My best friend Izzy was there with me through everything.

In 2008, when I was just a kid, my friend’s family took in a pregnant cat who gave birth to several beautiful baby’s. I begged my mom that we needed one particular cat who had the longest, scraggly fur. It took some persistence, but a few weeks later we came home with Izzy and her brother Oliver.

They were a true dynamic duo. Oliver with his orange fur, and Izzy with her grey, brown mix. My mom used to lay them belly up on her lap and give them “kitty massages.” They loved to ride in the car to get my brother and I from school. They loved to go outside and lay in the grass. They were so loving and sweet. The perfect addition to our family.

Years later, when my step-dad was diagnosed with cancer and my family decided to travel across the country in an RV, both cats went to stay at my grandpas where they escaped. I walked around for hours calling their names and eventually Izzy came back. From there I took her with me to my college apartment. We call this time “Izzy goes to college.”

Izzy and I hung out ALL THE TIME during Covid. We would lay in my bed, sit together on the couch. We did all the things best friends did. I even got her the cutest catnip toy that she adored.

After college, Izzy went back to my new family home while I went off on my own adventure in Chicago. Izzy was a highlight of my many trips back, but we could tell that she was sick. She had lost considerable weight and was always hungry.

In her last days, Izzy would go up to my young siblings and my mom and purr her heart out. We think she knew she was getting worse and wanted to tell everyone how much she loved us and getting to spend her life in our arms.

Izzy has been one of the most important things in my life and I will miss her every day.

To Izzy, your family will love and miss you endlessly. We hope you’re resting well and we will never forget the happiness you brought into our lives.