We just learned that our black cat, "Shadow", has cancer. It's chondrosarcoma, a kind of cartilage/bone cancer and is untreatable. The veterinarian rescued him about 2 1/2 years ago when the owner brought him in to be put to sleep because he kept getting kidney infections. The vet knew we were looking for a cat and called us.

Shadow has become part of the family and even accompanies us and the dog, a big labrador, on walks. He communicates very well with about a dozen different meows that all mean something. He's affectionate and loves to spend quality time with us.

Right now, he has a big tumor on his hip and is limping. He doesn't eat much and sleeps a lot (more than usual). We'll keep him comfortable as long as we can-until it's obvious he's in too much pain.

I sure will miss the little guy.