In memory of Bagheera

Disclaimer: I am not one of those people that consider a pet one of my children; to those who are, good for you! For me, though, it is important that I express gratitude and positive feelings throughout my life, and especially when I am going through a challenging time, like now.

Baggy, as you have noticed if you read my previous blog, was our cat for nearly 13 years. That is the lengthiest time I have ever owned a cat. Along with that she was the kindest, sweetest, gentlest cat I have ever known. Today I took her body to the vet where they kindly took her to dispose of her (of course they asked if I wanted her ashes, to which I replied, "No, thank you!") It was difficult for me to drop her off there, but necessary. So, I decided that I would share some of my fondest "Baggy-isms" with you; which entail her actions on a regular basis:

1. She was Pat's buddy - followed him everywhere inside and out. When we lived in Ripon she used to go for walks with us at Vermeulen Park! She would walk in the gutter behind us, her little legs keeping pace with us - so cute!
2. When we were sick or tired she would always come and lay with us. It is my belief that she was comforting us.
3. Her incessant demand that we watch her eat! She did that from the time she was a babe... "Look at me! I am eating!"
4. Her other demand that the food bowl be topped off when she ate. (granted she was spoiled in this area, but it was easier than listening to her begging for more food)
5. Her talkativeness! When she had better vocal chords she was constantly expressing herself to us; of late it has been a whisper, but quite endearing just the same.
6. Her love of everyone. While she was quite timid she was also very loving to people. She did not mind Rylee or Peyten clammoring after her. She just took it calmly.
7. Her love of the porch swing. She could sit out there for hours on a nice comfortable day.
8. Hair sniffing/eating! She loved when we were sitting on the couch to come and sniff our hair, and sometimes grab it with her teeth. It always gave me chills so I didn't let her do that!
9. Her responding to "Snowball!" or panting - crazy!
10. Her love of Brad's hats! She loved to curl up and go to sleep with his baseball caps!
11. Peppermint! My, how she loved peppermint! If we had some gum in our purse and it happened to be on the floor she would just lay on the purse, contentedly sniffing and taking in the scent. Sometimes I would give her my herbal tea box when the peppermint tea was all gone and she would be in heaven!
12. Her cat scratcher that Rachel and Pat made for her. Routinely, every morning, she would have to tackle that thing!
13. Her purr - sounded like a motor running! She easily and happily purred.
14. The love she had for her brush. Even yesterday when I took her to the vet I took it with me. She was so upset when we left the vet, yet when I put her brush next to her she calmed right down. It was by her side all day yesterday.
15. Her intelligence. She understood words like no other! She knew what we meant and she was pretty obedient.
16. Her scratching at wood furniture in order to get us to do what she wanted us to do.
17. Her little nibbles at my hand, as of late, when she wanted me to continue to pet her.

Well, that is enough. I know not many people read my blog, and that is okay. I now feel better remembering so much about a little cat that has made a huge impact in my life and that of my family's. I am grateful, beyond words, for the experiences we shared with her.