What a long day it has been. My cat, Chloe, has been in failing health for a few weeks. I have never been able to take her to the vet. You see, she's a feral cat who came into my life 10 1/2 years ago on a cold December day. She was on the porch and my mother opened the door. In she walked as if she knew she belonged here. Never mind we had two other cats who hissed at her. She ignored them and became part of the family. She was Mom's cat from that moment on. That is until nine months later when my mother became paralyzed from a fall and landed in a nursing home. Then Chloe tolerated me. She allowed me to feed her, but she ignored me most of the time. She and the other two cats became friends. If they could do it, why couldn't I? Well, it took about 8 years, but Chloe finally decided that it was acceptable for her to jump on me and have me pet her. As a matter of fact, she liked it!
Today Chloe informed me that it was time; time to say good-bye. This morning we made Chloe's one and only trip to the vet. I wrapped her up in a towel and held her tightly as my cousin drove me to the animal hospital. She seemed calm, not trying to wiggle free. She was a very good girl. I had often wondered what would happen if I really had to get her to the vet. Today the feral Chloe was just plain Chloe; my cat. As she drifted away, I told her how glad I was that she finally won my heart and I hers. Good-bye, Chloe. Thanks for the special moments. I'll cherish them along with the memories of those feline family menbers who have gone before you: Smoke, Amber, Lucas and Abby.
May God lead you to where you should be.
Di
