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Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs?
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: katlaughing Date: 11 Sep 99 - 09:11 PM SD, another great one! Guess they should have paid attention, huh? I have a book called Psychic Pets. There is a story in there about a small town in Europe, which had a very special goose. It was during WWII and a few hours before an air raid the goose would get agitated. This let the people know to prepare for attack and thus saved many lives, time and time, again. Sad to say, it didn't save the goose. It was killed during one of the bombing attacks. Anybody else have another story? Thanks, kat |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: katlaughing Date: 11 Sep 99 - 09:10 PM SD, another great one! Guess they should have paid attention, huh? I have a book called Psychic Pets. There is a story in there about a small town in Europe, which had a very special goose. It was during WWII and a few hours before an air raid the goose would get agitated. This let the people know to prepare for attack and thus saved many lives, time and time, again. Sad to say, it didn't save the goose. It was killed during one of the bombing attacks. Anybody else have another story? Thanks, kat |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: Sourdough Date: 11 Sep 99 - 11:28 AM Here's another pet story for you: I heard it from an old Gloucester fisherman on Cape Anne thirty years ago - about a black Labrador retriever that showed up on the docks as one of the schooners was getting ready to cast off for the Grand Banks fishing grounds. The dog seemed insistent to come so no one objected when a fisherman called the dog to jump on board. It turned out the dog was good company as well as a good sailor and he was soon the ship's pet, the kind of animal that everyone thinks he has a special personal relation with. There was some argument about who would take care of the dog between voyages but that was settled after a long string of arguments and compromises. However, the arguments, discussions and compromises turned out to have been totally unneccessary. As soon as they reached the wharf, the dog was over the side and disappeared. However, as the boat was getting ready to leave on its next trip to the Grand Banks and the fishermen were reassembling, the dog showed up. This turned out to be a pattern. The dog sailed enthusiastically but disappeared when the boat returned only to reappear just before they cast off. In between, no one saw him. One day, the dog didn't show up. The captain, who was as much attached to the dog as any of his crew, held off leaving for a couple of hours but finally had to go. I imagine it was a sad ship, leaving without the mascot they had all grown to love. The reason no one can say for sure how the crew felt on that voyage was that the ship was never seen again. Neither was the black Labrador. |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: katlaughing Date: 10 Sep 99 - 11:33 AM Thank you, Pete. Yes there were many good years and I am thankful for them. Three Newfies, at once??? Holy Cow! Good thing you did have a daughter for each. That must have been a wondrous sight, indeed. I once read a wonderful story in Reader's Digest, one of those Drama in Real Life ones. It was about a little girl who lived on the beach near Boston, with her parents. She went out one day, in the winter, when a Nor'easter blew in; horrible blizzard. She got caught out, down on the sand dunes, covered with heaps of snow. The neighbour's Newfie began agitating to be let out. It's owners could fthom why, since the weather was so bad and were reluctant to let him go, but he was insistent. He went straight for the little girl, grabbed her clothing, and drug her to safety at one of the houses; if I remember correctly it was quite a distance. Saved her life. What a magnificent dog! Thanks, again, Pete. How about some more of your own stories, phoaks? I am enjoying reading and sharing; how about you? luvyaKat |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: Pete peterson Date: 10 Sep 99 - 10:53 AM Very seldom in my life have i committed songwriting, but it was always about one or more of the Peterson animals-- back in teh days when I was married and we had three little blondhaired girls (now 20,22 and 24) we had three Newfoundland dogs and they somehow paired off with each dog having his own special girl. . . I never was able to write a Farewell song but rather sang, more loudly and more often, the songs that celebrated their antics whilst alive. . . they are of limited general interest. I bet, Kat, that you have some good ones! I feel sad for you and hope you can remember all those GOOD years, and there were lots! Pete |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: katlaughing Date: 10 Sep 99 - 06:42 AM Benjamin, Thank you! That is beautiful and what a wonderful thing to do for your friend. Your words carry great meaning and are full of the care we all feel for one who has gone on. I esp. like the part about a heart so big and why we make things that end. For myself I'd as leave ask why the stars shine. I just do....have these lovely creatures in my life and I feel so blessed because of them. In deep gratitude to you all, kat |
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Subject: Lyr Add: A Heart So Big From: Benjamin Bodhránaí Date: 10 Sep 99 - 03:59 AM A chara, I wrote this for a close friend whose dog was drowned one night as we both played at a session. She was devastated that she had been out enjoying herself while he had died in a very traumatic way. I was also inspired by the death of Farley from "For better or Worse". Hope the formatting works.
