The vet could not have been more sympathetic
The kidney failure being quite advanced
The food ingested would become emetic
Quality of life could no way be enhanced
The runt of a litter eighteen years ago
(Born in our wardrobe!) struggling to survive
Allie helped him from the womb. He’d grow
Black, sleek and beautiful – and so alive
He won prizes: ‘Cat with the most beautiful eyes’
‘The handsomest pet’. Through three decades he went
It was his longevity we most prized
“He’ll live forever” I said; half joked, half meant
We watched the syringe ease into his vein
He died gently, bright eyes open, freed from pain.