Happy Birthday, Pickles!

Happy Birthday, Pickles!

Today would have been your 17th birthday. It has taken me some time to process losing you, to sit with my feelings in quiet remembrance. But today, I want to honour you, your love, your quirks, your companionship, and the immeasurable joy you brought into our lives.

On October 6th, 2024, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to let you go. It was one of the hardest things we’ve ever had to do. You were with us for nearly our whole journey together, through every home, every chapter, every up and down. And now, our world feels a little emptier without you.

You came into our lives in the most unexpected way, meant to be a temporary guest while your original owner sorted things out. But as fate would have it, you stayed. And in staying, you became one of the best things that ever happened to us.

Through every rental unit to our house, you helped make our space a home. We learned so much about you over the years, how you could only turn one way because of your eyesight, how you played your water bowl like a tiny harp before drinking, how you loved being near us but always just out of reach. And how, despite your independence, you always found ways to remind us that we were your people.

You had your little rituals, the small things that made you, you. Like how you loved to bask in the sun, finding the warmest spot in the house and staying there for hours. Or how you could hear a can of tuna or the crinkle of a cheese wrapper from across the house, no matter how deep in sleep you were.

But what I miss most, what aches in my heart every single morning, is the way you loved when I sang. I would hum Somewhere Over the Rainbow or You Are My Sunshine while getting ready, and every time, without fail, you would stop whatever you were doing and come galloping over for snuggles. It was our little moment, just you and me, and I miss it so much.

When we adopted Jasper in October 2023, you were already 15, and he was a playful, energetic 3-year-old. You two were so different, but you adjusted to each other in your own way. And then, just weeks later, the fire happened.

We were all displaced, forcing the two of you into a much smaller space. We worried, two cats, one small studio, an uncertain future. But something beautiful happened. In that tiny space, you and Jasper became friends. He brought out a playfulness in you that we hadn’t seen in years, and we watched as you wrestled, chased, and even groomed each other. You found comfort in one another, and that brought me so much peace.

Pickles, you were my best friend. My little shadow. My quiet comfort. Your purrs were a melody of love and calm, your presence a constant source of warmth. I hope you felt how deeply you were loved every single day of your life. I hope you knew how much joy you brought into our world. And now, my only wish for you is that you are happy, free, and no longer in pain. That you are where the bluebirds fly, where the sun always shines, where love never fades.

I think of you every single day. I miss you more than words can say.

Happy Birthday, my sweet Pickles. You were the best friend I could have ever asked for.

💛🐾✨