When Did I Know You Were Daddy`s Boy? A Tribute to Le L'Amitie Anubis Nefercat True, by Terry True
When did I know you were Daddy’s boy? Was it when I saw your small kitten frame across the room and you gave me the "silent" meow? Was it when you pressed your little face, with its wet nose, into the palm of my hand insisting that I pet your head?
Was it when the vet said you could not live from an overwhelming Bordetella infection and yet you fought back to be the cat of a lifetime. Was it when you snuggled to my side and snored softly in your sleep?
When did I know you were Daddy's boy? Was it the time you seemed to know the feelings of despair I felt and yet offered unconditional acceptance? Was it when you dried my tears with the soft bridge of your nose?
Was it when you proved that despite your furry tail and fuzzy flanks, you were the best "show cat" I never showed? Was it when you nipped at the other cat's ears because they weretoo close to your Daddy-cat?
When did I know you were Daddy’s boy? Was it in the stillness of the dark night that I could hear your purr of assurance that all was well? Was it when I read the news-paper and you sat on the back of my neck with your tail flicking across my face?
Was it when I saw you sitting at the end of the bed, pouting that I was petting another cat and looking over your shoulder to be sure I was watching? Was it when you caressed my face with both paws and made me know that you saw deep into my soul?
When did I know you were Daddy’s boy? Yours' was a lifetime of love and you were the love of a lifetime. You were Daddy's "Nuber-kitty" and the joy of my heart. When did I know you were my boy?
Always and forever . . . I know I'll always be your Daddy-cat.
While this is a section for - primarily - pet loss memorials, it would be remiss if this section did not also pay tribute to one of the Sphynx communities dearest citizens - breeder and Sphynx-Adventurers list mom, Sue Gleason.
A Farewell to a Great Lady - Sue Gleason by Paul Patton
It is with great sorrow and sad-ness that I have to write this story. Carolyn Sue Gleason, a friend of mine for over twenty years, on Saturday, January 3, 2009, lost her battle with cancer.
She and I first crossed paths at a show very early on in both of our times in the cat fancy. In fact, she was still showing and breeding Exotics & Persians. We became very special friends, both in and out of the cat fancy, and helped each other through all of the good and the bad times since. For those who never knew her, you have missed out on something very special. For those who did get the opportunity to know her, she will always live on.
Sue was the mainstay of the M.E.O.W.S. Cat Club and involved in many facets of the cat fancy. She was crucial in the establish-ment of the CFA Breeders Assistance Program, a member of both the Mentor and Ambassador Pro-grams, and a member of the Cat'n on the Fox and Packerland Cat Clubs. Her dedication and hard work will be missed in all the clubs and programs.
I want to thank all of the indi-viduals that have sent condolences from all the various lists that she was a part of. There is no better memorial for Sue, than the lovely things her friends have said about her.
Paul Patton
Please take a moment to visit a memorial page set up in Sue's honour.
Gimli was a beautiful, young, and perfect boy in every possible way. Loving, faithful, and generous he gave his parents an enormous sense of pride and supreme joy. His passing was both bewildering and devastating and due, in part, to HCM which strikes without warning, symptoms, and even after a clean bill of health. We could not have been more stunned, and his dynamo presence is now a vast and deep void in our home. It is our hope, as his family, to help other vets and Sphynx owners who wish to know more about his death - and the cause - to better understand our unique breed. I encourage anyone wanting more information to contact me, or read more about HCM and the fundraising for research on this disease at the Winn Foundation website. We, as loving pet parents, would also like to encourage other to inquire first about the types of anesthesia used in sedation practices. For exotic breeds, like ours and many others, Ketamine should not be used.
My husband, his brother, Bilbo, and several family and friends have loved Gimli and our lives have been enriched by him. He knew that he was unconditionally loved. He was a confident young boy because he knew we supported him and wanted only the best for him. He did his part by always trying to delight, please, amuse, and love and cherish us. He will forever be in our hearts as one joyful and too-short moment of unabashed love; and we shall always feel regret for what could have been years and years of his most enchanting companionship.
Our thoughts and love go out to all who have lost as we have.
Tramping in the woods with Gimli at his favourite bridge - one month before his death.
Laying memorial flowers at Gimli's bridge with a warning attached regarding Ketamine.
A Poem by Jacky Chapman for her beloved cat, Patches
Patches, My Love
6/3/79 - 3/8/89
Angel Girl, it's been so long since you have gone away. --
I wish that we could meet again, if only for one day.
I see you still, a tiny kit, a baby cat just borne.
You claimed my heart with your first breath
And to this day I mourn.
My kit of many colors,
My darling little friend;
You chose me above all others
So loyal to the end.
Your eyes of gold shone pure with love;
I knew that I was blessed.
A precious gift sent from up above;
So different from the rest.
At night you lay so close to me; so safe within my arms.
I wanted more than anything to keep you safe from harm.
We played and laughed and purred and loved until that rainy day.
Then all the love that we two shared could not help you to stay.
I think sometimes, in darkest night, that I still hear your purr.
I reach across, where you should be, in sleep to touch your fur.
I know that we will meet again; but now just run and play.
Be happy, dearest little love…I'll hold you some fine day.
My Patches, My Forever Love...I will hold you in my heart until the day comes when I can hold you in my arms again.
And another poem by Jacky to her cat, Stripe, can be read here.
