Precious Minnie on her last day

In loving memory of a beautiful girl who I had the great pleasure of sharing my life with for the past five and one-half years.  Both you and your brother, Mickey, came to me shortly after our mom passed away on June 4, 2002.

Oh how much I love you, you sweet little girl.  I know to outsiders, you were very stand-offish and some would even call fat (what a horrible thing to say)!  You were, in my eyes, pleasantly plump and very friendly.  You didn't let too many people know that, you were very particular in choosing your friends.  I can respect that, since there are not many "cat lovers" out there!

As a kitten, you and your brother kept Mommy Dolores company after a painful divorce.  She loved you guys sooo much!  The family would always hear stories of the latest escapades of the kitties!  One story I always enjoyed was when Mommy Dolores would try to take a nap without you (disgraceful, I know), you and Mickey would conspire to open the bedroom door!  Since Mickey was slightly thinner than you (it is o.k. since boys tend to exercise more), he would jump up and try to catch the handle while you stood at the door waiting to push it open.  More often than not, you guys were successful and would snuggle with Mommy Dolores in your own way.  Mickey loved being under the covers, while you would find a nice spot near her head and purr loudly.

After Mommy Dolores passed away, I was in charge of moving you guys to Mom-Mom's house.  Mickey was a willing participant in the move, he usually just went with the flow.  You, on the other hand, had to be talked in to moving.  You argued with me as any strong-willed female would--hissing, spitting, biting at me.  I knew how you felt though, since we had both just suffered a horrible loss.  I never held anything against you, sweetie.  I was heartbroken, too.  Mom-Mom only kept you for a short period since she was 81 at the time.  She felt it would be too hard to keep up with two lively kitties.

Next it was on to trying to get you and Mickey adopted at the pet store.  I was adamant that you both were to be adopted together.  You were so frightened.  I stayed with you and held you close to me so you wouldn't feel abandoned.  Thankfully, no one took you so I could take you home with me!  I probably scared off any potential adoptive parents with my "don't come near these babies" look to anyone that approached you.  My children, Samson the dog and Smokie the cat, would just have to deal with the addition of two more family members!  You guys joined us in late-summer, 2002.

Living in a house with so many things going on was a little hard for you.  You were a trooper, though!  You always stayed one step ahead of where Samson was going or where Smokie was sleeping.  Encountering a flight of stairs for the first time was also a challenge.  You kept mostly to yourself and would hang out with me any time I was on the second floor.  I always found you in the most unusual hiding places.

When I moved to an apartment in preparation of my divorce in July, 2005, you and Mickey joined me.  Sadly, I had to put Smokie down a few weeks before the move.  Through no fault of your own, she never really accepted you and your brother.  Mickey would chase and pounce on her every chance he had.  At her age, she just wasn't in the mood to play with him.  She would throw up a lot, lost weight and some of her fur.  We left Samson with his daddy and a few months later, he joined Smokie in Heaven.

How you loved my apartment!  No big German Shepard to watch for or another girl cat to be aware of!  You could do your own thing and no one would bother you.

Minn-Minn finds her spot on my huge sofa!

You immediately claimed an area of the new sectional sofa, which I had no objection to, since the entire time we were in the house, you never felt safe enough to be in the living room.

As opposed to never being seen in the house, you were always with me...whether I was watching t.v., doing book work, folding laundry, or going to the trash shoot in the hallway.  You and Mickey would always help me take out the trash.  You met some of our neighbors while we were doing our chores.  It was always a struggle to get you guys back in our apartment.  I don't know what it was about the hallway, but you would roll around with such a smile on your face that I always felt guilty bringing you back home.

During our time there, you blossomed so much!  You and Mickey were my constant companions.  That is, until, company arrived.  Mickey would be bold enough to greet anyone.  You, on the other hand, were always nervous of new faces.  Of course, the way around that obstacle was for you to hear the treat bag being opened.  Then, all bets were off!  Whoever was giving out the treats was your new best friend! 

You never let me go to bed by myself either.  You always sensed when it was time.  You would jump up on the bed and get yourself comfortable and I would just have to crawl in around where you decided you were going to sleep.  Mickey always chose bedtime to be the time that he would explore the apartment.  Whether it was calling out or opening cabinets, he usually found something to interuppt our beauty sleep.  While I debated having to get out of bed to corral him, you would just have this look on your face that basically said it all, "BOYS!"  I knew exactly how you felt, but if I wouldn't go find out what he was up to, he would keep me awake all night.  You did a pretty good job in ignoring his midnight explorations!

You were never really much of an explorer.  You would rather just chill somewhere.  Favorite hang outs included my bedroom closet, the bathroom tub, one of your chairs, or in front of the sliding glass door.  I am sure I can find some pictures to post here to prove how much you loved apartment living.

Minnie claimed Nana's chair as her own!

