Petey joined us in early September 2005 and quickly proved to be a big personality.
Deeply social and affectionate, he delighted in the attention of guests.
And when our family grew, he rolled with it.
Petey quickly became one of baby Madeline's best friends.
He motivated her ...
... and delighted her ...
She loved him dearly.
And he not only tolerated her ...
... but loved her back.
When Oliver joined us, Petey rolled with that new addition too.
And even after his renal-failure crash in 2014 ...
... he not only loved the kiddos ...
... but even continued to seek them out.
Of course, Oliver grew to love Petey too.
(He even emulated him at times.)
Eventually, Petey transitioned from motivator to muse for Madeline.
When she wasn't drawing Petey, she was loving him.
Sometimes it seemed like Petey was tolerating the kiddos more than anything, but other times he was plainly basking in their presence.
He was a good friend.
As he grew older, Petey slowed down ...
... but as his energy waned, he remained highly inspirational ...
... and beloved ...
... (and tolerant).
Madeline, Oliver, and Petey made quite a threesome.
About two weeks ago, Petey took ill again, though we weren't sure whether it was serious. He had new medications added to his three-year-long nightly routine of subcutaneous fluids delivered by a needle to his scruff and oral medication delivered by syringe. He seemed to recover, then he began declining again.
Petey spent the nights of his final weeks cuddled with his special friends.
Petey spent the nights of his final weeks cuddled with his special friends.
This evening, Petey fell into his final decline.
The family gathered to say our goodbyes ...
... and I was privileged to stay with him to the very end.
Petey was an integral part of our family for twelve years, supporting Summer and me through our transition to Providence, then grad school, law school, jobs, pregnancies, and innumerable stresses, always with unconditional affection and ready purrs. He was a constant companion to our children, seeking their attention, giving them love, and tolerating -- even seeming to enjoy -- their exuberance.
He was a special cat, and he will be deeply missed.
