Goodbye to Brewster

For our first year anniversary (in 2001), I got two cats for Steph.  Both were just barely weaned, and oddly enough, they bonded with me and totally got under my skin even though I was mostly an anti-cat guy up to that point.  Their personalities couldn't have been more different.  Oreo is a "dog in a cat's body" (I even taught him to "speak" on command).  Brewster (our orange tabby) is shy and skittish, but super affectionate and probably the sweetest cat I've ever met.  They both grew up together in our home, and our friends are always amazed at how people-friendly they are.
Unfortunately, I missed some signs that could have warned me that Brewster was having liver and kidney issues in the last few weeks.  By the time we'd realized, things had progressed so far, and there was no guarantee that even surgery would give him a chance.  All that led up to today, where I had to make the heart-wrenching decision to have him put to sleep.  I've owned four pets in my life, but this is the first one I was with when it died - and boy did I cry like a baby.  I snuck him one of his favorite treats and gave it to him while I held him a minute or so before he feel asleep for the last time.  The bond between human and pet is an amazing thing - but times like it now it really sucks.  I will miss that cat and all his crazy quirks - from the fountain of drool that would come out his mouth as you petted him, to the hilarious image of him trying to jump up onto our bed and haul his very large butt up without falling.  He had a good eight years with us, and as much that I hate it that he's gone, I'm glad his last moments were with me.

Brewster in a nutshell:

Oreo's best friend:

Dude, you're in my spot.

I used to fit into this thing

An all around handsome guy (even when he was near the end):

Wanting some attention

Last Pic of Brewster