Sunday, 6/12/05

Hi, there.

I keep thinking I'm going to get back into the swing of things here, but have yet to do so.   So, I'm making a new "token" effort.

The reasons for putting in a new entry are two-fold.  Today is one of mixed emotions.  Nora and I just got back from a nice weekend trip up to Chicago for her cousin's wedding.  We took a couple of days off so we could go up ahead of time and do some shopping, etc.   It was pretty enjoyable, all around.   Unfortunately, when we returned today, we received some bad news via e-mail about some friends of ours - or rather about their cats.

Their 16 year old had been diagnosed with squamous cell cancer in his jaw a few weeks ago.    Unfortunately, shortly before we were to leave, the cancer had erupted through the skin, which had to be terribly painful,  So they had to put him down, as they knew they would have to, eventually.

The tragedy was doubled, when just 2 or three days later, another of their cats had to be put to sleep.  This was especially sad, given its history.

She had been rescued from neglect from the basement of our friend's mother who had been put into elderly care.  Apparently, her brother had not been properly looking after either of them.  When our friend learned of the situation (which was in another state) she immediately traveled there to straighten out affairs and in the process, brought this cat home. 

This little black cat was a charmer.  She was a very friendly and loving cat.  When our friends had visitors over, this little girl would often climb into their laps.  She was grateful to be where she was.  She seemed to like me a great deal - the last time I saw here, she was laying up against my chest on one side and gently patting my face with her paws.

Our friends had only had her for a little over a year when a sudden kidney infection occurred and there was no way to save her.  She was estimated to only be 10 or 11 years old.  Very sad.   The only consolation I could offer our friends over the phone when I called was to say that at least she had found a good home at last, and she knew she was very much loved. 

We'll miss both our friends' furry companions, since they were as much hosts of the house as their human owners.  Our friends are now down to one remaining feline.

On a more positive note, we're nearing  completion of  the process to adopt a new kitten!   Since this is the time of  year when there is a particular overabundance of kittens in need of homes, I thought the time was right to welcome another little one into our house.  Our application for a fostered kitten was accepted by one of the area cat shelter groups, and we're just waiting to hear when we get to go meet and possibly pick it up.

This time, we thought it might be good to adopt a little female kitten.  We're hoping that Merlin might feel less threatened by a little girl baby than another male.  We'd rather not go through the marking incidents again, given his experience with Loki (and Max, before him).  So, fingers crossed, we should have a new member of the household this week, with pictures posted on the Casa Mai website soon!