Alaska on my mind…

If I had to pick just one word to describe what Bergie has done for our family it is enriched. He has brought a level of joy and love to us that only a pet can.

In the beginning days Lil’ Mister was just a rambunctious toddler and pulled, poked and prodded him unmercifully. But Bergie was patient with him and never bit him or scratched him.

One day Bergie had decided that Lil Mister was old enough to know better and he started to gently protest the pokes and pulls with smacks without claws. These progressed as Lil Mister grew until the claws came out. The rough toddler treatment was curtailed!

He likes to cuddle at night. He used to sleep with me but when I moved upstairs he started sleeping in the girls’ room, mostly with Thing 1.

He’s not fond of the dog. Not one bit. He’s been tolerant of her but an occasional smack to the nose sends her packing.

He has become such a mainstay in our house, it’s hard to imagine life without him.

But that is what we must do. We got some bad news at the vet’s today and our sweet old boy won’t be here much longer. Leukemia. He’s on respite care essentially. We’re taking it one day at a time and giving him extra special loves and care.

I’m ever so thankful to have the chance to love this cat. To have my kids grow up with him, learn to care for and love him. To be good stewards of one of G-d’s creatures.

It’s never easy to say goodbye. But we’re thankful for whatever time we have left. B’H.