Housesitter's Worst Nightmare

[Unit 5302]

I am house sitting for some people I've known for like 10 years. Their son is one of my oldest friends. They have a cat, which I sat for them a few times.

The cat (Conan) I've known since my friend (Unit 5113) got him as a kitten, 8 years ago. He was a cool cat. Fun to play with, smart, and he was affectionate. He shed a lot, which was about the only thing that bothered anybody.

I took him to the vet this morning, cause he wasn't right. Didn't want to eat, and he was lethargic. He had gotten a bladder obstruction for the 2nd time in 3 years. It was going to require surgery, again. I called the owners, and I was given the direction to put him down.

I don't cry when people pass away. Not for my uncle, or my grandmother. It's a part of life, but giving the direction to kill the closest thing I'd had to a pet since kindergarten tore me up. I was supposed to take care of him, and even though he didn't show any signs until this morning, and it wasn't something that I contributed to, I felt as though I had failed him, and he paid the ultimate price for it.

I took the rest of the day off. I still have to clean up his food, water, and empty the litter. It's quiet without my little friend here.