My dear childhood pal since middle school passed away early this AM. His heart gave out before the cancer did him in - they did the procedure where they have to poke a hole through the throat so he could breathe easier but his heart rate was upwards of 135 throughout the night. He suffered so and I'm thankful he doesn't have to any longer but I'm crushed. A true-blue friend. As far as the cat, there's a chance the family will keep her and I sure hope so. The youngest daughter who is 16 (and responsible) told the wife that "Kitty Girl is part of my Dad and we need to keep her." At present the wife is serously thinking this through - she does have a severely disabled daughter that has many allergies but told me it could be "do-able". The daughter found the cat a few years ago when she was under a car and brought her into their home and when my friend and wife separated, he took the cat. They remained legally married and on good terms throughout and the wife told my friend when he became ill that she'd care for him but he didn't want to burden her on top of caring for their disabled daughter. Keep all your fingers - or in this case - paws crossed for Kitty Girl and I will update you all when more is known - the cat rescue worker that is a specialist in cat behaviors also texted me with "Still want to help if necessary - keep me posted" I do want to thank all for your kind words of support - it's true that it's a struggle to be born and for many, a struggle to die. LIFE.