May 15 1994 —- March 5 1996
Calico Cat
Savannah Rae was my first calico cat which is my
favorite color of cat. She was what is called a polydactyl
meaning she had extra toes on her front feet.
I adopted her from a woman who rescues animals.
When I went out to her place she had kittens all over the
kitten cage of every color and size you could imagine.
I stood there looking and at first did not see any calico kittens.
Then I saw one quietly sitting on the bottom of the
cage under a shelf she had for the kittens.
I asked to see her and the lady handed her to me.
I saw the extra toes which was not really what I wanted and
just held her and took my time thinking about it.
Somebody else came to look at pets and the lady said
“Well do you want her or not?” and I said “Yes”
but I wasn’t really sure she was what I really wanted.
This was June 27 1994.
See I had wanted a cat I could show not a purebred but one
to show in what is called Household Pets.
I volunteered at a shelter and thought it was a good idea to be
able to show cats without a special breed or pedigree.
I did not know really that I wanted this one!
I named her Savannah Rae because I thought that was a nice
name for a hopeful show cat.
When I got her home it didn’t take long before this cat showed
she had personality and love plus. I have a multicat household
and she really turned out to be from the bunch my soul mate.
If I was sitting she was on my lap. If I was somewhere so was she.
She had the most beautiful green eyes and as she grew she
became more and more beautiful.
Very dainty and sleek.
In October when she was five months old I took her to
her first show. She loved it! Out of all the rings she got best in
half of them and a final rosette in every one.
People were commenting how beautiful they thought she was.
She loved riding in the car too. Not in the carrier preferably.
It was fun to see the reaction of people driving by when
they would see her looking out the window perched half
on my shoulder and half on the door of the car
looking out at everybody! She loved people.
I would take her just for a ride in the car because she loved it
so much. Savannah and I went to several shows for about
a year and we always enjoyed them. But better than that,
she was a soul mate. The extra toes I guess made for bigger feet
she could caress my face with.
In the fall and winter of 1995-1996 however Savannah was a
little more sluggish than usual. It was a bad winter and
most of my cats just liked to do things like lie on heat vents
so I did not think too much about it.
However I noticed that she was getting a big belly.
I know the symptoms of Feline Infectious Peritonitis
but my heart would not let me think about it. No way!
I preferred to think she was just fat from being lazy.
But one morning she was short of breath. I called my boss
and said I was taking her to the vet. The minute the vet
looked at her I remember his words “This cat is done for.”
It took me three hours to say goodbye.
I could have taken her home but she would have died in a
day or two. So I made a decision that was painful but best for her.
Such a young cat and such a terrible disease!
Now I have another calico I show who has her Supreme title
and this year even won a regional award.
Every time Sage wins something I believe Savannah is there
with us and that she deserves part of the award.
I always think “We’re doing it for Savannah.”
I had Savannah cremated and she will always be with me.
When I show her picture is always on top of the cage.
She was my first winner and my soul mate.
When I hear the song by Boys 2 Men and Mariah Carey
“One Sweet Day” which I heard play as I left the vet’s office
after she was put down I think of her.
Almost always I hear it play on the radio as I’m driving to a
cat show.
This year on the anniversary of her death I heard it.
I love you Savannah. I miss you and will forever.
Sage and I will carry on your legacy at the cat shows and
will always keep you close to us. I know you wish you were at
the cat shows in real life.
There are still judges who remember you!
I almost died myself in 1996 and I know you were there.
I know I have my special guardian angel.
After Savannah died I found out from the lady I had adopted
her from that she had been brought to the rescue farm
from a lady who had seen somebody throw her out of a car!
To all people who abuse animals in any way I know that if
you could experience the love of even one animal this special
you would be very sorry! Maybe though your hearts are too
hard and you would not be able to accept that love.
If you do not want puppies and kittens spay or neuter and
if you do not want pets do not get them in the first place!
Please God take care of my Savannah and help ease the pain
of those who have lost animals especially at first when the pain
is almost too much to bear.
And thank the people who make this web site possible for
allowing these tributes to our special angels.
With Love,
Helen
| Savannah Rae |