Dear Columbia Second Chance,

I am so sad to tell you that my beloved cat, Buddy (Dominique), had to be put to sleep earlier this week. She had not been sick, but suddenly developed a blood clot in her heart. Because her prognosis was very poor, I made the difficult decision to let her go. I can't be sure how old she was, although my guess is about nine.

I first met Buddy in the fall of my freshman year at Mizzou, when I saw a couple little black kittens hiding near the Domino's Pizza on Ninth Street. I began leaving cat food out for them, and as time passed there was only one cat hanging around, a black female I started calling Buddy. She was very shy at first, but over time she began to become friendly. Eventually, she let me pet her, and would come running when I called to her. I wanted to adopt her but lived in a no-pets apartment, and I was worried about box-training and caring for a semi-feral cat. So, I just kept feeding her, and wondered what to do. She kept getting pregnant, and while her kittens were usually adopted, nobody would take Buddy.

In October 2004, my senior year (yes, I had been feeding this cat for three years), Columbia Second Chance came along and took her in. I was so happy that my sweet cat would no longer be out on the street. I knew she would be safe and cared for. Buddy was named Dominique (for Domino's Pizza) at Second Chance, and went to live in the Catty Shack.

After I graduated in 2005, I moved back to St. Louis and made sure to find a pet-friendly apartment. I contacted Second Chance and was delighted to hear that Buddy was still available for adoption. I filed an application and then drove to Columbia to pick her up. She was timid at first, and hid behind the washing machine for about five weeks. Finally, she got comfortable enough to come out and see me. She soon stopped hiding and began to be my buddy.

Buddy became a very sweet and affectionate house cat. She stayed inside and seemed content to do so. She loved to be petted, especially belly rubs, and liked to snuggle next to me on the couch and at night. She liked to talk to me, especially in the mornings and when I came home from school. She was shy around visitors, but eventually warmed up to my parents and friends who came over frequently. Her favorite toys were mousies and pens stolen from me. She also had great litter box habits and used her scratching post consistently -- so thank you for her good training.

Buddy was a wonderful cat, and I wish I had more time with her. I suppose all pet owners feel that way. Still, I am so happy that she had a good life. Thanks to everyone at CSC, Buddy and I both got second chances -- her a second chance as a pet, and me a second chance as Buddy's mom. I am so grateful to everyone at Second Chance for the great work they do, for Buddy and for all animals. When I am ready, I will adopt another kitty from Second Chance. But I will always miss my special Buddy.

Love,
Mandy Giovanoni