This is a sad post. We lost our beloved cat and esteemed member of our little family, Rocky Diego Cat last night. He was nearly 17. Sudden inability to breathe, 2am visit to emergency vet. Did tests. Chest full of fluid. They put him in an oxygenated cage. He seemed comfortable when we left. It was the last time I saw him, peering at me across the room.

Next day we talked to them. They had determined it was pneumonia and were treating with antibiotics. During the night he had what they called a circulatory collapse. I am sorry I didn’t go visit him yesterday when I had a chance. He had been alone and away from people he knew. Anyway he has passed to the rainbow bridge. After 17 years it leaves a big hole in your heart.

He and his brother shared all our adventures to cross an ocean and move twice. But they were troopers.

You may wonder about his name. When we got him they called him Diego after Diego the explorer. wanted to be “involved” in everything. We renamed him Rocky, but kept the Diego. He was the most curious of all cats and always wanted to be in the middle of any things going on in the house. He loved to “help”. We called him the Great White Cat or the Gentle Giant. He had the biggest, loudest purr of any of our cats. When he was young, he was magnificent. Never hurt a fly. One of a kind, he was. Here are a few photos.

In this one he was older but still pretty.

Diego the explorer. Note the front feet. He had to “help” with the stufa cleaning.

He especially loved jigsaw puzzles. He liked to be right in the middle of the action.

Goofy cat!

Goodbye Mr. Rock Star. You were a fine cat. May you rest in peace. I’ll meet you in the stars. ⭐️ 🌈