It was a hard decision. Although there were tears and sad good-byes from all of us, Zach took it the hardest. Jake and Elwood were Zach's birthday presents almost 20 years ago. Zach has always been the one to feed them and brush them and change their litter and care for them. Jake had been Zach's constant co-worker these past 2 years and had always been the most social and affectionate cat Zach had ever had. Zach said with much affection time and again, "Best cat ever."
Jake really was the best cat ever. He was social and affectionate, laid-back and mellow. He loved to snuggle, enjoyed a good box, never failed to sit on the wrapping paper during present wrapping, and liked to drink out of the shower and toilet. Missing cell phones could often be found under Jake, and he couldn't resist curling up on paper he'd find on the floor. He always wanted to be near people and made himself a constant fixture in earlier days when we'd have friends over.
From the first days we had them, Jake was always the fluffy, social, mellow one. While Elwood would be climbing the curtains and skittering away from us, Jake would let anyone hold him.
He could make himself comfortable anywhere.
He loved a good box...
or bag...
or wrapping paper...
or suitcase.
He was always beautiful...
comfortable...
mellow...
and majestic.
If we'd have people over, Jake wanted to be in the middle of the action. He'd make his way from lap to lap.
He was always patient with the kids. While Elwood would immediately run away, Jake would let the kids pet him, hold him, or carry him around.
And from his first days...
to his last days...
he loved his brother.
Jake was the best cat ever.
What a gift his life was to us and our family.
