A Long and Healthy Life

I have been a subscriber to your magazine now for several years. I have been a "mom" to 4 cats over the past 14 years. I am one of those "crazy cat people" who treats her pets as children. I take my babies to regualr vet appointments and when there is something not right with one of them, we are on our way to one of 2 vets that we have on speed dial. However, after reading this article by Dusty Rainbolt, i feel as if i am the most inadequate pet owner on the planet because 2 of my babies passed away before they even hit the age of 13. One was an unknowen cause and the other was due to complications with diabetes. Things I had no control over no matter what I did to "fix" thier health problems. I dont agree with this author and for him/her to sit there and say that cats who have "good genes and attentive owners" basically live longer doesnt say much for those of us who have lost an animal even though we tried everything in our power to save them. I have spent thousands of dollars on my "kids" and will continue to do so because that was a commitment I made when i brought each and everyone of them into not only my home but my heart as well even though i live on a modest paycheck. Please, dont think of me as a horrible pet owner just because some of them didnt live into thier 20's or 30's. My babies are happy and as healthy as they are ever going to be. Just ask one of the 2 vets I have on speed dial how nuerotic i am.