Cricket

2015 - 2026

We went to find a wee little kitten on October 16, 2015. Unbelievably, we didn't find one of the so many in the kitten room that just grabbed either of our hearts. As we were leaving, I decided that we should at least walk through the "adult" cat room just because I love cats, with no intention of bringing one home. As soon as we walked in the room, gorgeous long-haired cat came up to us and wouldn't stop going in and out between our legs. She just wouldn't leave us alone. I found her information sheet on the wall and she was a .... kitten??? Turns out she was about 6-9 months old and part Maine Coon and they had to move her to the adult room because she was so much bigger than the other kittens. Her shelter name was Rena. I new instantly that she wasn't a "Rena," and on the way home I kept telling Bruce that we had a cricket in the car. It turns out the "cricket" was this sound coming from our Cricket. So, SHE found US, and SHE named HERSELF. Let me tell you, this girl has been a bright sunshine from day one. She wanted so badly to be Gracie's best friend from day one, but you know how Gracie was...that independent girl (that we would have had no other way!) wouldn't have it. It became so comical to watch their interactions. Cricket could have just sat on Gracie and ended it, but she was so sweet she just took all of Gracie's guff for years. Finally she would swat at Gracie as she'd walk by. But Gracie never got her back. She knew they were love swats from her sis.
The last 2 pics are from Sunday and this morning (the one where she was wrapped up like a taco ready to head out into the cold. She "talked" to us all the way to the vet's. Once there, she never uttered a peep. When we were back in the room, she kept looking around up into the corner of the ceiling. I think she had her welcoming committee up there - Gracie, George, Pixie, Keisha and Cuddlebug.
As hard as it is to watch them go to sleep for the last time, I can only imagine her fat little waddle across that beautiful bridge with her family waiting on the other side. She's healthy and happy and pain free (and chunky again!). Now we need to adjust to a kitty-free home ... at least for a while.