My best friend and soul cat, Rocky, crossed the Rainbow Bridge on March 28, 2024, at the age of 18. Rocky found me at PetSmart in June of 2006. There were many cats from which to choose, but when I held Rocky for the first time, I knew I wanted him to be a part of my life. He chose me. I adopted Rocky and brought him home on July 4, 2006. How fitting to give him independence from his cage on the day we celebrate our country’s independence.

When Rocky first came to live with me, I never gave much thought to any bond that would develop. In fact, I didn’t know what to expect other than I knew I was committed to caring for him for as long as time would allow. As the days turned into months and then months into years, I found Rocky to be a source of love, joy, humor, friendship, and companionship. Our bond developed rather quickly.

Despite being an ailurophile, Rocky was my one-in-a-million cat. From licking my head while purring each morning upon my awakening, to him waiting at the door for me when I arrived home, Rocky always showed his love for me. I must have told him that I loved him, too, a million and one times. I couldn’t say it enough to him. I couldn’t show it enough to him. Each and every day with him was a privilege. The only thing I can say that Rocky loved as much as me was canned food. In fact, he loved all food – even my food! I was always eager to share provided it was something he could eat without harm. To him, all food was cat food.

I’ve looked for a word that describes my love for him and there isn’t an adjective that fits the bill. He liked everyone he ever met and from the compliments people used to give him, I’d say everyone felt the same way about him. He used to talk to me each day and many times per day. I miss his voice. I miss how it felt while holding him. I miss him purring as soon as I started petting him. I miss everything about him. Although my eyes are swelling with tears as I type this, I’m also smiling for all the good times I had with Rocky. He left a hole that will never be filled but without FosterCat, I would have had a bigger hole without every knowing the friendship and affection of my Rocky.

Until we meet again, my Rocky Boy. I love you more than I could ever show, and I’ll miss you every day of my life until we are together again someday. Until that day, I know that good St. Francis is caring for you. I love you furever.