"These photos are of my cat, Merlin, who passed away a little over a week ago after a hard battle with a fatal disease called FIP. We knew that the "cure" was never a sure thing, and suspected that his life would be shortened by the disease anyway, but tried the medication and bought six more weeks of time. He was my first pet, and has been my constant companion since I was 11 years old. Now I'm 19 and heartbroken but so, so grateful for the time we had together. His spunky attitude and love for cuddles and ear scratches got me through all of middle and high school. I can say without a trace of doubt that he was, and still is, my best friend. I miss him every day, and I think I always will. The first photo is of him in one of his favorite places, sitting in a basket while I do my homework, and the second photo is of him sitting inside a bag that I was trying to pack for an exchange trip a couple years ago. I remember taking it and thinking that it was so cute and funny that he didn't want me to leave. I wish we had many more years to spend together, but now I will settle for carrying his picture with me as I go to college this fall."