Sadness: Last post of 2009

When we moved to my mom's in August, Callie was still just a tiny kitten. She was a stray, being fed by my mother and brother. She was scared and didn't trust people. She would only come up on the back deck for food when no one was out there.

But as soon as I saw her, I knew I wanted to keep her in my life. It took me a good 6 weeks of slowly coaxing her before I could as much as rub her little head. Then came the ear scratches and eventually she let me hold her. Then, when Kitty Boy (the siberian cat) showed up, Callie had a best friend. With Kitty Boy's help (and no, I did not name him that, but my brother did) Callie was coming out of her shell. I introduced her to MBB and they also became friends.

I had only moved the cats into my bedroom about 3 weeks ago. Things were going well. I would wake up and find the little furball curled up on my chest. She was going to the vet after the holidays for her spay and whatever else cats need. But, on Christmas eve, she disappeared. Both cats would come and go as they pleased--Callie had even figured out how to jump out my bedroom window! I was hoping she wouldn't show MBB the trick, cause you know MBB has been known to jump out of a window.

Sadly, after much searching and hoping, we found her body last night. Callie has left this world, crossing the bridge to a better place. There were no signs of trauma, and she hadn't even strayed from home...but we had quite a bit of land to cover...so it took a while to find her. I'm afraid someone poisoned this baby, or perhaps she died of natural causes. We just don't know. I do know she never left the property. She was still too afraid.

Regardless, we have buried another friend. I have never been a cat person...just because I've always had dogs. And now, this sweet little angel that changed my heart has taken a piece of it with her.

I know Koova and Doodle didn't like cats, but something tells me it's different over the Bridge. I hope they greeted her with open paws and slobbery kisses.

Kitty Boy is left by himself...and I hope to take him with me when we move in a few months. I just have to convince Jack, Jedi, and CoCo. Mya is already smitten with the kitten.

This has been the worst year that I can ever remember...and I just want it over. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to know and love Callie...and to have Koova and Doodle in my life for so many years. I still cry for my boys, and now I cry for Callie. But I will remember them with happiness and love...

If you don't think a dog or cat can change a life, you are wrong. I have been changed so much and in so many ways.... And I thank them.

Sherri