Chip

My kitty Chip (formerly known as Autumn) died two days ago. He did not pass from old age; there was much suffering involved, and it pains me to think that possibly I could have prevented it. Was it caused by the storm? Was it an accident? 

I'll never know. 

I was surprised at myself as the tears came...and came. And hours later, came back again. 

I was much more attached to this little guy than I thought. 

We got him when I was 10 - mom and dad surprised me with him and his brother. I would carry them both around, one in each arm, their back legs dragging to the ground. His brother was soon off on his own adventure, and I never saw him again. 

It was Chip who stuck around, and purred his way into my heart. 

I never understood pet portraits....

until now.

I've decided to do portraits of all my pets from here on out. This was the lost photo taken of Chip - just a few weeks before he died. I'm so glad I have this picture. As Dad said, I got the lost shot of him.

"Say a prayer for Chip, because he's in heaven now."