Dedicated to White Cat & KC

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened. "

(Anatole France)

One summer day fifteen years ago I met a cat whom I called White cat (for obvious reasons). I knew at some point she had been a member of someone’s family. She came to me “Meowing” nonstop. She was lost. She lived out in the field behind my house. I desperately tried to find her owner without any luck. As the season’s changed she became less vocal. Then when winter was in the wind, I finally couldn’t take it any longer and brought her inside our home. Taking her to the vet, making sure she didn’t have fleas, etc. During our first year together she would follow me all over our house.  She was the boss of the family. I turned into her “Person”. Oh how we loved one another.

Then a couple years later, a small tiny kitten joined our family. We lovingly named her K.C. K.C. was a very loving quiet kitty. My daughter, and then my husband turned into her “People”

Over these past four years White Cat developed Liver & Kidney Disease. She did not want to leave us, and we didn’t want her to go.  Then one day, her body was weak and tired; I was faced with making that hard decision. But as they say, time heals the pain and over time, K.C. and I bonded. We have always loved one another, but this past year K.C. knew how much I missed my kitty and she would sit, and sleep on my lap too.

This past January I looked at K.C. she just didn’t look right so I took her to the vet. Her kidney levels were slightly high. I took her home and she had good days. Then two weeks ago, upon taking she to the vet to get checked out we discovered that she was very sick. It was cancer. Together my husband and I decided it was time for her to go be with White cat. This process has been one of the hardest things we have done. Today, our house is way too quiet. Currently we have decided to take a break from pets for awhile. Today has been a quiet, somber day for us.

Reflection is often a way to heal. I have come to learn some things both good and bad about my personality through the loss of my pets. I also have stepped back and looked at my pets’ live. Both of them had good long lives.

This afternoon I saw a thin, black cat that is missing one eye. My heart sank. I know that there are a lot of mice in the field. I just wish that all pets had “Their people” and were taken care of.

Thought I would share a beautiful poem I found for those of you who love your pets.

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 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 that 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....

Author unknown...

Till next time,

Terri