Kitty by Val & Jim

TO OUR DEAREST
LITTLE GRAY KITTY GIRL

How were we to know on that summer day in July 1985 when you a 6 week old stray kitten nipped at Val’s heels that our lives would be forever changed? From that day and for the next 17 years you chose to share your life with us and we chose to make you the center of ours. We know that our lives were immensely enriched by you inviting us to travel your life with you. We hope little Kitty girl that your life
was enriched as well.

There are so many things to say about you. You were beautiful. Your short gray fur was silky and shiny and invited to be touched. Your eyes were expressive and revealed your varied moods. Your meows were a language which we learned and understood. Your tail which twitched at the sound of your name stood tall when you were happy and tucked away in times of trial. Your disposition was so sweet that all who met you immediately feel in love with you.

You were very atheletic. As a younger cat you literally galloped across fields. You were a sight to behold when you ran at full speed upon the calling of your name only to come to a quick stop as you saw us so that you could casually walk up as if you had no excitement in the prospect of seeing us. And you to our great concern would climb the heights of trees and walk and jump across roof peaks. Your agility was a constant source of amazement to us. No ballerina ever looked as graceful as you and no acrobat ever had your confidence in walking the high wire.

You maintained the instincts of a jungle cat. You would stay on alert when outside measuring every sound to detrmine whether friend or foe approached. Your skills as a hunter were superb as shown by the numerous treasures you brought us and which you pranced before as the proud food bearer who had succeeded that day. Your were always pleased with yourself by the gifts you brought us.

You had a shy side too. You were always embarassed by your fur balls and occasional accidents. You seemed to strive to never disappoint us and would await our encouraging words following any mishap before you returned to normal. Dear Kitty please know that we were never anything but proud of you and concerned about your well being. You never did anything but make us feel great about ourselves.

You were playful. Hide and seek was a game you adored and we played it with you a lot. As you peeked around a corner you looked to see if we saw you and when you realized we did you would charge off in another direction and wait until we came looking for you. An aluminum foil ball became a favorite toy. You would bat it in the air try catch it and then with your paw kick it to us hoping that a return pass would soon be on its way. You would hide in a paper sack while we pushed in the outside of the bag so you could jump at the movement. Your playfulness provided us with many laughs. We enjoyed the games you invited us to play with you more than you enjoyed them. We are so grateful that you
let us play along.

You were also a smart little Kitty girl. You quickly learned how to control us with your looks your movements and your special language. Your intelligence was most clearly revealed when you learned that you could command us to action by thumping the spring door stop or thumping the window and door blinds. You trained us well Kitty Girl. We did what you wanted to be done when you wanted it done. We will miss your daily commands and requests.

You were a strong will being. You ventured off as a young kitten in search we think of a couple with whom you could relate. It took alot of courage for one so young to head out in the dangerous world. You never showed any fear. You survived a car hitting you and breaking your hip an alegeric reaction to flea spray thyroid problems thoracic duct problems and urinary tract infections. You never missed much due to these problems and always bounced back to your lovable self. We learned so much by the strength of your character when you faced these problems. Thank you for the lessons you taught us.

But most of all Kitty you were a loving soul. You warmed our hearts each time you selected a lap or stomach to rest upon for the evening and when you chose Val’s head and pillow as the most comfortable spot to sleep during the night. We loved your always eager anticipation for a head rub and you never tired of being petted. We always melted when you walked between and rubbed our legs saying now is the time when we each will show affection by us massaging you all over and you giving our hands baths
with your tongue.

Kitty we adored you. You were the center of our lives. We will miss you so very much and for the rest of our lives each day we will think of you and smile. Right now we hurt because you are not here. But we know that you had a great life. We thank you so very much for wandering into our lives 17 years ago and agreeing that we could spend so much time with you. We know that on any day you could have chosen to go elswhere. You did not. Your decision to stay was a great gift to us which we never took for granted. Please rest well our beautiful little gray Kitty girl.

WE MISS YOU AND WILL FOREVER.

Val and Jim Talley
Winter Garden Florida