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Our lovely Ginger Cat went to heaven yesterday afternoon. We adopted her as a senior cat of 11 years old, about 6 years ago. Ginger's owner had passed away, leaving Ginger with her son. He was unable to keep Ginger because his fiancée was highly allergic to cats. We were happy to take her in.

She had always been "an only child" and was very shy around our other pets. Ginger quickly decided she liked the quiet sanctuary of our bedroom, and specifically, my large walk-in closet, where she would peacefully sleep the days away under the lower rack of hanging clothes.  She would come out in the evenings when we were upstairs and watch TV with us....this was her private domain, away from the rest of "the zoo." The exception, (as always) was our dear doggie, Eliza Jane, who befriends every single pet she's ever met. She became Ginger's watchful guardian towards the end, knowing, as dogs do, that Ginger was soon to depart for the Rainbow Bridge.

Because Ginger spent lots of time in my closet, we thought that she would love to be the "mascot" for Carolyn's Closet, when we were developing that feature for the Denim and Company section of QVC.com.

After all, she was quite a fashionista kitty with a decided knack for putting together great looking ensembles! She became known as "the orange kitty who lived in my closet", to many of my lovely Denim and Company customers.

Six months ago, shortly after our senior Cocker Spaniel, Johnnie, lost his battle with cancer, Ginger let us know she was not feeling like her old self. That awful "Big C" had returned, this time for Ginger. But, at age 16+ she let us know she was ready to put up a grand fight...and she did. With the help of our vet and a monthly shot, she rebounded and was soon feeling like her old self for the next 6 months. A couple of weeks ago, she started to slip, and this time, she was too tired to continue the battle. She slept her last few days away, peacefully, cozy and warm, while I reminded her of all of her new friends who would be waiting for her at the Bridge, including Johnnie, Henry, Orangie Porangie (our first Orange Tabby), Misha and many other furry and feathered friends who have departed our lives, but never our hearts.

She was always such a sweet, darling old girl, never complaining, always kind, always peaceful. We loved her dearly and will miss that sweet little orange and white face and big green-gold eyes looking up at us so wisely and contentedly. Rest in Peace, dear Ginger Cat. We will never forget you. XO

As a postscript, I know Ginger would like me to add that it is always a wise choice to adopt a senior pet. They have so much to give and in many cases, like Ginger’s, are in need of a loving home because their owner has passed away, leaving them behind. You will be rewarded 100-fold, with the joy they will bring to your life. Please don't overlook the senior pets when visiting your local animal shelter.