"Butterball"
January 15 2001
Cat
"Butterball" (Momma)
July 4 1981 to January 3 2001
Butter's story comes in two parts: before and after I married her owner,
Sybil. Upon my first visit to Sybil's place I remember being impressed by a
long haired grey and white cat that was chasing and returning ice cubes
tossed across the room.
My next memory was being invited to see Butterball's beautiful babies. When
they were old enough I took home a brown tabby girl manx.
But the very next day I was heart-broken.
Sybil came to reclaim her and I had to settle for another.
A few years later I married Sybil and as a bonus I got live with her two
cats. The manx was named Thumper. Butterball acquired the nickname "Momma"
because she was an excellent mother cat.
As time past I learned much about Butter. As a kitten she was abandoned in
an alley rescued and brought to Sybil who provided her a home. It was love
at first sight. Butter grew into a well-mannered and dignified adult. She
held her own in all types of company be
they humans dogs or other cats.
I always thought Butter didn't like me much since she didn't cuddle with me.
One day while reading a cat book I discovered that Butter was part
Norwegian Forrest cat. It was their nature to prefer being 'next-to' instead
of being held. I felt better after that since I had more that my fair share
of 'next-to' time.
For nearly 14 years we were a family. The 'girls' were there for Sybil and
me through good times and bad. Then sadly at age 18 Thumper became
afflicted with hyper-thyroidism and died in April 2000 (see paw print #64.)
Butterball had remained robust well into her old age.
But now at the age of 19 1/2 she was quite an old lady!
Her strength faded and health problems became overwhelming.
Her quality of life was rapidly declining. So it was
with tears and sorrow that we bid Butter farewell just after the new year.
I know that Butterball and Thumper are together again in that special place
in heaven. I know they are happy and that God is caring for them.
For Sybil and I it was the end of a very wonderful era.
We'll miss them both very much.
Butterball and Thumper are survived by Sybil Tally and Honey Boy.
1-15-2001
| Butterball |
| Tally |