I didn't expect to keep her. She was just a cat I worked with at Westside Vet Center, where I'm in residence. I knew she wanted to be an "only cat," but my cat, Ziggy-Star-Dust, had lived with a Siamese, so she could stay with him until I found the very right home for her. But more bouts of another chronic, incurable illness set in—so she stayed on. That was ten years ago.

I had named her Diana in honor of Diana the archer and Goddess of Women and the Moon. She needed strength, along with her inborn dignity and elegance. When I realized she was with us to stay, she became Diana-Moon-Dust. Star-Dust, my once feral cat, was still somewhat feral, so he didn't mind when company doted on Diana or she joined me in my appearances. They lived together until five years ago when he was fatally stricken with renal failure.

Three years ago Diana was given six months to live. A carcinoma of her pancreas, which was inoperable, was added to her other ailments. But Diana had no intentions of leaving this planet—if she could help it. There were a few serious set-backs, but Diana rallied.

But October 3rd was her time. She went gently and joined Star-Dust. I miss her but I am grateful for the time we had together and the love and wisdom she so generously gave to me. It was Diana's legacy.