Our beautiful seal point girl went quietly after surgery this afternoon. I cannot even find the words to express my sorrow, the deep ache that has settled into my heart.

Sidebottom was an exceptional seal point dumbo, gorgeous all the way around. Her comical attitude and zest for exploration were unmatched by any other rattie I have ever known. She was a champion shirt diver and quickly gave out kisses to cover her misdeeds and sassy ways.

We didn’t have long with her, not nearly long enough. I have found myself spending the afternoon asking myself how and why, finding only tears in the answers that refused to come.

She is survived by both parents, many brothers and sisters and a whole slew of nieces and nephews. Two of those brothers live here with us, a sweet reminder of her everyday to come.

I can only hope she is playing hard at the Bridge, popcorning in her crazy way…loving all that she meets there.

You will be missed baby girl, very much. There are so many of us that loved you and won’t ever forget you.

Thank you so much for giving the love and laughter that you did.

Sleep softly baby girl, rest easy.