In October 1993 a gorgeous little fluff of butterscotch fur came into my life. Her eyes were copper color, perfectly complimenting her luxurious fur. In the dark, her eyes even glowed! Her name, Silkie, reflected the beauty she possessed. During Silkie's youth, she became a great soccer player, even retrieving the ball! She loved to sleep on my chest and woke me by gently biting my chin. She would meet me at the door when I came home. She was the only "child" in the family and enjoyed all the benefits of that title. As Silkie grew older she unwillingly adjusted to many changes. After my marriage to Larry, Silkie allowed him to be part of the family. However, a mischievous baby Shih-tzu (Sam), entered into her life when she was 3 years old. Needless to say, Silkie wasn't a very warm and welcoming sister. As Sam and Silkie grew older, they learned to tolerate one another and actually became partners in crime on a few occasions. KiKi, our outdoor cat, entered into Silkie's life in 2002. Since Silkie refused to allow KiKi entrance to the house, their "conversations" occurred through the windows. Sam became puppy patrol whenever the cats would argue through the window, alerting me of their misbehavior. Silkie and KiKi never became close friends but Silkie certainly missed KiKi when she died in 2008. Sam passed away last year. Silkie was devastated as I was. We all seemed so lost. Silkie was such a comfort and as she was again adjusting to an only "child" status, Zoie, a 15 year old blind and deaf Shih-tzu , entered her world. A few months later, Polly the parrotlet became part of our family. At best, Silkie was determined not to accept these strangers into her life! Silkie faced several medical challenges in her 19 years with strength and resilience. She also suffered from debilitating arthritis, severely restricting her mobility. Silkie was still determined to find that perfect sunny spot to nap and spent much time perched at the top of the stairs, which we lovingly called her "throne". Recently, Silkie's health rapidly declined. Her long earthly journey ended on July 8, 2012. She is survived by her pet parents, Debbie and Larry; dog sister Zoie, and Polly the parrotlet. Also surviving is our outdoor family of cats who never had the opportunity to know Silkie (I'm sure Silkie preferred it that way). Silkie, I will always cherish the time we had together. A few memories I will hold close are: you and I racing up the stairs (you always won); you and Sam helping me decorate for Christmas and wrapping gifts; you hiding in brown paper grocery bags or boxes; watching you bat off treats for Sam as you sat on the window sill; your planned attacks on poor Sam when he least expected them; your studying of the birds and squirrels outside the window/door; you sitting in my bathtub just waiting for that drop of water to fall from the faucet. I miss you so much but these and many more memories I will always keep close to my heart. Silkie, you will always be the queen of our home and hearts. I love you now and forever, Before you passed, I told you that soon you would be set free from suffering, like a beautiful pale yellow butterfly who left its cocoon to fly freely in the wind. The morning after you passed, I walked outside and was immediately greeted by a most beautiful pale yellow butterfly fluttering so peacefully in the wind. Thank you for being such a large part of my life. Rest in peace my precious girl....