Early this year we lost our beautiful black-smoke Persian, Spooky. For the last four years of his life, we had managed chronic health problems and provided the very best love and care for our best friend. We were devastated when we lost Spooky, but blessed that he was a part of our lives for every one of his 16 years. We had a difficult time even considering another kitty. How could anyone ever fill the huge hole left in our hearts? But after some time, we decided to just think about it. We quickly found that we couldn't even look at another black Persian without crying. We really didn't know what to do! We were about to give up, at least for awhile. Maybe now wasn't the right time.  

But in April, we came across a picture of the cutest little fluff ball we had ever seen! This had to be the most beautiful little Himalayan of all time! He had the most beautiful blue eyes and the prettiest little face! We fell head over heals in love! Each week, We looked forward to receiving new pictures of our beautiful kitten! We named him Samson. It just seemed to fit. May 10, 2009 is when Samson officially came into our lives. We felt so blessed to have our little Sammie. He seemed happy and healthy and filled our lives with such incredible love and joy! We bonded very quickly! Oh what a bundle of energy! We nicknamed him Secretariat because he would run like a racehorse everywhere he went! Plus he was just a little purring machine! He would start purring the minute you looked at him. How cute is that?

Ten days after picking him up, we noticed a little sneezing. Nothing major,since he was still discovering his new home, he probably got some dust bunnies from under the bed! A few days later, he was sneezing more and we began to see other signs that he wasn't feeling good, so off to the vet on May 26. Antibiotics did the trick and all seemed well. We had no idea of the storm that was about to hit and how quickly it would devastate our family.

He wasn't eating as well, which we attributed to the antibiotics. Since the sneezing had stopped,our vet took him off the antibiotics on June 6, thinking his appetite would improve. Then he quit playing. That was odd. June 10, he had a fever and his little belly seemed bigger than it should, it was another panicked trip to the vet. We had no idea what on earth could be wrong with our precious little baby.

We couldn't believe what we were hearing! FIP? How is that possible? How do you fix this? What can we do? June 15 was spent running around to feline specialists. Four vets later, all had come to the same conclusion. We didn't realize that all along we had been watching our little Sammie dwindle away, bit by bit. His eyes were bright and he followed us around everywhere we went, tail straight up in the air and purring away! How could he be that sick?

This morning, June 17 is when we really noticed how thin his little face had gotten. His beautiful blue eyes just looked so sad. His little belly was so swollen with fluid it was very hard on him. We just couldn't bear the thought of him suffering. We love him so much.

So, We sit tonight in total disbelief. We will never understand why this had to happen. He was just a baby.

Sammie, we are so sad and so sorry that this terrible disease took you away from us so quickly. We love you so much and will miss you terribly. You will be in our hearts forever little man.

Sammie spent his last days curled up next to his mommy 24/7 and purring away.

Cheryl and Steve Waag
Lee's Summit, Missouri