Dutchess (Girl One)

We saved this kitten and her brother from a cardboard box where they were left to die.  Feeding her milk replaced through an eyedropper, she grew to be a beautiful Seal-Point Siamese.  She nursed on my arm as a kitten and continued to into adulthood.  She was my constant companion.  If I was in the house, she was following me or on my lap.  My wife used to say we bordered on pathetic.  Never once was there even a hint of aggressive behavior for anyone or anything.  Sadly, a couple of weeks ago I awoke in the middle of the night to find her breathing strangely.  Upon arrival at the Emergency Clinic, we were told that there was nothing that could be done.  Rather than have her suffer we opted to have her put to sleep.  Now, the suffering is ours.  I have lost many family members, friends, and acquaintances, but I have never felt a sense of loss like "Girlie".  I saw a line a while back that comes as close as possible to my feelings for her.  "I knew you for your entire life, and I'll love you for the rest of mine".