Emmy was 13, but lived with us for only 11 years. Some low-life threw her away in the vacant field across from our house. She lived there for too long, through all kinds of weather (including a bitterly cold winter), had two litters (all kittens were caught by us and a caring neighbor, and homes found for all). One kitten remained from the second litter, and we wanted to catch him before her, so he would not be motherless in the cold, cruel world. Finally, after several months of "courting", we were successful. After a thorough check-up, de-fleeing, bath... BC (for Baby Cat) came to live with us and our two cats. Momma Cat was more elusive and difficult to capture, but two weeks later, on February 16, 1986--we got her!!!! She was kept at the vet for a week, and then we brought her home. From that day on--she captured our hearts. We were told by the vet that she was just about two years old and, since it was just after Valentine's Day, and she was such a love, we made February 14th her birth date.
Emmy was a beautiful, long-haired, strawberry blonde with gorgeous green eyes and a softness outside and in--she was truly precious. She loved us, her scratching board(che,che,che,che,che,che...), catnip, donuts, soft music, helping to empty the dishwasher, and sleeping on mum's lap. She loved to be brushed and groomed. Emmy had a special warmth which actually radiated from her--she was therapeutic and eased many a backache and stomach-ache simply by sitting on us.
Early in October we knew something was terribly wrong. Emmy was eating very little and was listless. We took her to the vet and he found she had a virulent kidney infection. The infection was treated with antibiotics and cured. Her appetite did not return and, in fact, she stopped eating entirely. At that point, the vet gave her an appetite stimulant. When that did not work, he began to force-feed her. Every day (7days a week, which included his 2 days off) "Kindly" as we call him, made himself available to feed and medicate Emmy. A diagnosis of Aplastic Anemia was made and he even performed a blood transfusion. We kept Emmy Lou home with us where she was happy and comfortable. Last weekend, she went downhill fast, and it was apparent she was no longer comfortable even at home, or on mum's lap. Our vet met us at his office on Sunday morning, and with Emmy cradled in our arms hearing how much we love her, and singing "our Emmy song", Emmy slipped peacefully out of this life.
Emmy Lou is buried in the Bide-A-Wee cemetery, very close to our other two cats. We buried her on Monday, November 10th. Emmy was a bright light in our lives and brought us such love and happiness. She taught us brumps. She gave us love bites There is a huge hole in our hearts, in our home, and in our lives. How does 6 1/2 pounds of long-haired love cause such a huge hurt in two hearts! Emmy leaves her mum and dad, her son BC, and her "sister" cat, Candy.
Rest in peace, our sweet, sweet Valentine. We love you, Emmy.
Catherine & Noel
"Guess
now who holds thee?"--
"Death,
I said.
But, there,
The silver
answer rang--
"Not
Death, but Love."
Elizabeth
Barrett Browning