As human connection dwindled during the pandemic the bond with my (almost) 16-year old cat Lucy became an even greater sense of comfort.

Living alone for the first time in years and, like many, having suffered numerous losses over a series of months, I began taking Lucy on adventures outside the home to places that ordinarily would be congested with people but instead were vacant and wide open.

Lucy was suffering from chronic kidney disease and these adventures were among our last and best together. I wish I’d started them earlier, and I wish we’d fit in more. But I’m grateful for every moments she gave me.