04/14/2026
tw: animal illness, loss
Hi friends. We have a heavy update for you today.
Yesterday morning, we had to say goodbye to our eldest child, Bella. About a year ago, she began showing a growth above her left eye that began to slowly swell and press on her features. The vet determined it was non-cancerous, and really it wasn't anything they could do anything about. In the last few weeks, the growth had accelerated rapidly, shifting her eye and airways out of place, and her slow signs of ageing also became more rapid. With our vet - who has been caring for her for the last twelve years, and knows her well - we made the decision to let her rest.
Bella was seventeen years old. Toot and I adopted her before we were married - before we even had a place to live. She was my very first introduction to having a pet, really. Though she never grew larger than a kitten, she always held her own as the matriarch of our colony. She was a mama kitten to the others, always the one who would dole out justice or just comfort. So many times I have caught a scared or anxious Jiji seek her out, head down, so she could groom him.
She was also our little girl, who loved to play video games with her momma and cuddle with her daddy. She was greatly loved, and had a long and full life.
If you would like to remember Bella, please consider donating your time, money, or talents to your local Humane Society.
Thank you all for your continued support and love.
