Tonight we lost Pink.

Her illness was brutal and swift. Within days she went from a robust cat, to one in multiple organ failure. The veterinarian told us there was nothing we could do. So often, kidney and liver failure will unexpectedly surface in elderly cats.

At an approximate 13 years old, I hardly thought of Pink as elderly. I’ve often said I’m not a cat person, but I still figured I had another good five years left with my lil’ tuxuedo gal.

Instead this evening I said goodbye, softing calling her name: “Pink-Pink! Pink-Pink!”

I never wanted a cat.

I was one of those jerks who loved to tell a good dead cat joke. To justify my dislike, I would explain that I am terribly allergic to cats. See? We’re just not meant to be together, I would brag.

But then I met Pink, and something changed. I fell in love. One look in her green eyes and I bought a litter box and a bag of kibble. It took six months before I stopped itching, and another three before my eyes stopped dripping. But we made it work.

For the first three years we had Pink, she hid in the basement. Eventually, she made her way upstairs and carved out a spot in the front room. Just a few months ago, as we prepared to adopt our puppy Charlie, we bought her a cat tree. We were absolutely astonished to see her contort her body as she climbed to the top. She rolled in catnip. She fluffed up, and watched us watch her.

Pink loved the dogs. She batted at them, and nuzzled during naps. She even emulated them, and learned how to sit for a treat.

It’s still hard to believe that we lost Pink so quickly. As we fretted about our elderly dog Lexie’s kidney failure, somehow the same illness snatched Pink from us.

In all honestly, my allergies over the years became tolerable, but never went away. As a parting gift, when I kissed Pink goodbye, her soft fur brushed my eye. My eyes have been dripping ever since.

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