I always smile when I see pictures of you in various poses.  Because of your shape and size, they were just more adorable than those of your brother.  I love every picture I have of all of my babies, but since you were more camera shy, catching you in those poses mean so much more to me.

We decided to move in to New Daddy's house in December, 2007.  Another obstacle to overcome...Shyanne, the Rottweiler!  Remembering how it was with Samson a few years before, you did a pretty good job avoiding this 100 pound girl.  You even traveled around the house without much difficulty.  You were older, but also bolder!  Some nights, you even decided to sleep in Mommy's bedroom, with Mickey, New Daddy, and Shyanne.  It seemed like old times when I would wake up in the middle of the night and saw you sleeping at the end of the bed.  I do remember one night, however, when I heard a hissing of a cat, a wimpering of a dog, and a smack on a dog's snout!  Apparently, Shyanne came too close for comfort and you set her in her place!  What a brave girl Mommy had on her hands.  Even though you were the new girl in town, you were not about to let some "dog" push you around.

You also had your own little sanctuary in the middle bedroom.  All of your kitty needs were in there and no doggies were allowed.  As you always did, you decided to claim a piece of furniture as your own.  Coming near the queen when she was on her throne was always an adventure.  When I would come home from being away for a while, Mickey and Shyanne would come running up to me.  You would never stoop that that level.  I would have to come to you.  Whenever I greeted you after being away, that sweet smile of yours was always on your face.  I would sit next to you on the futon, give you treats, rub the top of your head the way you loved, and whatever stress I was feeling would just melt away.

Minn-Minn found New Daddy's shower!

On Sunday, February 3rd, you didn't seem quite like yourself.  Your eyes were slightly glazed and you looked kind of out of it.  Since you were still eating and going potty, I just thought that maybe you were having an "off" day.  I called the vet on Tuesday, February 5th, and I made an appointment for that Thursday, February 7th.  I had never had you to the vet in the almost six years you were with me, so you would be a new patient.

By Wednesday, February 6th, I knew something was terribly wrong.  I would find you laying in very strange positions all over the house.  You would look up at me and just cry.  I picked you up and placed you on your futon, hoping that would bring you comfort.  At one point, you jumped off the futon and went to your litter box.  I immediately thought, "Thank God, she is doing something normal!"  When you just laid in the litter box and didn't move, my heart sank.  I rushed to you, picked you up and held you close.  I whispered that I wasn't ready to lose you and began to sob uncontrollably (as I type this, remembering that awful day, my eyes are beginning to fill with tears).  Daddy Chuck came running up the stairs and found us.  I knew what had to be done and looked for the telephone number of the vet that we were supposed to be seeing the very next day.  Unfortunately, I ran in to a brick wall.  Since you were not yet a patient, the vet's office would not see us.  Can you believe it?!  I was in a hysterical state, trying to save my beautiful girl and could get no help!  In fact, every vet I called, I received the same treatment.  It was after regular hours, so every time I dialed a different number, I talked to the same answering service woman.  She was so kind to me and felt the anger and helplessness that I did.  She gave me a few suggestions, like calling a 24-hour emergency facility in either Valley Forge, Allentown, or Lancaster.  Living in Reading, Pennsylvania, I knew that all of these were quite a car ride away.  My dear Minnie hated the car!  How could I do any of these?  Then I remembered the one local place that I called a few minutes ago still had a tech working (I can't even remember why the guy was still there, although I am sure he told me).  My options were these: 1. Drive to Valley Forge (over 1 hour away) and hope that you live through the car ride; 2. Stay up with you all night and allow you to pass away on your own; or 3. Call the nice guy at the local vet and hope that he takes pity on me and puts my sweet girl out of her misery.  I called the number, spoke to him, told him what I needed to have done (it absolutely broke my heart to speak the words), and he told me there was still a vet on the premises and she was willing to help me.  I was incredibly grateful to them.  Daddy Chuck made sure he knew where we were going, I asked him to bring Mickey to us so he could say goodbye to his sister, I wrapped my baby in a blanket, and then we began the long journey to Willow Creek Animal Hospital.

When the vet examined you, she told us that you had either a stroke or a heart attack a few days before, and it was only a matter of time before you would pass away.  You were probably in so much pain that dying on your own would have been terrible for you.  I felt horrible, horrendous guilt that I didn't help you on Sunday when I am sure it happened!  I hope you didn't think that Mommy didn't want to help you, baby!  I hope you know that if I could, I would have done absolutely anything to save you!

I had never before been in the room when one of my babies was laid to rest.  I can honestly say that I have never done anything harder.  I felt I owed it to you to stay and comfort you the best I could.  It was the least I could do considering what had happened.  I am told that even if I took you to the vet a few days before, the outcome would not be any different.  To tell you the truth, that does not console me in the least.  As your Mommy, I should have done something.  You went to Heaven with me whispering that I loved you so very much and will miss you dearly.

