Thursday, October 9, 2008

A hard day

She never grasped how to do the laundry, but she sure liked to get in the thick of it. She loved any soft, comfy spot.

From the first moment she came into our lives, Ms. Josie was a prima donna. Why jump up when she could be lifted? Why eat dry food when the canned is so much more tasty? Why be quiet when her meow was so pleasing to the ears?

Really, she could be more demanding than some people I know. And I know a lot of people.

She was Christopher's cat, his little girl. Given any lap that happened to be at home, she wanted to be on his. So I am sure it was hard on both him and her when he moved out and she stayed behind. See, part of the reason we took her in was because Benld wasn't coping all that well on his own, so Christopher elected not to separate "the boys," as I call them. I think I am at least as grateful as Benld and Josie for that decision.

So today was her final day with me. Dr. Judy and I agreed that, given the events of the last few days, Josie was showing signs that the bad was outweighing the good. Her quality of life was diminishing quickly, and it was time to say goodbye.

I may never be able to explain the way our animals seem to master unconditional love so much better than we humans are able to do it. Up until two nights ago, every time I was home, all she wanted was to curl up in someone's lap - anyone's lap, really - and soak up some love. It didn't matter whether I was particularly charming or cranky or if I shaved my legs or swore or burned the roast or made bad choices or sang off key. No, to this petite princess, all that mattered was food, water and love.

But mostly love.

I'll miss you, Josie Lou. Thank you for the years you gave us.



My obstructed view out the front window. She was always ready for her close-up.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

They will not go quietly,
the pets who’ve shared our lives.
In subtle ways they let us know
their spirit still survives.
Old habits still can make us
think we hear them at the door
Or step back when we drop
a tasty morsel on the floor.
Our feet still go around the place
the food dish used to be,
And, sometimes, coming home at night,
we miss them terribly.
And although time may bring new friends
and a new food dish to fill,
That one place in our hearts belongs to them . . .
and always will.

jpb2525 said...

I'm sorry for your loss The Maggie! I wish I could give you a really big hug!!!

Dr. Cindy S. C. Rice said...

Oh, Mags, I'm so sorry.

Love you.

C & C

Anonymous said...

You all are so good to me. Thank you for the kind thoughts and love. I can feel it.

It helps so much to know that y'all understand that for me, Josie was part of the family. I will miss her.

Anonymous said...

One of the many cats @ Grandmas' farm would sit on the gate post to the barnyard. As you would pass through the gate, he would step onto your shoulder & curl around your neck(like a fur collar) just to take a ride to the barn. From time to time as I pass through that gate I still remember him... Sorry for your loss Mags...Here's to old friends!!! Luv Ya

Anonymous said...

Love that story, Allen. Thanks for understanding.

Anonymous said...

So Sorry to read about your loss. It sounds like she was a sweet little soul. Chin Up!!!