han-grll and sbctwin:

Again, I am so sorry for the lose of your buddies. Below is a poem a friend shared with me when I lost my beloved cat, Scooter. He was my buddy for 17 years and I still miss him deeply.

Lend Me a Kitten

I will lend to you for a while a kitten, God said.
For you to love while she lives, and mourn when she is dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three.
But will you, 'til I call her back, take care of her for me?

She will bring you her charms to gladden you and, should her
stay be brief, you will always have her memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise she will stay, since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught below I want this kitten to learn.

I have looked the whole world over in search of teacher's true.
And from the folk that crowd life's land, I have chosen you.

Now will you give her all your love, nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to take my kitten home again?

My heart replied, "My Lord, Thy Will Be Done"
For all the joys this kitten brings the risk of grief I will run.
We will shelter her with tenderness, we will love her while we may
And for the happiness we have known, forever grateful stay.

But should you call her back much sooner than we planned.
We will brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
If, by our love we have managed your wishes to achieve,
Then in memory of her who we loved, please help us while we grieve.

When our cherished kitten departs this world of strife,
Please send yet another needing soul for us to love all their life.

- Author Unknown -
Adapted from 'Thy Will Be Done' by Edgar Guest