We Lost Our Companion Today

Hey everyone.

The past month, our beloved cat Niko has been enduring severe health issues. We haven't spoken about it publicly because Kaylii and I are rather private people, and we didn't want unsolicited advice. Despite doing everything we could and working with two different vet clinics, Niko's condition only got worse and he was so weak and frail that it was obvious that nothing we could do would stop the decline. Earlier today we took him to the vet and had him euthanized.

I'm sure many of you are or have been pet owners, and some of you certainly know the anguish of losing a beloved pet. They're not just an animal, they're your companion, and your child. It's different from a human because most pets show their owners unconditional love. You are their world, and they constantly remind you of that. Niko has been there with me almost immediately after I left home post-college almost 18 years ago. I adopted him from a shelter, and he not only charmed his way into my life, but was so affectionate and sassy that he charmed everyone he had the privilege to meet him. He's always been there by my side, as I moved across the country, living in more than nine locations in four states. He didn't meet Kay until about a third into his lifetime, but he immediately 'adopted' her as his mom and has been her constant snuggle buddy ever since.

He was the kind of cat that would greet you at the door and demand attention, or follow you around the house and coo at you. Often he would walk up to the doorway of the office and meow at me, as if saying 'it's time to stop working and to come snuggle me'. He had a strong personality that was equal parts sweet and sassy, as a good cat should have. I've met a lot of cats in my life but I've truly never met one as loving as him. He's irreplaceable and the world feels incomplete without him.

Both Kay and I have been in a severe grieving process, especially the past week, as we tried desperately to save him. But in the end, it was the must humane thing we could do to put him to sleep. I've never seen somebody die before, but the saying 'the light leaves the eyes' is true. His eyes were so green before he passed, and immediately clouded over afterwards. I'm not a religious person, but it honestly felt like his soul left his body. It's both fascinating and devastating at the same time.

We are not okay right now, and we won't be for a while. That's part of the grieving process, especially since we do not have children of our own and doted on Niko like he was our child. He's always been there with us as part of our family, and with him gone, it's honestly daunting thinking of what the world will be like without him.

In a bit of levity, he was always a very food-focused animal, and when they gave him the shot, his final act was to let out a fart. I think he'd be pleased with himself if he knew that would be his final act.

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Regarding the rest of the month here on Patreon, I have several illustrations that are scheduled to be posted. I honestly do not know if I have it in me to finish another comic page. I have three left for this chapter, and my intention was to finish all of those this month and then start a new chapter in January, but I honestly might have to leave it at three this month and do three the next, as I slowly regain my inspiration. Last month I posted six pages, so in a way it averages out to my usual four pages a month.

I have also mailed out all Etsy orders that were to be shipped out this month. I essentially have cleared my schedule of any work responsibilities until January, while I go through the grieving process with Kay and we find our footing again.

I appreciate your patience and any kindness or support you show. I may not respond to comments, because I'm honestly in a great deal of pain right now, but know that I read every comment, and I always am happy to hear from you guys.

Please take care this holiday season and give some extra love to your family and friends (furry or not) because your time with them is precious.