I truly believe Homie was sent to me (us) by God. We rescued him five years ago from our old neighborhood after a neighbor moved and left him behind to fend for himself, homeless. God moved our hearts to take him in. We had never owned, been owned by a cat. The Vet said he was \"at least\" ten years old when we took him in. So we guess he is now at least 15 yrs old. Homie was on thyroid meds, twice a day for the last two years. He would come and get me to put the meds in his ears if I forgot !! This was our special bonding time twice a day. Homie was given to me (us) to soften my heart and soul. He got me through many personal and family trials and tribulations over these past 5 years. He showed me how to accept and love unconditionally those around me. He was a Tough Guy on the street before we took him, and he was, IN CHARGE of our house but he was equally as warm and fuzzy at just the right times. Homie was more like a dog than cat when it came to protecting me. He would wait at the door for my arrival home from work. Most nights he slept on my side of the bed on the floor next to my side. He would sit in the doorway of my den blocking the entrance, on guard. Electing to put Homie down was the most agonizing decision of my life. It is no fun being a responsible adult ... We will truly miss him, as will his Auntie Teddie. I did not know a person could cry this much . .