Dear Readers, We lost our five indoor cats to various illnesses: kidney failure, intestinal cancer, cancerous tumors, and thyroid issues. We suffered along with them, and took care of them as well as we could. A friend of mine used to tell me that animals let you know when it’s time to put them away. She said that they gave us a lot of joy while they were with us, and that now it was our turn to perform that last act of kindness which most animal lovers know as euthanasia. Our last kitty was 19 years old when he passed away comfortably in our doctor’s office. Probably a year went by before we adjusted to his loss. Then the next phase of assuming roles as animal caregivers appeared.

A lifetime ago, my husband and I enjoyed barbecuing chicken breasts, pork chops, baked potatoes, and vegetables of all types. While my husband barbecued, he threw pieces of meat that he didn’t approve of on our patio. Sometimes he barbecued close to nighttime and it was hard to see what was in our backyard. But he still continued to throw the rejected meat onto the patio and the yard. At the time, he thought it was a good idea to do this because hungry animals could feast on the pieces of meat that we were not using.

One morning when we were watering the backyard with hoses and attached sprinklers (We don’t have a sprinkler system.), we noticed a mama cat and her offspring laying on the grass a few feet away from the sprinklers. The cats were enjoying the cool breeze generated by the water droplets and the gentle wind. We did not chase them away, but when we turned off the sprinklers, they sought refuge under our storage shed. It took us a while, days, to decide whether we would take care of them or find them homes through the Humane Society. It was a difficult decision to make, but we chose to take care of them.

Eventually, a black and white kitty (Klyban) became our first friend. We took him inside, and he never saw the outdoors again. His mother (Mama Kitty) and his brother (Marty) were next. However, there was only one kitty that did not want to become our friend. He was a beautiful, yellow and white cat, unfortunately, we never saw him again. As animal lovers, my husband and I always hoped that the kitty had found himself a good home. Meantime, Mama Kitty, Klyban, and Marty were happy inside our home. Our vet examined them and told us that they were part of the Fort Worth Spay and Release Program. That’s when we realized that our pets were feral cats. Worried that we might attract more needful animals, we quit barbecuing.

The years went by. Mama Kitty and Marty were still not very friendly, but Klyban was. He spent a lot of time on my lap and slept with me. Eventually, about 3 years ago, I got Marty to share my lap with Klyban. When we lost Klyban and Mama Kitty, our hearts broke, and tears flowed down our cheeks. They had been our friends for a long time, about 12 years. Three years ago, Marty became extra-friendly. I suspect it’s because he misses Klyban. Now, without any coaxing, he sits on my lap when I eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner on my recliner near a small occasional table. (Fibromyalgia is responsible for this eating procedure.) When it’s time for me to go to bed, Marty hops on the bed to be by me and gives me a bunch of gentle head-butts. I give him a bunch of pats, and tell him that I love him. However, I don’t let him sleep with me because Marty has not learned that his claws are retractable. I know he means well, but I have a few scratches on my arms and legs.

Marty is probably 16 years old, and in good health. Unfortunately, he has had dental problems. In a few days, he will have a dental consult. Depending on the findings, he might undergo dental surgery or a teeth cleaning. I pray that if he needs anesthesia, he will be okay because he is a senior Kitty. Even though, it took him a long time to show us that he loves us, he has become a lovable, friendly Kitty. And I often wonder: “Where did his ‘feral attribute’ go?”

Dear readers, please pray that Marty’s dental visit is successful and that the blood work shows that he is well. Thank you for reading my blog. Stay healthy and have a wonderful day! Maria E. Murray