An aside with no picture

Also: an aside with no real point, other than to put it out there. I just wanted to say that my best local friend - and one of my best friends in the world - is my cat Shelby. I have never really talked much about her on any of my blogs. I think that's because she is such a part of the fabric of my life that it doesn't occur to me. Also, in the interest of being open and honest, I sometimes worry about what people will think when I regularly profess my love for my cat. That worry is one of the needless layers I wear that I need to be rid of. I'm not saying I need to assault people with my Shelby-love, but there's nothing illigitimate or bad about loving a cat. She is always there for me. I realize that she doesn't really have a choice in the matter, but the fact remains that she is there for me, and she loves me. She insists upon being picked up and held at least twice a day - once before I leave for work, once when I get home - but she's open to being held at other times. She gives hugs - she puts her little cat arms around my neck, squeezes her eyes shut, and purrs. She doesn't mind that I constantly kiss her fuzzy face and furry body, nor that I sometimes put antlers on her head or otherwise tease her (well, she minds, but she's a champ about the whole thing). She has been with me since before my first marriage, and now into my second flailing attempt. She has been a constant in my life. She still plays like a kitten, though she's now ten years old. I love watching her race around; I love to engage her and see her pupils dilate when she's excited and ready to pounce. I already dread the time when she is no longer with me. I love her so much, it hurts. Sometimes I think I pour all the love I have into this cat because I don't trust anyone else with it. It's going to be a very bad day indeed when she is gone from my life. I hate seeing her eyes take on that bronzy look that older cat's eyes have. She's still my baby. I just wanted you who read to know. I will post pictures of her soon. Ta. p.s. This was written in response to someone I read who just lost her cat: http://datinggod.typepad.com/datinggod/ (Dec. 18, 2006). I haven't asked her if I could link - though I will - but her story of loss really made me think about my girl. Please feel free to give your condolences to Booty's mom.