R.I.P Missy

I've never know a cat like her or even a dog for that matter. She was unique. A little hellion when we first got her. Tuxedo cat on the outside but in bright sun you could just make out brown tabby stripes underneath. rumor had it that her momma cat didn't treat her too nice as she was the runt of the litter. That may have explained her sometimes feral nature. She kind of grew out of that as she got older but had her times when she didn't want bothered you knew better than even touch her. I don't recall ever hearing of a cat who would wait for you at the front door when you came home from work but there she'd be with a friendly meow greeting. She really attached herself to me as I studied and learned cat behavior. She'd curl up at my feet at bed time and always let you know when it was time for the litter box in the middle of the night. She'd also let you know when it was chow time in early morning and evening. She was like an atomic clock in that regard.
She had her dreams in life just like the rest of us I guess. Hers' was to get out and roam free which she did on several occasions. It was always requirement to check behind you when opening the front door or she'd bolt out and down the steps headed for her favorite hiding place a drainage pipe by the street. She got out a couple of times once for three days. But the last time would indeed be her last. No she didn't get hit or attacked but after four days of feline party I was able to trick her back with a bowl of food. After a warm bath and kitty feast she'd curl up in one of her many favorite spots. I know I should have gotten her fixed but never got around to it. About a week after her latest escapade she started to bloat up. Thinking we'd be having new additions to the household I though nothing of it. I should have known something was wrong when no delivery happened and no miscarry. Yesterday she lay there on the floor with barely a quiet meow like a limp rag. I could see in her eyes that this was nearing the end but didn't want to face the truth. I picked her up packed her in her carrier and raced to the vets. Upon examination he said there was nothing to be done that she wouldn't make it the weekend. And it was then that I had to make that difficult decision. Yes doctor you can put her down rather than have her face any more suffering.

Some would say "it's just a cat" but when you get so attached it's hard to let go. I guess goodbyes are never easy especially when there was the urgency to try and save a life even of a small creature. She only made it about seven years which makes it all the harder. I will miss her.