V. Sad news - on 11/25/2007 I lost my best (furry) friend, Quackery.  He was 16 years old & suffering from chronic kidney disease.  He was, however, doing very well & his quick decline (1 hour) was a huge surprise (he had a mass that was undetected & it bled out). 

Quackery slept with me every night, on the pillow by my head, always to my right.  I slept with him longer than my spouse.  He was with me for nearly 1/2 of my adult life. 

Life has been difficult without him & I can't even talk about it with anyone without bursting into tears (so I just don't talk about it, I hate to cry in front of anyone).  I suppose with time it will be better, but for now there's an intense pain in my heart when I find myself missing him.  I have 3 other cats that I love & keep me company - but Quack was my favorite & the oldest & he will not easily fade from my memory.