One of the things I love about animals is that they love unconditionally. They don't judge. They don't care when we make mistakes. My cats always seem to sense when I've had a bad day and need comforting. They're not lap cats, but on those days they will lay a little closer to me, sometimes even right against me, and give me head butts so I pet them. I'll never forget those that have passed - Sebastian, Turtle, Rubycat... they were all special and will always hold a place in my heart. It sounds like Ripley was very special, too.