Our much loved, beautiful, and wonderful cat Pi passed away on September 14. She had a good run, but after 22 years, it was finally her time.

After picking up a stomach bug we took her to the vet, where we discovered that she also had inoperable lung cancer. We'd hoped that with some care she'd shrug off the illness, and that we'd have another few months together before the cancer took her. She was not one to go down without a fight.

This was not to be the case, however, as she wasn't able to recover after her cold. During her last few days, there was someone next to her 24x7 both to help her, and to give her constant companionship.

After five days of Pi eating nothing and drinking just a few sips of water, we returned to the vet to see what we should do. With younger cats, there are treatments that can encourage them to start eating and drinking again, but that would have been a huge strain on her fragile 22-year-old body. At best, it would only delay the inevitable.

It was at this point that we decided that humane euthanasia was the best plan, to spare her months of pain. We spent some time with her, snuggling and giving our good kitty our last goodbyes and thanks for so many years of love and companionship.

Once we were ready, the vet returned with a sedative, and Pi drifted off to sleep in comfort, surrounded by her family. After giving us a little more time, the vet returned with the final medication, and Pi passed away in less than a minute.

Unfortunately, after all of this, we are left with Pi’s medical bills from both her visits to the vet as well as her cremation. We’ve also come to realize that there are unexpected indirect costs linked to our loss, ranging from a few days of lost wages and food delivery as we grieve and heal, to finding a suitable urn and memorial for such a one-of-a-kind little friend.

We’re simply not in a financial place to absorb these expenses, for neither the vet services at $877, nor her cremation. If you are able to spare even just a few dollars, it would help our family immensely as we try to adjust to our new, emptier lives. If we exceed our goal to recoup our own costs, we will make a donation to our local animal shelter in Pi’s name.

Not many people are fortunate enough to have their pet’s companionship for 22 years, so we count ourselves extraordinarily lucky. Thank you for helping us through this tough time as a way to remember our dear little girl.

Oh hello! Move-in day!

Sleepy Pi: the only time she was quiet. Mostly.

She also had her own ideas on "comfortable seating".

Pi expressing her feelings regarding peace on Earth, and goodwill towards...well, anyone.

At a rest stop, on the way to my parents' house. I can no longer remember why I thought this was a good idea.