As we know far too well here at the clinic words can not explain the deep feeling of pain when one is grieving the loss of a pet. When an entire group grieves, the feeling seems easier to deal with but no less heart breaking. Perhaps that is why it has taken a few months to get our thoughts together and write this letter. Early this year Holly's lower jaw began to grow and bulge on the left side. Radiographs concluded that Holly had a bone tumor growing on her lower jaw. An extremely sad state came over the clinic, as we all had to come to the realization that our dear friend Holly would not be with us much longer. Dispite her misshapen jaw Holly carried on like the brave little trooper that we all knew her to be. When she decided that the dry cat food that was her regular diet was too hard to eat she was very excited to be eating soft food since she only ever got it as a treat before her illness. On days when she seemed like she was in a little bit of pain she was supplemented with pain meds and anti-inflammatory meds. She was kept very comfortable in her last few months and she enjoyed all the luxuries that we could provide. On May 14^th 2007 the tumor had grown to the point that Holly was exhausted and had decided that even food was not going to be a comfort to her. Velvet our amazing Kennel manager knew Holly best and she made the decision that it was time. Our precious friend was humanly euthanized. The entire clinic wept.

My Dear Holly will truly be missed. Holly had such spunk and pizzazz… I miss chasing Holly down the hall to Barb’s office. Holly always enjoyed this race, the look in her eyes and the kick in her tail said "catch me if you can" as she slid around each corner.

Holly was a Joy all the time. Toward the end of a busy day Holly would appear and let you pick her up. She would relax on your shoulder and start purring. For a brief moment, the touch of her soft coat on you cheek and the calming sound of her purr in your ear, brought a big relaxing smile to your face. It always helped to ease the stress of a long day. There will be lots of things I’ll miss about Holly but I’ll miss her "Therapy Hugs" more then ever.

How very lucky we were to have an office kitty like our Holly. She was my first greeting each morning. Always good for a great snuggle. What a wonderful way to start my day. She loved to play with her Jacks… She would play and play until I got too tired to twirl them.She had her very own yellow cup at the front desk for water. She loved to drink our drinks, so we gave her her very own.Holly had a calming effect on clients and would prompt many to share stories about their own cats.I miss Holly every day but it does help knowing that she had a huge family here at the clinic that loved her each and every day.