My Darling Merlin,
I have been told that to talk about and share our joys is good, and will help you pass over in peace, so here goes...
You came to me on Friday 28th November 2008, and changed my life for the better.
You gave me unconditional love (as long as you got weekly king prawns) and you were there whenever I needed a friend after a bad day at work.
I am not a particularly religious person, but I do now believe God sent you to me, as my friend, my confidante, my reason to simply be....
You made smells indoors every day, using the litter tray indoors after finally deciding that killing two of my specimen Acers in the back garden was enough. Some days they were so bad that even you shouted at me to deal with them.
The house is so quiet without your constant noise, even when asleep - Yes, you slept, you never cat-napped - you would talk to me, and our conversations were often hilarious.
Me - Are you Okay Baby?
You - Mehhaooow
Me - Are you too hot?
You - Meeeeehhhhh Miaowwww
Me - Shall I get the fan?
You – Mehh Brrrup
I lie there at night listening for your Zoomies around the house. All I hear is the Silence, both in my heart and in the house. There is no fight over the middle of the bed nor you getting on my pillow with wet feet after having a drink downstairs. The house is no longer a home, without your thundering Thud Thud Thud, MIAOOOOOW and your snotty wet nose rammed in my face demanding treats. Perhaps one day I will again eat a chocolate éclair and get the cream, but for now I can’t face it. 
You were ripped so cruelly from this World, and our love, before your time. People say "He was 17, He had a good innings" But what do they know - They never met you, never felt the true force of your love, your zest for life. You overcame many battles in your life, and never once did you raise a claw in malice or anger to me your family, or even the vet when they treated you. Annual appointments were always a nightmare, you made it clear you objected. Shouting the house, car and surgery down in turn, and spraying me or the kitchen as I put you in the basket.
The tragedy is that damned dog forced its way into YOUR garden, took YOUR life, and seems to suffer no consequence. I tried my best, but you were too badly injured and you decided it was time to go. I am so so sorry my Darling. I would have happily given my life for yours if I had been able. Yes, Grannee would have grieved for me, but you would have helped her as you so often helped me. My heart has been shattered and my soul is lost in a place of dark anguish, and only seeing you race towards me shouting for your prawns across the Bridge will mend it. 
I promise you this. An Eye for an Eye should that dog EVER come into YOUR home again.
I will tend your grave in your garden every day, come sun, rain, sleet or snow, and will talk with you as often as I can each day so you know I have not forgotten you, just that I am waiting for the day we can be together again. I will keep you warm and dry, even when the frosts are here, and protect you from the snow. I know how much you hated it, and have only one picture of your footprints in the ‘nasty white wet’. 
I am watching the videos where we spent time together, and I know you will be at peace now, but it hurts so so very much. 
I LOVE YOU
MUMMY
XXXXXX