This is my departed friend, Millie. She was a good cat for 18 years. Here’s hoping she finds happiness in the next world. Posted by Hello

I said goodbye to someone who has been with me since I was 12 years old today. I’ve had Millie since I was 12 years old – one of my oldest friends, if one considers pets to be friends. I’m one of those people who does. They aren’t able to comfort in the same way a human friend can, and they can’t console you with words. But, they can sometimes sense when you’re upset before a human friend is able. And they always find a way to get around the words and find the way right to your heart.

Pardon my sappiness for a moment, but I feel it is due. She was there for me when I didn’t have a friend around. When I was living on my own, striking out and finding my way after college, she was there. Moving to Texas and starting my life over from scratch, Millie was one of the pieces of my past who followed. And, when that life fell apart and I needed someone to talk to – she always listened. Friends like that are tough to find, and 9 times out of 10, they can be pets.

So – if you knew her or if you didn’t – raise a toast to Millie and wish her well in the beyond. She led a long, adventure-filled life and I hope it’s just the beginning of her wonderful journey.