keyboard and make sure any loose papers, paperclips or pens hit the floor. She was my shadow and we'd discuss the happenings of each day. She spent her evenings on my lap watching TV. Along the way, I brought her grandson back from Peggy's after one of her daughters had a litter. In the meantime, that tiny little kitty got fat and happy. And ruled the managerie. The past couple of months, she began going downhill. She lost a tremendous amount of weight and the past two days, she became so lithargic we became worried. She completely quit eating. This afternoon, we took her to the vet and found out as we'd expected, that Squirt had complete kidney failure and there was little hope of recovery. I had to make the most painful decision I've ever made in my life. She died at 6:30 tonight and we'll bury her tomorrow in our little pet cemetary on the farm. Pets can bring a tremendous amount of joy and happiness to one's life The downside is they don't live forever. And when they go, it is worse than losing a family member. If you've never been thru it, be prepared. One day, it will happen. And it isn't very nice. Even if you're not the emotional slob that I am, your emotions will get the best of you. Mine have. But the memories can be cherished for a lifetime. Thank you for letting me share a really bitch of a day.