Several of my CHR friends have submitted appropriate postings when a family pet departed. Now it's my turn. Tuesday I had to give my twenty year old cat a one-way ride to the veterinarian.

It ain't easy, is it?

She was born under our back porch and was, believe it or not, an only child. The total litter. She was what some people refer to as a long haired "pastel calico". The usual orange and black areas that calicos are required by law to have were light gray and peach colored. Unusual.

She loved me, liked my daughter, tolerated my son, and hated my wife.

Several years ago she locked horns with some other animal that really kicked her rear end good. That time she managed to escape by scrambling under the deck but she had to do a few days in the hospital.

Well, this time was too much for her. We suspected what the culprit was both times, Now, I'd bet on it. The next day Jane and I saw a damn coyote bounding across the road close to the house.

I'm in possession of equipment sufficient to blow that s.o.b. in two if I get a chance, but this area has grown up to the extent that I'd likely get thrown in the slammer if I did.

What the heck. If I see it again I just might try.

Jim