Obituary of Sophie Cullum

Dear Sophie,

I was only 21 years old, and you were my very first friend I met when I moved to this brand new city by myself. You were tiny, but fluffy, and you were missing one ear. You nudged your head against me, and that was how you chose me.

I remember walking home in the rain in shoes that weren't made for it. I came home from long days of cutting hair on people who were in a hurry. I missed my friends, my mom and dad, and every comfort of back home. I was so tired, but when I walked into my dark basement studio greeted by your meows- I felt at home.

You followed me from that basement studio to a crowded house by my favorite park, to the apartment in Northeast. Then to the house in Santa Cruz with the beautiful windows, and then back to Santa Maria. Between these journeys you were so brave, even when you lost your other ear. You were there for the adventure, by my side.

You were always by my side, you always licked my face as a way to say "I love you,", you were always the girl I told my secrets to. You loved me when I was at my worst, my most fragile, but you made me feel like I was the best.

You loved to lay in the spot of warm sunshine in the kitchen. You were always so small, but I could tell you were getting tired. I took you into the vet, just for a checkup. They took you into the back, and they came back into the room- without you. They told that you were sicker, and older than I had originally thought. I didn't know you were sick at all. They told me that you were only 4lbs, I didn't realize- you were always so tiny, but fluffy.  I thought you were only seven. They left the room, and then came back in. They didn't tell me anything, just motioned for me to come back with them. I was so scared, my knees were weak, and I knew what this meant. I walked back into a large room with the vet techs standing there with tears in their eyes. I saw the oxygen mask on your face, and they told me you would be leaving soon. I begged, I pleaded, "Please don't go." The room was closing in when I heard them call time of death.

You were my best friend, and I think about you every single day. My sweet Sophie- I was so lucky you chose me, and I am grateful for those two years I had with you. I see you in every spot of sunshine and know that you are always with me.

Love,
Your human, Jill