In memory of Jussi - My wee black cat

This time last year I was grieving the loss of a very special friend. My little black cat, Jussi. She came into my life in January 2007 at Lothian cat rescue in Bonnyrigg. All the other cats were out in the pens saying hello but one little black cat was hiding at the back under a blanket, hissing. I knew immediately that she was the cat for me. She was approximately 18 months old.

She was my shadow for so many events in my life, we moved house three times, I was made redundant, I lost family members and got married. Most memorably she never left my side for the days and nights I couldn't sleep while I was in labour with my son.

She watched over our boy as a baby and tolerated his toddler phase, always joining us in bed for stories and cuddles at bed time. Like all cats she had many names, Jussi J (Jääskeläinen, A swedish footballer), J dog, The dog, Jussi Jaska, Witchy cat. She was such a huge part of all of our lives and the house felt very odd withour her.

As my little girl got older, she slowed down a lot but was always ready to tell me when she wanted a cuddle. In her last few days I knew she was ready to go, the day before she came out from her safe spot under my bed and sat in the sun.

After she was gone the vets gave me her paw prints as a keepsake. I kept them safe and after some time I felt ready to use them. I made myself a pendant, engraved with her paw. I have worn it everyday since and it gives me comfort that my little familiar remains close.

Thank you for reading my wee story.