kristy bowen | writer & book artist

November seems to be doing as November does, making this Thanksgiving, as in years past, a bittersweet one. My oldest kitty is likely in her final days after 18 long years in which she's been my ride or die. We have many cats, and they are all unique in their own way, but Isabel (aka Bella)  one was one of the OGs--one of a pair of two flea-ridden and tiny ginger rescues given to me by a friend. While her sibling Zoe only lived to be 11, Bella has been a constant since I was still in my 30s. She's been a little more senile and stumbly in her steps for a couple days, and seems to be intent on sleeping when she's not wandering (I call her "the enforcer" since for years, she does daily laps around the apartment.)  Having lost senior cats before, both my own and others, I recognize the signs. So I am trying to keep her comfortable--giving her treats and soft places to lay and letting time do as time does.  Since we are keeping a close eye and want to be around for her...