*deep sigh*

[reprobayt]

She was waiting for a train....

...at least that's how she made it look.

====================================

Over 16 years ago, my family was blessed with being chosen by a street smart kitten of Doom.
Literally.

One night in 1993, felishathekitty and I were walking to our neighbor's apartment when a gray tabby about as big as your hand came up to us. She circled us and then 'forced' us to pet her. Lennetta was smitten immediately - I still had my doubts. We had talked about getting a cat but never agreed on what kind. As I pushed L into our neighbor's car, I told her we'd think about it and keep an eye out for the kitten later. That wasn't necessary.

When we got to our apartment (a block away from where we left from), the kitten was sitting on our steps, with a look on her face like "What took you so long?".

We never had a chance.

She was named Cutie by TheChild...after a cousin of felishathekitty who had recently passed away. Cutie instantly became the head of the family - at least according to her. She made us laugh and kept me calm. She sometimes thought she was a dog (she'd rather bite than scratch, she loved to roughhouse and play fetch with a wrapped piece of peppermint). She backed down to no man, woman, child or vet. Actually our family vet used Cutie to train her vet techs and interns on how to deal with a "uncooperative animal" - The final score was Cutie - 6, Techs - 0.

As time passed, Cutie went from ferocious teenager to ferocious Adult to ferocious Grand Dame. The past couple of years took their toll on her - she rarely left our bedroom. She slept more than anything, but if I would be in the bedroom she would be next to or on top of me (whether I wanted it or not).

Sadly every story has an ending. The past week, Cutie's health quickly deteriorated. She was dropping weight, not eating or drinking and slowly moving around. The past couple of days, she just would sit and look around. Like she was waiting for a train to take her to her next destination. I remembered that a friend of mine said that when your cat was ready, she would "tell" you. Cutie and I sat up most of last night. I talked to her and she 'talked' to me. It was time.

We bundled her up in her favorite blanket this afternoon and went to see our vet - Cutie let her pick her up and pet her for the first time in 15 years without being sedated. All she did was grumble a little, as if to say "It may be my time, but I gave as good as I got - I'll be waiting for you on the other side".

After almost 17 years of being my friend, confidante and partner in crime, Cutie went from this world to the next...where she can once again chase all the birds, people and vets she desires.

Thank you for sharing your world with us.

Comments

[curvedmetal.livejournal.com]

*hugs* Pickles will be waiting for her at the train stop. She'll show her the best sun-bathing spots over there.

[1-rhiannon-1.livejournal.com]

*hugs* Blessed be and safe journey Cutie

[roina-arwen.livejournal.com]

I know from experience how hard it is to lose a furry family member. You have my condolences. Have Cutie look up my cat Marcus or Tigger - they're already up in the Elysian Fields, just waiting for a few more playmates. *Hugs*

[kellinator.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Clearly she was a special cat.

[razzle.livejournal.com]

I wish you and your family warmth, strength, and healing. Hold those memories close and her spirit will watch over you.

[juliana-shines.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sure her memory will always be a blessing. <3

[ladysilverlark.livejournal.com]

*hugs* I am sorry for the lose of your very special fur child.

Hopefully she will be able to find my 4 that are all ready up there and waiting. She sounds like she will fit right in with them.

[hopeinfreefall.livejournal.com]

Love you very much. Have been there several times and know how hard it is. Will miss her cranky-diva-ness. You and L hug each other for me, and give Storm scritchies for me?

[ziyda.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry.

[pet-lunatic.livejournal.com]

So sorry :(

[dreaminkitten.livejournal.com]

*hugs* I'm so sorry! It's not easy losing a family member. My prayers are with you and L.

[softlywhispered.livejournal.com]

I think I was one of the few people she let pet her. I have some good photos of her, And a few that were blurry as hell because she DID NOT want to be photographed.

I am sorry that she is gone, She was a beautiful, REGAL cat.

Today she waits, And she will return to you. But remember that though she is gone physically, she is there with you in spirit. There will be times that you will feel her presence. Reach out to her and bid her welcome. She will NEVER truly leave you.

You are loved.

[a-groovy-gypsy.livejournal.com]

I am truly sorry for the loss of your furbaby. I know she will be well friended up in Kitty-Heaven. She can find 2 of my furbabies, TC and Ouija.

[apocalypticbob.livejournal.com]

Incredibly sorry for your loss, though glad you were blessed to share many years with her, and that she chose you to spent those years with.

[biobabe.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry.

[muffle1969.livejournal.com]

Well, Cutie is now playing with my Kallie-kitty, who at this point is only a bit older than Cutie. They're probably chasing each other around the Rainbow Bridge now, trying to decide who's gonna play boss-of-the-moment. I'm sure it will change moment to moment, at least until Graycie gets there. :)

Thank GOD they have a while.

Kallie died in 2000 at age 11 of cancer, and I still miss her and love her like crazy. But she'll take very very good care of Cutie. I promise.

[bookofmirrors.livejournal.com]

*hug* I'm so sorry, sweetie. I know what it's like to lose a loved one like that. And kudos to you for being brave, and listening to her.

[bluesgirly.livejournal.com]

Oh I am so sorry. :( What a beautiful tribute.

[i-descend.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry sweetie. *hug*

[ocean-song.livejournal.com]

*hugs* I'm so sorry sweetness. I know it was her time, and you had a wonderful life with her. But it still hurts. *biiiiiiiiig hugs*

Rest in Peace, and dream of large vet techs. :)

[strega42.livejournal.com]

More hugs.

That was a beautiful sharing of Cutie with us; thank you.

[vernard.livejournal.com]

My sincerest condolences for you.

but Cutie has unlimited catnip for eternity. For that you can still smile.

[kiia.livejournal.com]

I am so very sorry *hugs*

[earthgoddess.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry for your loss, sweetie.

((((hugs))))

[trillian42.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

[tfcocs.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry to read of your loss. Much love to you and yours!

[dark-blade.livejournal.com]

*Hugs*

Lovies an very sorry about your kitty :(

[drlaurac.livejournal.com]

I am so very sorry. But you know you did the right thing. I tried to hold on too long the last time, and I am still sorry, years later.

[teague.livejournal.com]

Much condolences, love.

[stronae.livejournal.com]

I'm really sorry, but I'm glad for your companionship.

[seegwa.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry, hon. I know the pain and the loss. She was obviously an amazing girl that very carefully chose her humans and she chose well. She was as blessed as you were.

[radiantbaby.livejournal.com]

Aww. *hugs*

[mizdandylynn.livejournal.com]

I am so very sorry.....
&hearts&hearts&hearts&hearts&hearts&hearts&hearts&hearts&hearts&hearts&hearts&hearts&hearts&hearts&hearts&hearts&hearts&hearts&hearts&hearts&hearts&hearts&hearts&hearts&hearts&hearts&hearts&hearts

[darkbay.livejournal.com]

Awwww man. Your story makes me cry. I'm so sad for your loss. *hugs, my friend*

Condolences

[greg69sheryl.livejournal.com]

Thanks for sharing such a touching eulogy.

[nursemae.livejournal.com]

Oooh... :(

Ciao Cutie, thanks for giving them years of dominating love.

[phred1973.livejournal.com]

Wow. Sounds like quite the Cat.

Hi. Shondra thinks we should meet/con(per)verse/etc. I have no idea whether or not we've met at DCon or not-I met a good many friends of friends in '07, and could not tell you who is who... other than Bald Dave.