A HEART SO BIG G DFor fifteen years she loved you, nursed you when you were ill And for fifteen years you loved her your own way Now in her memory she'll love you still You're immortal, like the heroes in her songs
Ch
And you wonder why we make things that have to end C GSo I sing this song for you, though I didn't know you well And a lot of it I sing for her 'Cos I've had friends like you, who had to leave me far too soon That with the rest I want to find the joy of living
Ch Are you sleeping soundly now, in the new place you have found, do you know the happiness you brought to her HTML line breaks added, etc. -JoeClone 09-Feb-2001.
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: katlaughing Date: 09 Sep 99 - 11:45 PM Ah, jeezus, LeeJ. I am sitting here listening to Art sing Cherokee Queen on his CD, esp. the words,
"We couldn't get word from the river in time, Between that and your blowing the horn for ole Blue and Moses, plus I just listened to the archived show and found out Bert & Max sent their condolences, well, it's too much for a gyrl. I am going to have to put in for a new supply of hankies! 'Course, in your incomparable storytelling, you also made me laugh, I can just see a little ole Aby riding along on a big ole St. Bernard! What a sight! Wonderful how they come into our lives, isn't it? Ah, jeez, I've got so many cat tales; gone through losing so many, thankfully these days it's usually to old age, which is a damn sight easier than some disease, but still not easy. You are right. She had a hell of a life and really adapted quite well, no matter where we went. Heck, she even went from being a free-roaming, in and out the window, prairie cat to an in the house, never outside, except on a leash, colonial cat (well it was New England and lots of traffic!). Thanks just doesn't say enough to all of you how much I appreciate your care, stories, concern, and love. Whatever gawd or gawddess brought me to the Mudcat, I will be eternally grateful to, as I am ever in your debt, you one and all, you dear Mudders. luvyaKat |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: Lonesome EJ Date: 09 Sep 99 - 02:27 PM Kat, I'm sorry to hear about old Shadowfax, but rejoice in the fact that she had a long life with people that loved her- many animals are far less fortunate. I was never a "cat-person", but I agreed to keep a cat for some friends whose apartment managers didn't allow animals. Moses was about 1 year old when I got him. The couple who brought him to me had found him at a highway rest stop in the Arizona desert, thin and covered in cactus needles and sores. He had apparently escaped from someone's car and lost himself in the wilderness; and so my friends named him after that greatest of Wilderness Wanderers. He came to live with me and my Labrador Retriever Blue, and spent the first two months perched on anything high enough to be out of Blue's reach. The dog finally succeeded in cornering him. and that was the day that this 145 lb Lab/Newfoundland mix got the crap kicked out of him by a 7 lb Abyssinian cat. Henceforth, the pecking order was clearly established; Moses ruled, then came me, and ol' Blue at the bottom. The three of us would take a walk, Blue dragging me around the block by a leash, while Moses scouted the forest and field around us. Moses was quite a hunter- snakes, mice, birds were his prey. I would often come home from work to find a mouse field-dressed and laid out on the welcome mat, and Moses lurking in the bushes to watch my reaction. And he was a warrior. Every other dog and cat in the neighborhood gave him a wide birth as he casually sauntered on his daily rounds. A friend stopped by one day, and asked if it would be ok to bring his St Bernard into the house."Sure," I said," just watch the cat." He thought I was joking until the dog walked past the chair where Moses had been lounging. The cat suddenly sprang into the air and landed on the huge animal's back like a cowboy riding a Brahma Bull. The ride went well beyond the 8 second buzzer before we could dismount the rider and settle down the dog. At age 14, Moses developed skin cancer on his nose that became systemic. It was an awful thing to watch him being brought low by the disease. By now I was married, and we had two other cats in the family, but Mose was the Clan Leader. When a neighbor's cat came in our yard to chase one of the young cats, Moses still mustered enough strength to run him off. It was soon after that I felt I just couldn't watch him suffer anymore, and I took him on the last trip to the Vet's.
