I adopted him from the humane society in the town where I grew up. He was sickly even as a kitten, but I didn’t care. I knew he might not make it if I didn’t take him home. At the time, many of the cats there were going to be turned loose at a ranch shortly after my visit.

He became my constant. He grew up with me through undergrad, grad school, and every chapter after that. We moved more times than I can count, but he was always content in a new place, as long as I was there.

Gus was incredibly talkative and would “talk” to me constantly, sometimes it really felt like he was talking back. He was unbelievably smart and eager to learn tricks. He knew how to sit, stand, spin in a circle, and stretch out going up my leg. He even walked on a harness and loved exploring with me.

He could be a little spicy with his sister, Lily, but he loved her in his own way, and they played together often. But most of all, he loved *me*. Honestly, it felt like that was what he was put on this earth to do: to love me. And I loved him just as much.

He had the most soothing purr. When he curled up on me, it felt like we fit together perfectly, like puzzle pieces. Those quiet moments together are the ones I’ll miss the most.

Today, I let him go so he wouldn’t suffer anymore. He wasn’t himself, and I couldn’t bear to see him hurting any longer. My heart is shattered, but I am so grateful for the nearly 14 years we had together.

I love you and I miss you, Gus. Thank you for growing up with me.

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