While I have lived with and cared for a variety of companion animals, I currently live with three cats and a dog.

Seamus, a sweet and loving 15-year-old, likes to sit on my lap when I'm at the computer and to sleep under the covers at night. Seamus went missing in early 2006 but turned up on my doorstep almost 9 months later. I didn't know where he'd been, but both of us were thrilled that he'd finally found his way home.

Willoughby, a burly 11-year-old, is an independent soul who taught me how to give him a drink of water out of the bathroom sink. He seems to think that his job is to guard the front yard from invaders.

Syro, a 12-year-old Siamese mix, is a chatty lovebug who gives great hugs. He used to belong to my neighbors, who left him behind when they moved a few years ago. Fortunately, he had no problem making himself a permanent member of the household.

Daulton, a 7-year-old Doberman Pinscher, often keeps me company in the car when I make my daily rounds. His favorite activity is his daily trip to one of the local parks for a game of fetch. If the ball squeaks, all the better.

Sadly, my "itty bitty kitty" Eibhlin passed in early April, just a month shy of her 17th birthday. She was diagnosed with chronic intestinal lymphoma in 2007. By March of this year she'd wasted away to about 4.5 pounds. When she started weakening and could no longer rest comfortably, I realized it was time to have her put to sleep.

The boys hardly know what to do without her here to boss them around. And I miss her sweet face and silly voice so very, very much.

Still, my animal companions serve to remind me that while I think I'm taking care of them, they're actually taking care of me. I'm just the one who does the shopping and occasional cleaning up.

Kimberly O'Neal

Sole Proprietor, Black Cat Pet Care

Copyright ©2004-2010 Black Cat Pet Care