On Death, etc.

This morning I woke up after having a dream about making a journey with other people on sleds that used dog teams and reindeer teams. I went out to tle living room and saw Erin eating breakfast. I had my usual thought about Erin not being in school and passed her on my way to say good morning to Mom, a ritual. Erin said, "Katie's dead." It didn't sink in. I went to say good morning to mom, who had just emailed the same message to Dad. It's a bit of a shock and I just had a bit of a cry. I would have more of one, but my eyes are still gummy. Katie had gone to the vet because she was acting weird. They diagnosed dehydration which caused kidney malfunctions. The vet says this may have been caused by an infection that we didn't know about.This sort of thing is apparently common in older cats. Katie was certainly that. She's been with us a long time, and she came a long way from the traumatized cat she was so many years ago. I'm having another cry after writing that, a rather big one. She was never really my cat, but I loved her anyway. She'll always have a place in my heard. I hope she has true peace, a warm vent, lots of sunlight, food and water, and a caring hand to brush you. She will always have love. Always. Rest In Peace, Katie. We will miss you.