Goodbye Miss Patches

Patches let me know that it was time to let go, and late this afternoon we said our final goodbye. Dr. Mary Ellen Leavey, a co-worker of Laura's at Animal Hospital of Cotati, was kind enough to make a house call to set Patches' spirit free from her failing body. As these things go, it went well, although I'm sure Dr. Leavey will never recognize me without tears streaming from bright red eyes. So ends a 13-year, very special relationship.

Patches came to me as a 6-month-old stray who took up residence with a kindly family in Ukiah. They had also rescued numerous other cats, and as I had recently moved into my house and was cat-less, my sister made the match between us. When I brought her home, I opened the kitty carrier expecting to see her again in about 3 days when she came out of hiding. Instead, she strolled in a leisurely fashion throughout the house, then ate a full meal and settled down in my lap for a nap. At the time, I had 2 dogs who had been banished to their outside pen while the cat settled in--but since it seemed she settled in immediately, I brought in the dogs to meet Patches. Sofie, my little mother dog, was overjoyed to find another family member and greeted her by pinning her in a corner and washing her face. Patches put up with it for a couple minutes, then slapped Sofie aside, went over to Bart and slapped him for good measure, then settled in my lap again. The pecking order in the house was established at that moment. Patches reigned from then on as Princess in Residence.

It's only been about 3 hours, but the change in the household is already noticeable. It didn't take long to hit me that I was actually alone in the house for the first time in 13 years. There has always been a dog or cat in residence, and it's astonishing how empty the house feels. Not that Patches was always under my feet, but I always knew that she was around somewhere and was good for a snuggle if I needed one. (Now don't go thinking that I'm substituting cats for men. I'm open to a relationship with a man--as long as he loves cats. And is willing to love, honor and obey, especially obey. And has lots of money. Oh never mind, I'm just going to get another cat). Walking into the bedroom and seeing the empty spot where her kitty bed used to be was jarring. I have space in my cupboard now where the big bag of cat food was (I sent it home with Laura). So this is going to be an adjustment. There is undoubtedly another cat or two in my future, but I need a little time before I try to fill the space that Patches has left. Besides, I think her spirit is still here, and she would never tolerate another cat in the house.

So farewell, my Princess, and happy travels.