May you rule kitty heaven
Spike and his sister Chessie joined me fifteen years ago when I finally landed in California, got a job, and bought a home. I soon visited a local pet rescue place and requested two cats, preferably related.
It just so happened that they had the perfect cats for me, although they had not been gifted to the center yet because these kittens were born at home. The story goes that the mom cat hadn't been fixed, and she managed to get outside (she was an indoor-only kitty) and do the boom-boom with the local tom cat and shortly gave birth to five kittens.
When they were old enough, their human parents wanted to meet the cat's new mom before letting go of them. So I guessed they liked me enough and took the two home with me.
I think it's rare to adopt kittens from home with their mother, who probably taught each of them some of the ins and outs of living with humans.
After I brought them home, I taught them to Contra Dance:
Click to viewSilly video, but it entertains me every time I watch it.
Spike excelled in his jumping kills.
I lost Chessie to a car accident early on, so Spike grew up with me, and later on, Ky, definitely a "cat person."
After Chessie died, we thought it wise to add to the family and adopted Blue.
Spike was happy to have another feline in the home; although they never loved each other, Spike ruled the pair, always putting Blue in his respected place.
Spike never complained.
Until lately. When the vet said "Kidney disease," Ky and I discussed options and decided it was time.
After some research online, I found Lap of Love and gave them a call and set up the date. Ky and I agreed we'd not second guess our decision on what was best for the cat because that would drive us both crazy.
Our doctor from Lap of Love was SO kind, loving, and assuring. She gave Spike a quick shot, and within a minute, he gently folded into himself. She then administered the final drug, listened to his heartbeat, turned to us, and softly said, "Spike has passed."
Yeah, we both teared up.
What an easy way to die. If only we could pass as easily.
I'll miss that cat. So long may you run, Mr. Spike.