He and Blue are both gone now. |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: katlaughing Date: 09 Sep 99 - 10:55 AM Chris, that is really beautiful and poignant. What a good friend you are to have done that. Thanks for sharing it. kat |
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Subject: Lyr Add: How Well We Did Love Them^^ From: Chris Clarke Date: 09 Sep 99 - 06:23 AM Thanks, Frankie, for your point about love crossing species. This is a song I wrote for a human friend who had his young girlfriend die in his arms after a road accident. I wrote it driving down the same track to reach and comfort him. It may make sense for losing any sort of person we love.
How Well We Did Love Them
Surviving our loved ones
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: katlaughing Date: 09 Sep 99 - 12:23 AM Ah, Kathy....that sings to my heart. It is what I feel so much for all the creatures of the world. Thank you so very much. We have all been sending tunes to one another, by the way, by using MediaRing. It allows you to send voice messages to anyone's email or directly to their PC, if you know their PC phone number; you can even talk with them, via PC to PC or phone, for free, if you are both logged on at the same time. We have a couple of threads on this. If you'd like a demonstration, just leave me a personal message with your email address and I will send you a verbal and heartfelt thank you. When you go to listen to it, you will see info about the program. Thanks, again, Kathy and everyone else. You are all so very kind. luvyaKat |
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Subject: Lyr Add: The Shepherd's Call^^ From: KathWestra Date: 08 Sep 99 - 10:12 PM Dear Kat, Here are the words to the song by Valentine Doyle, which I promised to you earlier. Unfortunately, I can't convey the lovely tune. Maybe someone can show me how to do that sometime. But, in the meantime, for you, Shadowfax, and all beloved creatures of our hearts:
The Shepherd's Call Peace to you,dear Kat. Kathy |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: katlaughing Date: 08 Sep 99 - 08:45 PM Frankie! I know that one! I had forgotten all about it! Thank you, thank you! And, I, too have written stories or poems for several of mine and my brother's (one was published in CATS Magazine a long time ago). You are right. Shadowfax will get her own. I also agree with you on the love that crosses species. It is so unconditional and constant. I sometimes feel the love of my critters transcends all and is greater than that of any person whom I love or am loved by. When I was a very young mother, I once wrote a little essay about how I longed to take my son to "the hills", away from civilisation and all its trials, to be raised among the animals. I was very serious and fervent in my desire. I had been hurt in love with his father and was so disillusioned by people at the time. The only ones I wanted to be aorund were my dear animal companions. Thanks to you, too, Banjer. To all of you for being such fine and loving examples of the human spirit. I am so grateful and proud to know all of you. luvyaKat |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: Frankie Seymour Date: 08 Sep 99 - 08:28 PM Dear Kat I've written many poems for my animals when they have left me, but they're about individuals and Shadowfax should have her own poem. But there is a beautiful chant I have sung every time I have buried one of my beloved. I don't know who wrote it. I heard it first on a commune 20 years ago. I wish I could send you the tune, but I can't write musical script. The words go: May the long-time sun shine upon you All love surround you And may the clear light within you Guide your way home. That's all. Thanks for sharing Shadowfax's story. I think the love that reaches beyond species may be the most important love of all.
