On closure

Saying goodbye is part of the job—but that doesn't make it any easier. Every time I close the door behind me after a cat-sitting period, I can't help but wonder if it’s the last time I’ll see those sweet, furry, little faces. There are so many reasons why it might be: maybe their humans won’t travel as often, or a friend or neighbour will take over the care, or the family may move out of my service area. Sometimes another sitter might be a better fit—which is totally okay. And sometimes, heartbreakingly, those sweet kitties may cross the rainbow bridge before there's ever a next time. That’s the nature of this work.

Sometimes, I don’t get to know what happens. People get busy, life moves on, and unless someone reaches out, I’m just left with memories and questions. I wonder how they are, if they're still around, if they’re happy and healthy. Because if I’ve cared for your cat, I’ve loved them—simple as that.

But every now and then, someone gives me the chance to say goodbye: Just last week, I got to do that with my dear old friend Rufus, who’s been part of my life for almost three years. He’s moving to a new city with his lovely family, and his wonderful mum invited us—his sitters, Evgeniia and me—to visit one last time. I got to give him a treat, pat his sweet little head, tell him how special he is to me, and wish him well on his new adventure. Not all goodbyes are sad. Some are full of love and gratitude. And this one was both.

I’m so thankful to Emily for this small, enormous gift—for thinking of me, for including me, for letting me say see you later to my beloved Rufulito. I’ll always carry him in my heart, and I hope his new home is filled with sunshine, warm naps, and all the joy he brought to mine.

In the picture: My dearest Rufus and me, saying godbye to each other.