Taffy, you came into our lives when we least expected it (and with you came Pumpkin) and were with us for too short of a time but during that time you left your pawprints permanently on our hearts.
In early 2001, Daddy came home and said he was going to feed a stray kitty across the street. I had to go see you. You were thin but such a beautiful little girl with little bowed legs in front. You looked like such a little lady but true to Calico nature you could be a little firecracker when you were mad. The next day, you were in our backyard to stay with Pumpkin, “the little lion”, following a few days later…much to the dismay of Brandy, our mini-dachshund, who already hated sharing the spotlight with Patches, our indoor kitty who we had also taken in as a stray in 1994.
You were named “Taffeta Belle” but we shortened that to Taffy or, when in trouble, Taf. We never will know how you and Pumpkin were related and we will never figure out your relation to all the cats you would bring around…we used to joke that you knew all the cats in the neighborhood.
Our pretty little one, we will never forget how you would come running when you heard the car or truck pull up and how you loved to roll on your back and show off until we petted you. I could always find you out in the front rose garden in the shade and I loved looking at you there from the kitchen windows.
We never knew how much our lives would change in May 2005 when the “disaster” to the house made us move but you got to see Daddy alot as he worked for months fixing it to sell. I would come over and see you but once sold we could only take Brandy to our apartment so you, Taffy and Patches were staying with Grandpa until we bought another home and could all be reunited. Grandpa loved and spoiled you, unfortunately I was so ill and never got down to see you before the day Grandpa called and said you were sick.
The vet called and said you were in ARF/Acute Renal Failure and he also said you were close to 20 years old…you looked younger. Grandpa took you home for the weekend after being in the vet’s for 3 days, I called daily and they were so caring and loving that that at least that made me feel better if you had to be there. I had hoped you would do better but after the weekend Grandpa had to bring you back to the vet Monday. When the vet called, he said you were not doing well. Daddy and I decided to let the vet try a few more things and were coming to see you at 4:00 pm…we knew that would be the last time we would see you here on earth as we didn’t want you to suffer but we wanted to be there with you as you crossed to the Rainbow Bridge. That wasn’t meant to be, two hours later the vet called saying you passed in the loving hands of a vet tech who was working with you. I’m so sorry we weren’t with you, sweetie, but thank you for letting us know you were okay a few nights later…you always had a way to make your presence known and your Daddy and I needed that. I was so worried about Pumpkin, he was so attached to you and followed you everywhere…he was sad for a long time but now is happy at our new home and protecting the backyard like he used to at the other home. He is battling CRF/Chronic Renal Failure so look over him so that he may be with us as long as possible and when it is his time please meet him at the Bridge along with Patches (who passed on June 18, 2007).
Taffeta Belle…we could never figure why someone would love a beautiful little girl like you behind to fend for yourself on the streets but we are so glad we had you, even if it was a relatively short time. We cry at the thought we weren’t with you when you passed and try to console ourselves with the fact that you had a loving home the last years of your live. You were love and adored, although Daddy loved all three kitties you were his “Heart Cat” and he misses you and all your special ways.
He felt you were the most beautiful girl ever.
I still cry that you had to leave before we could be a family again and before you could see the big backyard we now have that backs to open space…you would have loved it. But I know you are running free in an even better place. Know that we love you, always and forever our little Taffeta Belle and we think of you daily. One day we will be together again sweet girl.
All our love forever,
| Taffeta "Taffy"" Belle" |
| 20, Dec 2005 |
| Joy & Brad |