April 1 1996 ---- March 6 1999
Cat
This tribute is to the best friend I ever had and ever will
have the pleasure of having again. He was at least twenty some pounds of
fur and love. Well to me...to others he was kind of a butt head but I
don't think I know one person who didn't like Jerry.
He was a once in a life time thing and as with most things that
good and special he didn't last long.
He never went outside without supervision more than twice in his life.
He was "Overly domesticated" as I used to say to him jokingly and
that would cause more pain perhaps then it would have prevented. He never
climbed a tree...not even when being presued by three stray dogs.
He got out the night after my birthday. I thought he was just
hiding in the closet again he had a knack for finding interesting
places to disappear in. So I did something I'd resent for the rest of my
life: I left with some friends. When I came back there was no Jerry.
Nor would there be for the rest of the week...or for the rest of my life.
It was all so ironic too. Everything about that week that is.
Twice my cat was spotted but being terrified about everything and just
being Jerry he was never caught. Every day every night I searched for
my baby Jerry but I never even saw him till it was too late.
At three o'clock in the morning on Saturday the Sixth of March,
I was awakened by the dogs outside barking like the world was coming to
and end and perhaps it was but as I'd only gone to sleep an hour
earlier (I'd had a friend over to help me deal with Jerry)so before the
thought ever registered fully in my mind I was back to sleep.
There was another mistake.
In the morning after my friend had left I was going to go to
the library when I saw something that will never leave me a big white
splotch with tabby markings on it laying on the grass next door. As I
panicked and repeated myself I saw that it had to be him due to one of
his unique markings; he had a large brown smear like marking on his nose,
like someone had dipped their thumb in brown and black mixed paint and
wiped him across the nose with it. The black showing on the edges.
I don't think I have to describe the sensation I felt as I got him
up off the ground and carried him into the garage.
Because every pet owner will know it one time or another.
It was the most horrid thing in the world that I have ever seen was
his lively huge green eyes that seemed to hold the world in them
dull and lifeless. And his coat the white part of it that used to have a
seemingly magical bluish glow to it like there was something radiating
inside him that could never leave was gone.
I guess the saying that "all shimmers in this world is sure to fade"
is true. So there it is Jerry's story...the shortened version the
later version of his life the less emotional one.
But I hope that someone out there relates,and/or decides to spend
just a little more time with their special one.
Because there isn't all the time int he world just some time to enjoy
before its gone which happens all too soon.
So I guess in closing I love you Jerry even if that doesn't matter anymore.
Even if that couldn't save you I do...and I think you knew that.
Good bye Jerry my Hairy Jerry my Mr.Bigglesworth,
my Jer Bear and my Fat Cat.
You will never be forgotten.
Shayla
Jerry |
Laurent S. |