This is just a note to say that Madison (Devon's family's cat) was found dead today.

[juushika]

This is just a quick note to say that Madison was found dead today. Madison is Devon's family's cat, and the fact that I'm not living with her now doesn't make this any easier. She was found outside by the old truck, dead, bleeding from the mouth but with no external injuries; they think it may have been coyote poison, or that she was hit by a car. They buried her today, so I will never be able to see her body—I'm still not sure how that will impact how I understand what's happened.

I never did get around to taking pictures of her last time I was there, but at least I got to hold her, all couple pounds of summer-wiry fur, and she purred at me.

This is why you never—and there are almost no exceptions, no certain circumstances—you never allow cats outdoors without supervision. Madison was healthy, and young, and incredible. Now she's dead, and if she had been an indoor-only cat this never would have happened.

I'm going to watch a video game and stuff my own cat full of treats, and try hard not to think for a while. I'm numb, but there's as much anger as grief below the surface. I can't imagine that next time I go back, she won't be there.