Dear Sissy,
It has been almost 6 months since we lost you. A pretty Calico with a white belly, and an orange and brown back. You were the only cat I ever owned, and before you I would have certainly categorized myself as a “dog person”. But when your owner died and you needed a place to go you came into my life, and showed me how loving and attentive cats can be as well. When you arrived and we learned your name was Sissy, we knew it was a sign you’d be a perfect fit for our family, as that was the nickname my baby sister always called me.
I miss your soft meows, and the way they’d get louder and closer together when you wanted to tell me something. I loved it when you were loud, I swear I could almost hear words amongst your meows. I miss how you would appear out of nowhere and sit on my lap as soon as I sat on the couch. Your purrs were so soothing. I would pet you from head to tail.
Taking care of you wasn’t always glorious, but it was a small price to pay for your company. I fed you, made sure you had water, cleaned your litter box, and bought you toys. Some nights you snuck up to sleep in my bed with me, a startling surprise, but I welcomed it nonetheless.
We were not sure of your age when we got you. We knew you weren’t young. But you lasted in our home for a couple years before we saw signs of trouble. But that didn’t make your death come any less of a shock. One day you were here, nibbling at my toes while you waited for me to feed you, and the next you were gone.
I think of you often and miss you. I know the rest of my family does too, even my dog. I am grateful you taught me to give cats a try, and to break through stereotypes about them. I wish I got to say goodbye, but I know I will see you again someday.
With love,
Morgan.

Your opening paragraph set up this letter perfectly. As the reader, we had a perfect image of your beloved cat. Further throughout your use of description was very vivid. You stated “I miss your soft meows, and the way they’d get louder and closer together when you wanted to tell me something. ” I felt as if I was right there with your cat. Overall your writing truly showed the powerful connection you had with your Sissy.
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I think most people wrote to people, and I definitely didn’t think about writing to a past pet but I really enjoyed how you did. Through the meows and descriptions, I was able to get a really clear vision of your cat and it showed me how much you cared about sissy. I have cats too and related to this piece.
-Miguel Palacios
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Just like you, I wouldn’t consider myself a cat person. But yet I have never had a cat only dogs, if I were given the chance to grow up and love a cat like you did I’m sure losing your cat is very hard. I likes how you wrote to him even though animals can’t speak. They know our feelings when we are happy or sad. Good writing!
-Mya Mostrom
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My girlfriend’s family took in a stay outside cat named Big Momma. She went missing for about six months until she randomly showed back up at their doorstep one day, but I remember the pain that her family went through on the time being, even her dog would whine all the time without her around. Losing Big Momma broke her heart and it broke mine too. I never considered myself a cat person either until I met her. The bond between someone and their pet is such a special one, and I think that’s clearly evidenced by your letter. Just the fact that you chose to write about your cat instead of a person, like everyone else did, shows how much you love her and how special the bond is. “I wish I got to say goodbye, but I know I will see you again someday.” I love this sentence because it shows that you aren’t even close to losing hope, and that’s something that’s necessary in situations like this. I’m sure she’ll show up again some day just like Big Momma did
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I’m sorry for your loss. Animals are sometimes better than people! I like how you decided to write this letter to Sissy. The beginning paragraph allowed me to really envision your cat. I thought it was cool that her name was Sissy as you said your little sister called you that. Overall, really great writing. I could really see that although you had this cat for a couple of years, you grew such a special bond with her.
-Emily Pellegrino
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I found this really powerful. I love how you started it and spoke directly to your lost friend. It was such an interesting and captivating way to start this message. I also really enjoyed your writing overall. I am so sorry for your loss.
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