There are times when I say the internet is a community and there are times when I believe it. Tonight, I believe it. Perhaps I am a silly blogger, but there is always time for seriousness and caring. After an hour cry I feel I can manage this. I sadly want to share with you that my life-long friend and snuggle partner, Stormy, passed away this evening.

Stormy - close up

We got Stormy and her sister, Cloudy when I was roughly 6-7 years old. I can’t remember much about those first days, except that they were quite cute. I remember on the first day, just after we brought them home Cloudy fell asleep on me. I don’t remember anything about Stormy. Later on, I remember during the winter I could usually count on her to stay with me through the night. But the spring and summer, well that’s another story.

Stormy - on my bed, her favourite place

Stormy was a ferocious hunter. One summer in particular, there was an outbreak of mice and our lawn would be daily filled with up to 20 small mice. Not to mention, that years later, we found out that she was leaving presents on all the doorsteps of our neighbours down the entire block. Or the times they brought gophers home. Stormy wasn’t that big of a cat. Not much longer than any gopher.

Stormy - in her spot

Later in life is when Stormy and I were at our closest. As I was a student and an avid gamer the majority of my time was spent on my computer and Stormy spent most of her time in my lap or asleep beside me on my bed until she woke up and decided she needed to be in my lap. The one thing that was for sure about Stormy is that she was vocal. There is no undermining that. You always knew exactly what she wanted and she always wanted attention. When I was at home there was no separating us.

Stormy - in your face

I cry not because I think she didn’t have a great long life or because she really needed to live longer. I cry because there are not enough great friends in this world—human or animal. Moving to Calgary and leaving her in Regina was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I do regret it, but I also know that with her heart and health she would never have made the trip. She was always there for me and like the perfect pet, knew when I needed her the most. She was always a tremendous comfort and I will miss her dearly. I love you Stormy—you’re my girl.