Sweet Little Sophie

by Richard Arthur
(Canton, Georgia)

She was a rescued animal who lived in the parking lot at work. We brought her home in Spring of '08 and she stayed sequestered in my studio for about a month until she wanted to explore the rest of the house.

Being semi-feral, it took her a while to get accustomed to living indoors (and in luxury). She did, however, and even came up on the bed and laid on my chest purring one night. I felt such bliss, and I'll never forget that peace we shared.

Eventually, she even learned to play and interact with our old dog, Winston. She taught us gentleness, and her graceful innocent beauty was a blessing to our eyes and spirits.

In June of '09 I discovered a growth on her neck which turned out to be cancer of the lymph nodes. By mid July, she was listless and not eating, among other bad signs.

On July 11, we had her euthanized and now she is with other beautiful pets awaiting us in heaven. We cried, to be sure, but eventually came to find peace in knowing she no longer suffers. Her memory is with us always in the many pictures we have. Above all, she taught us to be gentle, and that is a great treasure.

Richard and Karen Arthur
Canton, Georgia