I called our sister Wendi on the car ride home after leaving you.  My immediate thought went to our Mommy.  I was wondering if, when you were met by her up in Heaven, did you tell her that I took good care of you?  Wendi told me that of course you did.  You loved our time together, even though I was your "substitute" Mommy.  But, in losing you, it brought back all the emotions of when we lost Mommy Dolores almost six years ago.  I was inconsolable, my heart ached so much for you!

We had you cremated and Daddy Chuck brought you home a few days later.  He told me that when I was ready, he would give me your ashes.  On your one month anniversary, I asked for you.  Through my river of tears, I saw that you are in a beautiful wooden box.  It was our sister Wendi's idea that some time this Spring we would sneak you in to the cemetery where Mommy Dolores is, and bury you with her.  Even though I could do it now, I am feeling selfish and I do not want to give you up just yet.  Maybe at some point I will, just not now.

Shyanne with her 2 new babies--May 15, 2008

A New Chapter is upon us.  On Mother's Day, Daddy Chuck and I went to visit his mom in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.  While we were there, we heard a terrible story of a momma cat and her four kittens.  It seems that momma was killed by another animal where they were living, and unfortunately, she orphaned her kitties.  One kitty had already passed away due to malnourishment, leaving the other three all alone with no home and no one to care for them.

Daddy's Aunt Maryanne decided that she would take one to care for and the other two were literally thrust into my arms.  I knew in my heart that the kitties needed me, but I am still mourning my precious Minnie Cat.  Daddy and I have had the kittens for almost two weeks and it has been a very hard road for me.  We are keeping one of the kittens and I have named her Sissy (UPDATED Oct. 2008--Sissy has been found to be a boy, and has had to be renamed Stimpy), while the other one is going to Uncle Rich next door.  His little one is named Callisto.  They are twins and very demanding in their own ways.  As you can see, Shyanne loves her babies.  All she wants to do is clean them and look after them.  Unfortunately, due to her size, we are afraid she might accidentally step on them and either hurt or kill them.  We have to keep a close watch when she is around them.  On the other hand, Mickey didn't like them on sight.  It is either because he is a 10 year old boy and not pleased with five week old kittens that run around like they are on drugs, get in to everything, climb everywhere, and generally disturb the calmness of the house, or because he is also still mourning his sister, Minnie.  I have not really bonded with the kitties (a fact that Daddy points out to me almost daily), and I also make sure to tell Mickey every day that they are in no way, shape, or form, going to replace him.  He is an important member of my family and I will never let him forget that.  I spend special one-on-one time with him every day so he knows how much I still love and need him with me.

I can't help thinking that I am somehow betraying your memory with these kittens.  I am not ready right now to open my heart to them, and am unsure when I will be ready, if ever.  They are so small, needy and demanding that I am just so overwhelmed.  I hope you know that I still miss you every day and will always cherish the time we had together!

At some point soon I guess I will welcome Stimpy in my heart, I am just not sure when.  Maybe you can tell me when it is o.k. with you.

Please tell everyone up in Heaven that I love and miss them, too.  I love you forever, Minn-Minn!

Love and Kisses--Mommy Stacy 

Mommy tries to bond with the kitties--May 29, 2008

As you can see, my heart really isn't in it.  This photo was taken by Daddy a few days after the kitties came to live with us in May.  Since they were doing so well, we thought it was time to separate them.  Callisto went to live with Uncle Rich in the middle of June and we are left with just Stimpy.  We were going to keep him locked in the bathroom during the night and when no one is home, but it didn't work out that way.  Stimpy is a screamer!  He sleeps in bed with Daddy and me every night and he and Mickey have the run of the house all day when we are at work.  Every day before leaving the house, I make sure to tell Mickey to take care of his little brother and not to hurt him.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that they bond on some level soon and end up playing with one another instead of Mickey trying to avoid Stimpy at all costs!

Stimpy sitting still for once--June 12, 2008

Stimpy is also a totally different kitten when his twin is not around.  Together, you would swear they are on some type of drug considering how hyper they are with one another.  Since Stimpy has been by himself, he has become more friendly with Daddy and me, crawling on our laps, letting us hold him, sitting for more than just a few seconds at a time (which is new for him), and purring at us when we pet him.  I am hopeful that he and I become as close as I was to my precious Minnie and that Mickey is now o.k. with sharing me.

Keep good thoughts for me, Minn-Minn!  Remember that Mommy will always love you, no matter how many babies cross my path in the years to come!

I have decided to add some recent photos of Stimpy.  They show how much he has grown since becoming a part of our family in May.  As he has gotten older, he has become incredibly long and thin.  He is VERY hyper these days, does not like to be held unless it is his idea, and not really affectionate with anyone.  However, when he purrs, I am sure people can hear it a mile away!  I love him, but in a totally different way than I loved Minnie.  I hope that as time goes by, he calms down and becomes a sweet and loving cat.  I have even added some photos of Stimpy with his twin, Callisto.  Can you tell who is who?