message 5 of 5
by John » Mon Nov 02, 2020 06:13 pm
20 years ago today, I tearfully said goodbye to the one who started it all. I was positively devastated. I promised myself I'd never go through that again. Then just 2 weeks later I met Monster, who desperately needed someone, and it quickly snowballed. At one point, I was taking care of 22 cats, mostly outdoors with I think a high of 7 in the house. My garage, once dedicated to the car, was soon dedicated to the ones who lived outside, who could come in or out as they pleased, with litter boxes, boxes to hide or play in, blankets, endless food and water, and that wonderul heating pad you sent me. I'd often see 3 or 4 crowded together on that heating pad. Many died of old age. Some died for reasons I'll never know. Some outside were victims of dog attacks. When I had to move, the remaining few were taken in by a lady who loved them as much as I did, and most of those are still around today.
Poof was diabetic, which isn't easy to deal with in a person, let alone a cat. I did my best to take care of her but it could never be enough. I had to let her go at 15 years and 6 months. My love for the furkids has grown directly from her. Since then, I've very literally lost count of those I lost, there were just so many. But it will all be the result of what I learned from the Poof.
It's impossible to find a favorite picture. I treasure every one of them.
