We brought Leo home when he was only 5 weeks old. He was found, by my former coworker, with two other siblings at a horse sanctuary. We kept saying we didn’t need a cat, but eventually went to go see them. The female had already been taken so we had to choose between the two boys. The minute we walked in to see them, Leo meowed and I knew he was the one. We immediately took him home. Since he was so small and we had big dogs, we created a comfy home in our closet for him so that when we were away he wouldn’t get trampled. He loved it! We didn’t even have to train him to use the litter box because the minute we put him in front of it, he climbed in and did his business. From there his personality flourished. Because he had no mom, I became his mom. We created such a strong bond with each other and were basically inseparable. He would be the first to greet us at the door when we came home, meowing til we picked him up. Leo loved giving licks on our lips and rubbing endlessly on our face as well as getting head pets and kisses. He did the same to our animals, giving them kisses and rubbing against them. He rubbed on everything in sight, so much so that we’d have to scrub the corners of the walls. When you’d call him over it would take him so long to get to you because he had to make sure he rubbed on every surface possible on his way over. He loved everyone. With strangers he was shy at first but after getting to know them he would eventually make them his new friend. Leo gave endless cuddles to us and his animal siblings. He loved climbing in our laps or falling asleep next to my head. Leo just loved being held by us. His favorite way to sleep was on his back. Leo was also quite the conversationalist. In the mornings when he heard us wake up, he would meow til we opened the door to let him in and proceed to crawl into our laps or under the blanket and fall asleep. He never stopped meowing from the day we picked him up. Leo wasn’t one for toys but loved hair ties and rolling his ball with a bell in it all across the house. He also was quite the picky eater. Anytime we had food he’d sniff it but never try to take a bite unless it came to mashed potatoes, those he loved. Leo also loved watching the toilet flush, he would rush into the bathroom as soon as he knew you were about to flush and just stare into the bowl. Anytime we took a shower he demanded to be in the bathroom and then preceded to scream his head off with concern as if he thought we were being harmed. Sometimes he’d even try to jump in with us in an attempt to save us. Leo loved sitting in the window sill watching the birds and chirping to them. He loved so much and was so very loved. Never did we think we’d only get 6 short years with him but are so glad we got even just that. Even though you won’t be able to watch baby Jude grow up, I’m glad you got the chance to meet him. Leo, thank you for blessing us with your presence. I am eternally grateful for the short time we got with you and forever wishing it was more. You are forever my baby boy, my best friend, and my soul cat. Words cannot describe the heartache I feel. Rest easy my little Leo.