Always a curious and adventurous girl, Bella came into my world by following friends (Brad & Steve) through the woods back to their cabin in the UP. Having no clue where she came from, just that she was adorable and clearly in need of love, they brought her home. There were already enough cats in their house, so she was offered to me. It was love at first site. She became my best friend, my sidekick, my fur baby forever.

Her best bud/roomie as a kitten was Boddington, a very chill cat who most definitely contributed to her awesome personality. They were inseparable, constantly exploring and cuddling together. Bella was raised in a busy house and always wanted to be part of the action, a little social butterfly making her presence known to anyone nearby.

Eventually she and I moved to a new apartment, and soon after I got her a new kitty friend. She bonded hard with Mr. BoJangles, teaching him the ways of the world now that she was a bit older. We all moved to New York together, where they enjoyed the views from every single window and getting into whatever trouble they could in a tiny apartment. At only 2 years, we were both heartbroken when BoJangles passed away very suddenly. It was just Bella and I for a long time after that. She was the reason I looked forward to going home, the best cuddler ever, the purest form of happiness possible.

When I moved into back to Michigan, my backyard became her sanctuary. She begged like a dog to go outside as much as possible. Sometimes she would go on little adventures, but always returned quickly. She was usually by my side and would often hop in my lap and nudge my arms into position so she could curl up like a baby. When I was stuck working, she brightened up any meeting by making an appearance on screen.

Over a decade later, I got Biggie Smalls, who is a lot more skittish. She was more of a guardian to him than a best friend, always looking out but never getting too close. He would tag along behind her cautiously and give her affection as she allowed. She showed him it was safe to explore the yard, patiently guiding him when he was too scared to go alone.

In the last couple years of her life, she developed hyperthyroidism, which meant she was in my face anytime food was around. Even with her double dose of daily medication, crushed up in whipped cream, she could polish off more food than some humans in one sitting and not gain a pound. But that whipped cream covered pill became the reason she woke me up like clockwork every morning and I would’ve been happy to have her wake me up forever. She was a resilient girl, always full of energy and eager to explore no matter what her body was doing.

She was also great with kids, being super patient with their overly enthusiastic pets and playtimes. She even joined on the occasional backyard pool session, enjoying sips of the water as she cooled her paws off. She became besties with several roommates of mine, and one (Andromeda) was even able to be with us at the end.

Her last summer was filled with as much back yard time as she wanted, nights by my side next to the fire pit, afternoons chilling on the porch, visits from friends, and all the food she could handle. Life will never be the same without her. She was with me through thick and thin, through the best and worst of times, through most of my adult life. The house feels empty just knowing she’s not here with me. It’s hard to catch my breath without my Bella nearby. I am so grateful to have been her fur mom, she was the perfect kitty. I miss her more than words can say. Rest in peace, my beautiful girl.