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: Banjer Date: 08 Sep 99 - 06:31 PM Dear Kat, Sorry to hear of your loss...I know what having animals around mean...I cannot remember ever not having at least a dog, cat or at times even a rabbit share my life with me. 'Spaw showed you the way to the Rainbow Bridge. If that had not been posted I would have told you about it. It is a neat site for anyone that loves animals as we do. As others pointed out, rejoice that Shadow had as many good years as she did, and that she was able to go quietly in her sleep in suroundings that she was familiar with, surounded with all the love that I am sure abounds in your house. |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: katlaughing Date: 08 Sep 99 - 01:55 PM Aw, Bert, that was purrfect! Of course, my new hankie is a sodden mess, now! Thank you so much for posting the link. Kath, I'd really like that. It's been a bit of a year for us. My mom passed away in Jan., the oldest dog shortly after, and now Shadow. (BTW, I know the horse in Tolkien was male, but our Shadowfax was female.) I had just found the Mudcat about a month before mom died unexpectedly. It was the strength, comfort, and love of family AND Mudcatters who got me through that once in a lifetime experience which can be so traumatic. A finer bunch of people can never be found. I am glad you've joined us. Thanks, again, kat |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: KathWestra Date: 08 Sep 99 - 12:53 PM Dear Kat -- I'm so sorry that you lost your old friend, but glad he died in the sunshine of your home and of a person who loved him, fed him, and will sing for his spirit. My old cat Tossie (my very first pet ever)is 17+ and having a hard time getting around. I don't think it's going to be too long before she joins Shadow, a day I dread. I'm at work now (where the computer lives), but when I get home will get out the words to "The Shepherd's Call," a wonderful song by Valentine Doyle, a fine songwriter from Connecticut. (I think Sandy Paton knows her, and probably lots of other 'catters.) I tried to learn it after my mom died, and just couldn't sing it without choking up. It is perfect for this occasion, though, and I will post it to you first thing tomorrow morning (or even tonight, if I can figure out how). Love and hugs to you, Kat, Kathy |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: Bert Date: 08 Sep 99 - 12:40 PM purry gates |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: katlaughing Date: 08 Sep 99 - 11:01 AM Our loss is eased by the support and love of friends. SD: eloquent as ever. What a profound statement! Roger: I'd love to read the words, if you get a chance, and goldfish DO count! Campfire: good for you! That's usually how I come to have a new "waif", too! Good luck with him. My old dog passed on thsi year, too, from hip dysplasia & arthritis. Bill, thank you for your kindness. You, too, Kendall. I know what you mean about those songs. Bert, thank you. I haven't read it, but I will find it. Liam, I am sure you are right. There is a song in there somewhere. Actually I am working on a book, each chapter of which has some anecdote about the critters. When we moved to New England, I flew (some of you have heard this before) with 6 cats, 2 birds, 1 dog, and 3 kids, on a cmmmercial airline, Shadowfax and Kaysha were on that flight with us.(No, I was NOT in my right mind!:-) When we moved back to Wyoming, it was in a big old Chevy van with 1 dog, 8 cats, 1 turtle, and 5 birds! Quite an adventure. Thanks, again and may I return the favour when needed. I am not surprised that so many of us on here are such pet lovers.....another good thing about phoakies! kat
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: Bert Date: 08 Sep 99 - 09:55 AM Sorry to hear about your kitty cat. Have you read the poem "The Tortoiseshell Cat"? I tried to find it on the web but there are so many hits that it's impossible. Plant a rose bush for her. |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: JedMarum Date: 08 Sep 99 - 09:01 AM sorry to hear of your loss, but I enjoyed reading of your cat's travels and adventures - there'e probably a song there for you to write! We have dogs, (Whippets) and I am sure I'll miss them when they pass - but I know I'll always remember their doggy adventures with a smile. It sounds like your cat had adventures enough for several life times! |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: kendall morse (don't use) Date: 08 Sep 99 - 08:39 AM Some years ago, I recorded Old Shep for Folk Legacy records, but, since I lost old Clancy, I've not been able to sing it. In fact, I can hardly stand to listen to Mr. Bojangles. |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: Roger the zimmer Date: 08 Sep 99 - 08:13 AM Been a long time since I've had a pet (or do goldfish count [count? mine can even tell when it's feeding time ie anytime] )but "Old Shep?" or Michael Raven's "My Old Friend" (some other UK 'Catter might post the lyrics to that while I'm away!), it's on his CD of the same name that he sent me when I bought the Black Country 3 cassette off him (You ramble more than Jack Elliott, Roger, pity you can't sing or play guitar as well!) |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: Bill in Alabama Date: 08 Sep 99 - 