Mark's dearly loved calico cat passed away today in her favourite sunny place in the neighbour's front garden. I brought the baby and bicycle in after taking him to feed the ducks, took the post upstairs, and a neighbour rang the bell to say he thought our cat had died. She was 18
1/2 and had a full and active life.... she passed away peacefully in her favourite spot... and yet it is still so hard and I still cried so much. She was very much Mark's cat and made sure in no uncertain terms I was aware of this. Tara did realise the value of an extra pair of hands to pet her and open the door for her while her Daddy was at work however; I was useful to her. Then later on she began to love me in my own right, something she had never done for anyone but Mark. Boy, was she set in her ways and everything had to be done her way... just like the feisty old lady she was under all that fur. But, we wouldn't have had her any other way. I keep wondering where she is, looking for her to give her her dinner or open the door for her (who wants to use a catflap at age 18?). The fact that she is out with the daffodils and bluebells near the hedge just hasn't sunk in.I would like to have a painter do a really nice painting of Tara, for Mark's birthday in May or possibly Christmas. Does anyone know of such a person in the UK? It could be a student, I don't mind. I would like to give Mark a nice painting of his beloved Tara to put on the wall.
-- grieving Jo in Scotland