....at dawn........ A stray kitten found by Mundelein animal control and given refuge by Orphans of the Storm. The kitten who reached a paw through the cage to touch my shoulder. The cardboard carrier in the car, paws coming out each and every hole as I feverishly pushed them in like a 'whack-a-mole' game. Being awakened by the anxious mews of the poor thing hanging on for dear life after scaling the door frame........ ....day's adventures........... The 'cat Olympics'. The play with simple toys like the plastic ring from the milk jug and a ball of tin foil. The lazy cat who would swipe at female suitors from atop her perch on the fridge. The claws-hug for Yuki andf then the playful rub against her leg. The moves from place to place culminating in a long journey far from home. The fearful escape from the hotel in Tennessee as I looked like an ass chasing her around the parking lot to safety. Flipping dog food out of Yukis' bowl and all the adventures to follow........ .......dusk settles and evening breaks............. Ahhh, the changes, probably only heightened in severity by the love of her overprotective father. Changes in diet to the 'senior' flavor. The thoughts and hopes of her guardian that she may live forever because she was too 'feisty' to go............ .........and then to a rapid decline..........and the time for her father to face one of his greatest fears.............. ..........and so on a hot, humid day 1000 miles from where our adventures began, we sat together as I stroked what little remained of a once 28 lb vibrant ball of fur and love. Fed her some cat treats as she finally lay next to me on the bed, her head against the side of my chest. Time for one final journey.........freedom from suffering........... ......an end to a nearly 18 year adventure, almost half my human life. Not so valuable as the joy and love she brought. With what little feistiness remained she crabbed about being poked with a needle of sedation, mouthy til the end............. We shared a final embrace, a distant glance and a puddle full of tears........time to go old girl....... .......a peaceful purr, a gentle touch.............. .......and night falls.................. ************* Amidst the cloud of tears, I could feel her soul and for a brief moment in time the world changed color.............. Anastasia, 'moo minkus', 'the moo', 'moozer', etc....off to a new adventure..... Love and light. May you be at peace on your journey. I would like to share what I found to be a valuable quote from my vet; "The moment this gets easier is the moment to stop having pets." With all of the love in my soul, Chris |