I’ve been avoiding writing this blog for a few reasons. I keep sobbing when I try. My Dante has passed on. It was quick and he was in my arms for those last minutes of corporeal existence in this life.

Dante was my companion, my familiar, my soulmate and dearest friend. He was the universe’s benevolent gift of a baby to love.

Now, keep in mind the insufficient nature of descriptions of wonderful memories and joyous times. I could never share what Dante did for me, and meant to me. However, he deserves a few words. I’ll do my best.

Dante and I met the day after Ashley died, the morning after my red-eye back home to Salt Lake City. I remember moments of this time period, not a straight narrative; possibly because my heart was shredded to pieces, my head was spinning, and my soul was in so much pain.

I remember taking Ashley’s car to her apartment to feed her cats, and I remember her older kitty Figaro hiding under the bed when I got there, and glaring at me. Dante, on the other hand, a wee little baby tuxedo kitten, ran up to me crying. I picked him up. We cried together, and he became my little ward, and I became his person.

Dante was quite an accomplished gentleman. He helped me raise two dogs, Cormac and Oscar. He lived in Chicago, Oakland and Salt Lake City. He was both a big city apartment cat, and a neighborhood roaming outdoor kitty. When we lived in Oakland, he found me mice and dropped them in my shoes occasionally. When we lived in Salt Lake, he would kindly and generously leave me a rat or two on the front porch every spring time. Clearly, I never went hungry with him on the prowl.

But despite a impressive and yet unsettling streak of rodent violence, Dante was a lover at heart. His favorite places to stay warm and cozy were lounging in the Boyfriends lap, and in my arms at night, purring me to sleep.

Dante is doing well, I would guess. Cormac, I imagine, is currently stealing his canned food in Cool Heaven, where the cool souls go. He gets to see Figaro, and Jacob (Ashley’s pup), Cassie the dog and Blackie the Cat and even ol’ tripod pup Liam. He finally gets to cuddle OG cat-mom Ashley, again and forever.

Dante, my love, you were always so good to me, you were unforgettable and unique. I believe we will meet again, I believe you are safe and warm, and I certainly know you are loved. Safe travels.