Reflections on Loss, and a New Beginning

We lost Otto one year ago today.  I'm astonished that so much time has passed.  It went by in an instant.  It seems like just yesterday, Sean was cradling him like a baby in his arms, and taking him for adventures outside and watching wildlife together.  For that matter, it seems like just yesterday that Otto and Wanda were cuddling on the bed together, and Otto was smacking Mister on the rear-end as he ran by.  The memories are still so strong we can feel them in our gut.

But time marches on nonetheless.  And whether we want it or not, change will always come. But with it comes the opportunity for new beginnings.

Meet Coco, the newest member of our small family:

Coco is a little shy--okay, a LOT shy--but I think with enough love and patience, she's going to be a great addition to the crew.  Cooper has already sent out the Welcome Wagon, and Zelda and Reg are giving her space but remaining open to the possibility of friendship.  I know that she seems enormous in this picture, but she's really a little wisp of a thing, with adorable tufts of hair that poke out from the bottom of her paws, and the softest fur I've ever felt on a cat.  She likes her belly rubbed (a bunch) and goes into a trance while kneading, much like Wanda used to do.  

I know, I know...she was supposed to be the shop cat, but for reasons I feel like should belong to another post, she hasn't shown that her temperament would be suited for that.  She's perfectly suited for being our buddy though.  Here's hoping this is the start of another beautiful friendship.