January 6, 2009: It is with great sadness that I have to report that one of our beloved cats died yesterday. Akane (Ah-ka- nay) was 13 years old and had been battling respiratory problems for most of her life. Akane came into my life almost 11 years ago during a home visit back in my Public Health days. She glued herself to my side throughout the visit (to an asthmatic child in a smoker's home) and followed me around their house. When I was about to leave she got up on her back paws and tried to climb my legs-- a very difficult task considering that they had completely de-clawed her. I made the comment to the owners, "look, she wants to go home with me!" They told me to take her because she was demanding, threw up all the time and had "stinky" breath! I scooped her up and took her home! The rest is history! She was the sweetest cat. She will truly be missed!
