Today was supposed to be a different blog post. Today was supposed to be a happy day. But today is the day my beloved cat Lily died. I could use a more gentle euphemism for it, but it does not change what happened.
Lily came to us a little over 19 years ago. She was just tiny, wee thing. She and her siblings had been abandoned, left in a box, in a field, tucked under a bush. A friend’s daughter found them and brought them home. They were all so little!
Lily came to live with us and was feisty from day 1. She came out of the crate hissing and spitting and was NOT happy to meet Max- our gentle but very large golden retriever/ husky mix pup.
She let him know right away who was the boss- she was! I remember her standing guard to the back hall where Max’s food was kept- hissing and preventing him from getting to his bowl. And Max, sweetie that he was, just stood there and cried. Doggie whines. He could have flicked her away with a gentle swipe of his paw, but he didn’t.
She was such a pretty girl with the softest fur. And she always independent and a spitfire- but calico’s are often that way. And I was her person. The last few years, as she got older and a little more feeble, her cry became crankier. Louder. But to soothe her, all I had to do was sit with her on the couch, pet her a little and then she would curl up next to me and fall asleep. My little snuggle bug.
I am going to miss her furry little face.
Bye Princess Tiger Lily.
Love your butterfly kisses !!
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
I’m so sorry to read this post. Your description of Lily sounds very much like my own little calico girl. And more broadly, there is something very tender about how as cats grow old–especially the old gals, I think–they tend to simply want to be with “their person”. I hope the memory of that brings you comfort now and happy memories later.
I’ve always had calico cats, ever since I was a child. They are a little feisty, but still I loved each and every one. My condolences.
Thank you Kathie. She is missed.
So sorry for your loss. She sounds like a wonderful kitty!
Thank you Sandy. She was a great cat.