Sad Day in My Feline Family
August 20th, 2007 by jeff
It seems like every six months or so, I go through the loss of a cat. I always think it will get easier and, of course, it never does.
Over eight years ago, I went to the SPCA to return a humane trap I was using to catch one of my cats who sneaked outside. He was a little tough to catch, but I ultimately corralled him without the humane trap. When I got to the SPCA early in the morning, there was a box of four kittens on the drop off counter. I said to the volunteer that I assumed they would find homes pretty quickly, but she told me that because they were only 8 weeks old, they’d have to be put to sleep. At that time, the SPCA could not care for them. I don’t know if that policy has changed.
When she told me they would be put to sleep, I said, “No, they won’t” and picked up the box. She said they had never even been signed in (someone left them at the door), so I could take them with no paperwork. Away I went, one humane trap lighter and four kittens heavier.
Those four became Emily and Charlotte (the Bronte sisters, obvs) and Wilbur and Oriville (the Wright brothers, obvs). Last year, Charlotte passed after a long battle with an illness. Today, Orville - known as “Pilot” to everyone because of his tendency to follow around other cats like a pilot fish follows a shark - joined her.
He was one of the sweetest cats I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was gentle and sweet and got along with not just people but all the other cats, not the easiest of feats in a house of differing feline personalities. Like all my critters, I loved that little guy. It never gets easier to lose a friend and it never should. I’m sure he’s having fun playing with all the others who have passed before him, particularly Alex, the cat/shark for whom Pilot was nicknamed.
RIP little guy. You will be missed.
I’m sorry about Charlotte & Orville. It’s awful to lose a pet & every six months seems like way too often.
:-(
Oh no! I’m so sorry Jeff. The best we can do at these times is to remember that you gave him eight wonderful years that would not have happened if you hadn’t have come along.
*hugs*
May he R.I.P Jeff - sorry for you loss. Pets enrich our lives so much and it sounds like he led a wonderful life with you.
I was pretty upset about Orville yesterday, until I remembered that sweet little Alex (Shmalex) would be waiting for him. I had to smile at the thought. I can’t thank you enough, Jeff, for all you did to take care of Orville. He was a very loved and happy cat because of you.