A Goodbye Tribute to my Stinko (15)

To my dearest Stinko (aka Dash).

My Christmas present when I was 11, I loved you from day one but had no idea just how special you would make my life. You gave me patience as we grew up together. You loved your build-a-bear bed that was meant for stuffed animals, you grew out of it but that didn't stop you from squeezing into it every day. I mended it several times over the past 15 years, and I will keep it safe with me forever. You made me laugh with your ridiculous quirks, chewing on tape and lint rollers, tapping me for treats during my work meetings, asking for never ending amounts of freeze dried chicken that you'd get on your nose. Even though I spoiled you, you were the most polite little cat I've ever met. We never shared a language but our communication was so clear. I thank the stars every day that I never took you for granted. When you wanted to explore the apartment hallways at night, I made sure each time was a grand adventure. When you no longer could jump like you used to, I bought you stairs and lifted you to places you wanted to explore. We watched the birds together and you sat on my desk with me every single day. You slept in with me every morning and would lick me and gently tap me awake if I slept too far past breakfast. You were with me through heartbreak, laughter, growing pains, and graduations. You flew across the country with me, became best brothers with my boyfriend's cat. We were a little family. You watched me grow from 11 to 26 and I felt your unconditional love every single day. I will never in my life forget the details about you that made me smile every day. You inspired me as you overcame paralysis from your spinal tumor battle. They gave you a 0% chance to walk again, and you ran. It baffles me to see the unbelievable amount of soul and personality in such a tiny being. Your grand energy will forever echo on and live through me as long as the blood pumps through my veins. I will always cherish the wonderful amount of memories we shared together, and I will never ever forget you. I will think about you every day for the rest of my life, and you will always be my soul cat. I love you forever and ever my little friend, I'm so thankful we got to be each other's. Until we meet again, love you forever Stinko.