Panther

? -May 6th, 2008

Please watch this video it would mean a lot to me.
[link]

I always loved Panther, ever since I saw her for the first time. I met her when my mom was just dating her now ex husband. We had to take care of her for a couple of days while he was gone. She was only allowed inside a hot sweaty sun room and would roam around in the canyon full of coyotes. Some how she knew her way around all of that. We weren't close during that time but I thought fondly of her.

Later on about three or four years ago my mom and her ex husband split up. He left his things at our house for a long time, including Panther. While Panther lived with us she hated it. She had to sleep in the garage with the other cats and would hide until she could get outside or when the other cats were inside. I felt bad for her and took her into my care. I let her stay in my room and our relationship blossomed very quickly into love. At first she only trusted me and I was fine with that.
When my mom's ex came to pick up his things, I was so afraid he would take Panther away. I came home after school, filled with fear and an odd mixture of hope. She was there because my mother convinced him to let her stay. There was a strong bond between us and breaking us apart would both hurt me and her.

After a while Panther grew on the rest of my family and loved us all. She became more accepting of people over time and everyone thought she was a wonderful cat. She was very sweet and would like everyone's hands and she would even give me kisses. Everyone also loved her personality and charm. Part of that sweet charm was her half closed eyes and willingness to be held like a baby by me.

As time went on Panther helped me more than I could have ever helped her. But I graduated from LAHS and came to Santa Fe, leaving her behind. I still visited every weekend and our bond was holding strong. Then she began acting strange. She would jump out in front of cars and forget where the door to the house was.
Then it happened. My mother called me the night of May 6th and told me Panther was no longer with us. During the day she was acting strange. When she came to take her outside she was staring out of the window in an unusual manner. She couldn't remember where her food was and she was simply different. That night my mom came home quickly to get her things and head off to Yoga. While backing, very slowly, out of our drive way she felt a bump. Quickly she stopped and saw her by the tire. Quickly she rushed Panther to the vet in White Rock. The vet told her that there were no marks, bruises, nothing so she probably died from shock. She left this world without pain and looked to be at peace.
I do not blame my mother, it was not her fault and it must have been her time and now she's in heaven with God where I will, hopefully, see her again. I only hope in God's eyes I am worthy of joining her along with all the other good souls.

Panther was a wonderful cat, a loyal pet, and my beloved friend. I know she is in a better place now and I will never forget her. She was a huge part of my life for too short a time. And I wish I wasn't forced to say goodbye so soon. Panther lived an amazing life and if she was happy and died peacefully that's all I could have ever asked for.