I met Rapunzel in February when I went to return a cat that wasn’t working out for me. The adoption center had allowed my friend to adopt the cat that wasn’t working out, and I was meant to go home alone, without a companion due to the strict demands of my landlord.
What happened that day was a miracle, and meant to be! Out of the corner of my eye I saw the most beautiful Calico cat in a cage at the adoption center. She was laying down and purring loudly for all to hear. Despite the demands of my landlord, I had to have her and took her home immediately.
Once home, I let her out of her crate. She wandered about the apartment and I fell aleep in bed. When I awoke the next morning she was sleeping under the covers, by my side as if we knew each other already. (She would sleep with me for most of her life until I met my husband and then she would sleep between us!)
Rapunzel was a beautiful girl who got a 100% physical at the vet and was called ” a prime example of a healthy cat.” She had the most beautiful profile and warm green eyes that just exuded love. She was headstrong at times and difficult, but transitioned well through several moves and the addition of several animals into our family.
Sadly, my best friend died on August 4, 2006. The reasons are unclear. She was found on the couch dead in a spot where I was sleeping the night before. My husband claims that she’d been sleeping beside me for most of the night and there’s a chance I could have smothered her or broken her neck due to a sudden movement during sleep. The vet believes that she could not die that way, being a 14lb cat, and very a skittish one. Also because Rapunzel slept with me every night and was well aware of my movements, but I still feel a great amount of guilt. She was not sick, so this is a mystery. I am filled with so many “what ifs,” and believe that I was not such a responsible owner.
Rapunzel, you were my best friend, my constant companion, and most of all, my rock. You were selfless and caring, loving and supportive of me every step of the way, when I had no one else.
During times of stress your purrs and sounds calmed me to sleep, and put my mind at ease. Moving to a state where I had no friends or connections, you were all I needed–a forever family member who was loyal and true.
I only hope that you have moved on to a better place, a place where there is lots of vanilla ice cream (which you loved), fake plants to eat, and nothing to make you anxious or upset. I also hope someone is taking care of you until we meet again, someone who will enable you to see glimpses of my life from now til we meet again. Please know I will be thinking of you during every milestone and
you will always be in my heart.
We love you Rapunzel Mama, Rapunzel-Girl,
and our pretty girl.