history: My cat got cancer and had to be put to sleep. I once had a fluffy cat named Leo_comma_ but he got lymphoma and I had to have him put to sleep. Oh_comma_ I am so sorry. It has to be the most difficult thing to have to do. I had to do that with my gorgeous lab - I still miss him!
current: I'm sorry to hear about your lab as well. They are very sweet dogs.
next: Indeed they are. And so are many cats - the farm I used to live on has a ginger tom. He's quite the character and used to visit me regularly!