Tuesday, August 07, 2012

A gentle companion

Time spent with cats is never wasted.
- Unknown

Our gentle companion of 11 years, Chava, left this world today. During the past few years, she has coped with health problems with tolerance and dignity. But today it was time to make that last visit to the vet.

She was a friendly stray cat that had hung around an elderly lady's home near my office. When the lady moved to a care home, my office mates and I searched for the cat, and found her and 5 tiny kittens, which were about a week old. We took her and her babies in and kept them in our office until the kittens were weaned. After finding homes for all the kittens, only Mama cat was left. And she came to live with my husband and me.

She had a very good life with us; we jokingly nicknamed her "The Queen". But she was a loving, affectionate queen who enjoyed being with us in whatever room we were in. Good company.

We are already sorely missing her sweet presence. I know we'll be seeing her "shadow" for some time to come.

No amount of time can erase the memory of a good cat, and no amount of masking tape can ever totally remove her fur from your couch.
- Leo Dworken

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Elegy for the Gentle One

peeking out of quiet corners
of a hallway, or so lightly
coming into our arms
on a sofa, her
spirit
comforting when
rubbing against harsh problems -
her kind
look that
whatever pain
this life - a puzzle worth following
a scent of
& settling
adoringly
in the light of

Katie said...

So sorry to hear about dear sweet Chava. The Elegy speaks volumes about what a wonderful companion she was. My thoughts are with you both during this sad time.

Ms M said...

Thank you so much, Katie. It really helps to feel the care of friends.

Anon -- simply beautiful....

dive said...

Oh, Ms.M. I am so sorry. What a beautiful cat she was. I can only echo Katie's sentiments and send you both my warmest regards.

Ms M said...

Thank you, Dive. It's amazing how attached we become to these little ones. We really miss her (even the fur on the couch).

TheChieftess said...

I so understand the loss of a wonderful cat...I've had cats all my life...I lost two within a year several years ago. My condolences to you and your husband...She was a beauty!!!

Anonymous said...

I can tell how much you loved her. You see your friend, in a patch of sunlight or staring straight into your eyes and say, "Wait, wait! Let me get the camera." And the friend waits, because she knows, for some reason, this is important to you.

What a beautiful creature.

Ms M said...

Chieftess, thank you for your kind words. That must have been so hard losing two of your kitties in one year.

Karin: Beautifully written. Thank you. I recall your wonderful photos of Phoebe, looking right at you. She knew it was important, just as Chava did.

Shell Sherree said...

Oh, Ms M, I'm so sad for you. What a beautiful little lady, your Chava. If only loving our animals did not bring pain in equal {if not greater} measure when they pass. We endure it because we know the pure joy and bliss of having them touch our lives for however long we are blessed to have them with us. Much love to you and your hubby. Take care.

Ms M said...

Dear Shell -- thank you for your wonderful words. We are so grateful for the time we had with her. Hugs to you and your kitty.