A post about my ancient cat Leon

I got our cat Leon from the shelter in 2001 when I lived in Muenster. He was 3 years old then, already back at the shelter 3 times after people decided they couldn't keep him. Assholes. But lucky me! I had decided I needed a cat in my life again because I was feeling depressed. And I knew that cats could help. So My mom visited and we went to the shelter. We were brought into a room to look at some cats when beautiful, gigantic, green eyed Leon slowly walked towards me. What a cat!

It was love at first sight. For both of us, I think. 

Leon was 11 years old when we moved him to NYC with us. It was the most horrifying experience of my life. He was stored in a crate with the luggage etc and I cried for about 10 hours straight until we arrived in NYC and got him back in one piece. He did great, that poor thing. 

He was just as excited as we impatiently awaited the births of our babies. 

                                                      

And he became a great first pet for both of them.

Now our ancient little Leon is 18 years old and it has gone a bit downhill for him. I was prepared to say good bye many, many times in the past 2 years, convinced 2015 was his last year with us. He has lost a lot of weight even though he eats constantly. He poops and pees all over the apartment, has stopped cleaning parts of his body and seemingly lost his hearing. I would not keep him alive if he was suffering so I was watching him closely. And I thought this week that it was time. I got all the information about euthanization and cremation options I needed, figured out a babysitter for the kids, cried a lot, talked it over with Bill and came to the conclusion that Leon would have to be put down very soon. It just seemed like he didn't enjoy life anymore, that he just existed. 

We gave Leon some extra attention over the next couple of days, "forced" him to snuggle with us and made him sit with us etc (he would just hide most of the time) and I KID YOU NOT: Leon started cleaning himself, appeared to hear me when I was calling him and voluntarily came to hang out and get pet! WHAAAT?! So we will see what happens with our ancient baby, but it seems that he might stick around for a bit longer. Bless his tiny heart.

There you go. A post about my cat. 

UPDATE: 

Rest in Peace, my dearest friend. Leon passed away this morning. We will forever miss him with all our hearts.