07:55 AM Kat-- I have lived a fairly long life, and thank God it has been full of dogs and cats. Those of us who give our hearts to these furry folks can appreciate the depth of your loss. I wish that I had a song to send you; I don't. But certainly I will grieve with you and ask you to take what satisfaction you can from the awareness that you gave a great deal of love over a period of time to an pet friend who appreciated it. Bill |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: Roger the zimmer Date: 08 Sep 99 - 07:06 AM Been a long time since I've had a pet (or do goldfish count [count? mine can even tell when it's feeding time ie anytime] )but "Old Shep?" or Michael Raven's "My Old Friend" (some other UK 'Catter might post the lyrics to that while I'm away!), it's on his CD of the same name that he sent me when I bought the Black Country 3 cassette off him (You ramble more than Jack Elliott, Roger, pity you can't sing or play guitar as well!) |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: Sourdough Date: 08 Sep 99 - 01:54 AM My favorite memorial song is Precious Memories. I know that personally it has brought me a great deal of acceptance in my own grieving. With best wishes for the comfort that comes from understanding the value of what is as well as what was. Sourdough |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: campfire Date: 08 Sep 99 - 01:08 AM KAt, you have my deepest sympathies. I've lost quite a few of my own over the years, both dogs and cats. I used to work at an animal hospital, and when certain clients pets "went over", we would send a card that I always found helpful to me, thinking about my own. I don't remember the exact wording, but it was something about choosing to surround ourselves with those that we know we will outlive, but we do it anyway because of the wonderful things they bring to us for the short time we do get to spend with them. I have an 8-year old basset hound that I am fostering - I've only had him for about 3 months. This morning his hind legs just woudn't cooperate with the rest of him. When I called the vet, I feared the worst, and realized just how attached I have become in this short time. Fortunately, a shot of cortisone and a day of rest (and weeks more to follow), and the little guy is back home. And I think I'll tell the agency that they don't need to find him a home anymore - he has one. campfire |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: katlaughing Date: 08 Sep 99 - 12:26 AM Thanks, WW and you, too, Mark. We crossed in our postings, so I just saw yours. I'd forgotten about Ole Shep, gawd I can barely listen to it when I'm not grieving! My ex used to have it on an old Montana Slim album; we used to get so teary and maudlin listening to that! I will find it here somewhere. thanks, again, love you all, kat |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: WyoWoman Date: 08 Sep 99 - 12:18 AM Oh, 'Spaw, thanks. When my little dog died a few years back I wrote a column about it and someone sent me a card with that poem on it. It just completely undid me, but helped me grieve. I was going to send it to Kat, but couldn't find it in my files. So, Kat -- that one's from me, too. ww |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: katlaughing Date: 08 Sep 99 - 12:05 AM Thanks, everyone, I am having a second good cry reading your messages. 'Spaw...I didn't have that, thanks for the link. I do believe in that. Tomorrow I will go read the songs mentioned. Gawds & Gawddesses Blessings, luvyaKat |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: Mark Clark Date: 08 Sep 99 - 12:04 AM Kat, Please accept my condolences. My very favorite pet memorial has to be "Old Shep" originally recorded by Red Foley and done many others since. I have it somewhere on the first LP Elvis put out in the mid fifties. I was surprised to find that it isn't in the DT database but maybe Cowpie has the song. - Mark |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: catspaw49 Date: 07 Sep 99 - 11:49 PM Ah Katmyluv......I am so sorry. We live in a house full of pets as you know and they are all wonderful and have their own stories, but some are more special for lots of reasons. My old friend "Cutter" is now 19 years old and he is failing badly, but still, inside, behind those old, cloudy eyes is the kitten I found on the side of the road so long ago in Nashville. He's made so many moves with me and has been so different from the others.........Always thought he was the most intelligent cat I've ever been around, always knew how to do mechanical things like opening doors and even casement windows in one house! He's shown every knew kitten that's come along how to be a cat......The only animal I ever REALLY wanted to be able to talk, I know he'd be a good "ear" too, always has been anyway......and now, like you, I don't want to make the decision I should, but he's still getting around and being Cutter, so I wait, knowing that soon I'll be having a day like yours............. No songs dear, wish I had some..........and I'm sure you have this, but if not............. Thinkin' 'bout you.....and cryin' some too........ Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: Date: 07 Sep 99 - 11:07 PM Old Blue in DT. Old Dog Tray and Little Kitty Popcorn in Levy collection (Mudcat's links).
