14 Comments
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nancy o'neal's avatar

this is perhaps the most affecting of your essays that I have read. Your writing carried me with you intensely, to the point that I didn't know I wasn't really breathing till I finished the very last sentence. Your work is your gift to the world, and I hope you realize how big it is.

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Sarah Fay's avatar

Wow. Thank you. I'm floored. You made my year. Screen-shotting your words so I have them with me always.

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Lulu deCarron's avatar

I agree, a beautiful, sensitive essay I love it.

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Beth Lisogorsky's avatar

Beautiful.

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David Roberts's avatar

Before having a pet, I would not have understood this essay. Now that I do, I lived in your essay every step of the way.

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Sarah Fay's avatar

That means a lot to me--especially from you.

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Gina Stein's avatar

I am sorry about your experience but part of letting her go and finding her the right home was protecting her and protecting yourself. I hope this does not sour you to future pets in your life. They can be most helpful with mental health. I know this all to well.

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Sarah Fay's avatar

Thank you--you're so right! I'm smiling, sitting here with my two cats, Mr. Sweets and Baby Theo, the loves of my life. I learned so much from Zosi, including the need pets have to be with each other, and she just needed other cats. I have so much love for her in my heart.

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Gina Stein's avatar

So glad to hear . Also so kind of you to be personable . I have three cats and a dog.

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Sarah Fay's avatar

Yes! Animals are such a big part of our mental health.

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Amy Cowen's avatar

This was such a powerful read. I’m so sorry you had that experience with Zosi. I can really understand the ways that transformed and called into question everything in the moment. I see in the comments above you have two wonderful cats now, which is really the icing after having read the essay. Really enjoyed the words on emotional granularity.

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Sarah Fay's avatar

Thank you. Your words mean so much to me.

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Vas Priebe's avatar

Such a beautiful essay. Diving through emotions is never easy, happy you made it to the other side.... also, love the idea of emotional granularity, thanks for sharing that.

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Sarah Fay's avatar

Thank you for reading!

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