Me and my monkey

Last weekend I said goodbye to my oldest and dearest friend.

My beloved cat Monkey.

He was my constant companion for nearly 20 years.

I lived with him longer than I lived at home with my parents. 

He witnessed multiple friendships, relationships and job changes.

He moved house with me 8 times. 

He was my constant shadow.

I am neither a cat person or a dog person, I love all animals.

And we can learn so much from them and all that they bring to our lives. 

Like all cats, Monkey was an independent spirit. 

He showed me how to embrace independence and self-reliance. 

He was masterful at navigating the world( or at the very least, our back garden ) always on his terms. 

He was intuitive and an energy receptor, and could literally read the room. 

When my mother-in-law first came to meet me (and therefore him) he made an instant beeline for her, silently knowing she was terrified of felines. He won her over.

Whoever was not onboard with his enigmatic air of confidence, he  simply ignored and stayed in his own lane, not worrying about whatever their issue was. 

He appeared in my life at a time I really needed some hope. 

He stayed with me until this time where life is stable and happy.

He is irreplaceable and so is the last cat in a lifetime of cat ownership.

But, unlike dogs you never really own a cat. 

They own you.

I am heartbroken and I am grateful for all he taught me.

Sleep well Monkey. I’ll see you on the other side. 

With love,

Tamsyn x