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: Dave Swan Date: 07 Sep 99 - 10:27 PM Oh, Kat, no songs come to mind just now, but I wanted you to know I'm thinking of you and Shadowfax and I promise I'll sing something your way. A friend of mine says it's a shame they live such short lives and still have to die old. Sounds like she had a hell of a life with your family. Lucky kitty. Big hugs, big lump in the throat. Dave |
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Subject: RE: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: WyoWoman Date: 07 Sep 99 - 10:21 PM Ah, sweet Kat, I'm sorry for your loss. I'm surrounded by my dogs y cat right now and I will give them an extra hug in your lovely one's memory. ww |
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Subject: Pet Memoriams-Any Special Songs? From: katlaughing Date: 07 Sep 99 - 09:43 PM Was wondering if any of you have ever sung at a pet memorial or had one (pet memorial) of your own and if so, what songs did you sing? I will be doing a little private one in the next day or two and would like suggestions/experiences. Here's why I will be doing this: Today marks the end of an era. Shadowfax, our white cat with the extra thumbs, who had been in failing health with what I am sure was heart failure, passed away, at home, between 8a & 1015a. She was the last pet/family member to have been connected with the "ranch" we used to own on out on the old Oregon Trail. She was born out there. In the past three weeks, her breathing had become quite rapid and labored, although up until just this morning, she was still jumping up on the food table, then jumping to the other to sit in the sunshine. She had all the symptoms of congestive heart failure. I knew the vet would just say put her down, because she was 17 years old this June, so I just tried giving her extra love, extra help in getting around, although she didn't accept that much, and tried to sit with her more often. I had hoped this time I would not have to take another to the vet. I asked the Great Spirit to let her go, here, at home, and she did. I went out this morning at 730a to see an old neighbour from CT who was passing through. Fed the cats first. When I went to bed last night I wasn't sure she'd make it through the night, but this morning there she was, on the table, waiting for breakfast. She had a couple of bites then went over for her usual sunbath in the window. Recently, she'd taken to sleeping in an old overstuffed rocker, on top of a big soft pillow which I put a baby blanket on. When I came home this morning, just after 10a, there she was, on her pillow, still and gone. The other cats were all gathered in the living room, as soon as I came in, looking at me, jumping up and sniffing her. I am sad, but so grateful that, for once, I didn't have to make that painful decision and take her in. I think it was good for the rest of them to see her and know that she is gone. They seem to be a little unsure of where they stand in the order of things now, but as ever, I am sure they'll sort it out. She was my son, Colin's kitty, born on his bed, of sable black Kaysha. It is because of his begging that we even had her all these years. When we were down to the last day, getting ready to move to New England in 1983, I lost it, didn't think we had enough kennels for all of them, no money to get anymore and I said she couldn't go; we'd have to find her a home. He pleaded with me, promised she could go in the kennel with Kaysha and be no problem. Of course I said okay. Over the years, I always thought of her as a little bulldog of a cat; small, compact, tough, and brooking no nonsense. I spent a lot on vet bills for Kazell, one of the "Beige Brothers", once, because she hooked him in the eye, tearing it. He had to wear one of those Elizabethan collars, have his eyelid sewn shut and suffer me jamming meds in his eye, but in the end came out okay, with just a small cloud-scar, across his pupil. Since her mom died 2 1/2 years ago, something I thought she wouldn't survive, she had mellowed considerably, although she still wouldn't take anything off of the dogs or the other cats. Just two days ago, I took her out front on the sun-warmed concrete steps; she loved her sunbaths and purred the whole time we were out there. I am glad I had the sense and time to prepare and give her as much comfort as I was capable of. I've regretted not having that in the past with some of my others. She loved "her boy" (Colin) and would always blink her eyes in contentment whenever I mentioned him to her, as "her boy". Later, after we moved back to Casper, everytime she saw my nephew, Mat, he filled in as "her boy", giving her lots of love and sweet talk, with a good scratch behind the ears. Thanks for that, Mat. And, thanks to you, Colin, for seeing her last Christmas; I know she remembered you, honey. Shadowfax LaFrance aka Shadow, Eye-Shadow, Sadoe, & Old Lady; named by Colin from Tolkien's book, born on Poison Spider in June 1982. In 1983, she moved to Massachusetts on an airplane, lived in a motel for two months, then on to Granville, and later Northampton, MA; then three different places in CT, then finally returned to the old prairie of Wyoming the dirt of which she loved to roll in so much. Passed on September 7, 1999. Quite a good life, for an old lady cat of 17 years. Thanks for listening everyone. I'll enter this in the old roll call log book of pets. Love you all and thanks for being here, Shadow. katlaughingthrougthetears |
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