Patch

16 years ago our cat Phoebe had 4 kittens. Right smack dab in the middle of the family room, next to the recliner. The first was a black and white, then 2 black, and one striped--just like phoebe. We thought the black and white was the only boy--he had a cute little patch under his nose, so from then on he was "Patch".

All of the kittens were so cute. I mean, all kittens are. But especially Patch. We just fell in love with him. Their mom Phoebe got sick and couldnt nurse the kittens...so my family had to step in and feed them with a dropper while Phoebe couldnt be around them. We developed quite the little bond with those sweet kitties. Once Phoebe got better she could be around them, but it was getting to be time for them to wean and find homes of their own. Phoebe liked to hide the kittens...her favorite spot was my room. And I got to tell you...i LOVED having a room full of kittens!! It was heaven for me. Pure happiness. ::side note:: my favorite place she hid the kittens was IN my brothers bed! the underneath was ripped and she put one by one of those kitties up in the bed. It took us FOREVER to find them!

Mom took the kittens to get spayed and neutered...and much to our surprise, we found that Patch...was a GIRL!! Didnt change her name though...patch suited her.

We found homes for one of the black kittens (Misty) and for the Phoebe look alike (PJ--phoebe jr.). We however found ourselves unable to think of giving Patch away. We loved her too much. (Midnight stayed with us too).

Over the years, I have enjoyed my cat, Patch. She lived in my room for most of my school days. (I think she finally decided to not sleep with me my senior year). She cuddled with you when you were sad. I remember crying on my bed, only to find that Patch had heard me, jumped up on my bed, snuggled in and started purring loudly. She was my comforter. She was so silly. Her big eyes following the noises or laser pointers...but never really having the guts to chase after it. She was so "blonde"... we took her to the Cabin and she climbed a pine tree...only she couldnt get herself down. Her sister Midnight had to climb up and show her how to get back down. She LOVED laying in whatever box or bin was closest...especially if you thought she couldnt fit. And the attention is what she most sought out...so good luck reading that paper or trying to do your algebra homework...Patch needed a rest.

(Easter when I was 14)

(My 21st birthday)

Fast forward to now. Patch is 16 years old. Thats fairly old for a cat. And shes sick. With how busy life is, we didnt really see any signs that she was sick. Slowing down, yes. Sick? Not so much. That is until last week...she was looking pretty bad. Mom took her to the vet...and they did bloodwork. The best guess without the results from the vet was that she was old...and her kidneys were failing. ::results came in and her kidneys arent working anymore:: I spent yesterday crying every time I thought of not having Patch in my life. Shes been here for more than half of it. She has been my cuddle buddy. My pal.

(Nash giving "Pach" one more kiss goodbye)

My mom couldnt bring herself to take Patch in. My little brother couldnt even consider it. So its fallen to me. Fitting though. She was my cat. I was her human. And I should be the last to say goodbye.

So...goodbye sweet girl. I love you forever.