I don't usually read this thread, but now that I have I'll be a regular! I want to say, bless all of your hearts for the way you treat your pets, and in all likely hood, any animal. It use to kindda bother me to make this next statement, but seeing as people don't seem to be getting any kinder toward each other, I'll say it again now, I like animals far more than I like most people. Animals want nothing more than our love, a warm place to sleep, and a bowl of food a day. People on the other hand, demand we act a certain way, are usually unforgiving of mistakes, and are basically all about me, me, me! Of course this isn't everyone, but unfortunately, many of us. I can't recall an animal that I don't care for, not one! As it was stated previously, I wasn't a "cat person", until I met my current best buddy, Elvis. As I was growing up we always had a dog as a pet, and each and everyone of them ultimately became valued members of the family. Having lived in apartment buildings all my adult life, the opportunities to have a pet have been few and far between, but right around the time I met Elvis, my landlords gave notice that we could now have small pets, even dogs and cats, and it was very shortly after this that I met Elvis. When I met him he was about 4 months old and living in squalid conditions along with his mother and sister. I was visiting his owner one day and right out of the blue he said to me, "you live all alone in that empty apartment and could use a companion, why don't you take this white kitten and give him a good home". Something in me came alive and I accepted his offer immediately. His owner had been struggling with a drug problem, and is now dead, so his idea of caring for a pet was to put out a dirty bowl of food, when he remembered to do so, and not much else, certainly no love and attention. I saw this as an opportunity to improve the life of one of God's creatures, and at the same time improve the quality of my own. This all came about in 2008, nearly 13 years ago, and I can now say that this was one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Elvis has gone from a withdrawn bag of bones, to a happy contented partner weighing the better part of 20 lbs! We very fortunately have only had to visit the vet once in all that time, and that was simply because he had developed "cat acne" on his chin from drinking out of a plastic bowl, and as soon as I was advised about this and switched to a metal one, his ailment cleared right up and hasn't returned. Who'd a thunk! He has provided me with many good times, not to mention his unconditional love. I've learned much over the years about our feline friends, and can now proudly say, "I am a cat/dog person"! I've always been leery about all the high-priced meds that the vets try to push on you, and other than an initial distemper shot have not subjected my buddy to any of them, and he's as healthy as he can be. It's a very tough spot to be in when a so-called professional tells you this is what your pet needs, but I believe utmost research should be conducted before taking a vet's word as gospel. I really enjoyed your stories guys, and it's good to know there are many other dedicated pet owners out there!
P.S.-I wanted to include a picture of him, but he wasn't having it, so you'll have imagine an all-white bundle of fir with sometimes blue, sometimes green, sometimes hazel eyes, waddling down the road contentedly, kindda like a white Garfield!
My wife is quite the "Cat Lady"...and I've told her, no more. Everyone one of them were feral cats we took in from outside. That's another story for another time.
when I pictured Mary jumping up and down and panting wildly as she greeted you at the door, but it's so true! Whatever you do though, don't try putting her in your trunk to test your theory! lol! 
of course I couldn't refuse my Mom, so I went ahead with the job at hand and did my best to console myself with the thought that at least Fanny wouldn't be in pain any longer. I held her close as the Dr. inserted the needle, talking gently to her until she quietly slipped away. That was probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I firmly believe that God won't give us anything we can't handle, even if it seems so at the time. I'm really glad that you're on our side 
kind of like a 'living will' for Elvis and his well being.
Made me smile as I read about you rubbin' Hunter's ears.
