"Thumper"
{ Tudie }
March 17 1982 ----- April 24 2000
Manx Cat
“Thumper,” our beloved family feline was nicknamed “Tudie.”
She was a tail-less wonder a manx.
But she was special beyond her physical beauty.
Because little Tudie grew up knowing only human kindness
she was friendly and trusting and therefore enjoyed lots of cuddling.
Thanks to her human mother Sybil Thumper
had a winning personality.
Through the years Tudie and I developed some endearing rituals.
She would wake me in the mornings by standing on my chest.
Over my coffee I had to tuck her into my robe so I could read the papers.
When she wanted to go out onto the patio to chew plants
she sat by the door and meowed. This sounded
a lot like “me-out” which became known as “out-y.”
The most endearing ritual was at bedtime. After I got under the blankets,
Tudie would settle on my chest with her face so close to mine that our noses
almost touched. And there we would study each other’s faces. As I petted
her massaged her ears and scratched her chin
she would purr me a lullaby.
Thumper having “Outie”
We always saw to Thumper’s good health.
But beginning 1999 she was
diagnosed with a hyper-thyroid condition.
In the ensuing year we couldn’t halt her slow decline.
Finally the day came when her spirit was not enough
to prevail over her aged and sick body. Just as we felt great joy at seeing
Tudie enter this world 18 years and 38 days before
we now experienced pain sorrow
and loss as we bid her goodbye.
Friends there must be a special place in heaven
where Thumper is once again in her prime.
Other cats are showing her around.
There’s fresh water dry food and lots of chicken and human tuna snacks.
There is no need for ‘out-y’
because in heaven it is always ‘out-y.’ But back here
I’ll have trouble falling asleep because at bedtime
I no longer have that beautiful face to study.
Tudie we miss you very much.
Thumper is survived by Butterball and Honey Boy
and humans Tally and Sybil.
TY 4-29-2000
| Thumper {Tudie} |
| Tally,Sybil,Butterball&Honey Boy |