Welcome to Ralph's Rainbow Residency

Memories of Ralph

2-8-2011 It was July 4, 1997 when Erin gave us the story that "people will adopt defective dogs, but they won"t adopt defective cats." You had been hit by a car, and had a crooked mouth, and walked funny because you had pins in your hips. We took you on a trial basis for we had to see how you would get along with Oreo, for she was with us first. You started as a house cat at the vet (for about 2 years, and you were already about 2-3 years old then) and now it's been 13 yrs, 7 mos, and 4 days and over the years you became one of our best buds. Your age when you left us must have been about 18. We took you wth the understanding Erin would take you off to school with her. It took you so long to grow accustomed to us because we were new. When Erin took you for the one semester, you reverted back and that was when I decided we were not going to change your location for you didn't take to change very well, and it really stressed you out. It took Oreo a while to get used to you, for it was her house. When Oreo did find you where you didn't belong, she wouild yell at you. You didn't do much climbing for I think it would hurt with the pins in your hips. You would always go by steps...when you wanted to go look out the windows downstairs, you would go from the couch, to the end table to the cedar chest to the ledge, and walk all around the room until you got to your window, and then you would reverse and get down. Or when you wanted to get up on the kitchen counter and wound up in the sink, or tried to climb up into the Christmas Tree and get stuck for you were too fat. That is how you got the name of "Fat Ralph", for you topped out at 23 lbs (you even gained weight when we put you on diet food). You didn't eat to live, you lived to eat. When you would hear the alarm in the morning, you would pound on the door until we woke up and fed you, or howl the minute we got home. Your favorite places to hide was in the garland, and sleep under the tree, sleep at the top of the couch, or any empty box or bag you could fit your fat little body in to, and later on, there was no where else but mine or dad's lap. You were so in love with Oreo that you would howl every time she went outside with me, and you wouldn't stop until she came in. We could even hear you during the summer when the windows and doors were shut because of the air conditioning. When Charlie would come over (Erin's boxer) you would protect Oreo for she was getting older and he was just a puppy (and you also thought he was invading her house). You were such a quiet cat, but when Charlie came over this is when your "id" came out. Charlie was lucky you had no claws, for he would not have had a face. You even tollerated Charlie at the end. Oreo left us on Nov 12, 2008, and you decided to stay with us another 2 yrs, 2 mos and 27 days (longer than I would have ever imagined). All of that time whenever I was at home, you stayed at my side (but mostly in my lap) and kept me company whenever I needed, taking Oreo's place by my side after my surgeries. After she left us was when you came down with diabetes, and it was all down hill after that. You went from a whopping 23 lbs down to 7. I never had the heart to get another dog, for you didn't like it when Charlie came over even when Oreo was gone...now it was your house. For not really being a "cat" person, you turned my head..Although you had more of the disposition of a dog than a cat...and just like Oreo, you will be missed. And you went out of this world knowing you will be our one and only...and now you're back with your Oreo. I can still see your head peeking at me through the railing when I come home..... You were always such a good boy, and will always be my butter-boy...and you were so very, very happy to have a forever home, and always let us know it.... You will be missed....Someday we will all be together at the Bridge..all of the furries and your human parents and siblings.. 3-15-11. Started being a volunteer for the Bridge today so I can help other persons get through times like I went with you...miss you always, Momma 8-14-2011 We brought your new little sister home this week.Her name is Eva and she is a yellow lab..please watch over her and protect her like you did your Oreo...you are still missed very much... 10-7-2011 Eva has joined you today..circumstances beyond our control..please watch over her for she is still new to this world... 10-16-2011 They say that if you lose a puppy very young suddenly or due to circumstances beyound your control you should get another right away. We brought your little sister home today. Her name is Hermioni and she is a black lab. Please watch over her for she is new to this world like Eva was..... 12-25-2011 Merry Christmas, butter boy...it seems so empty without you under the tree. Speaking of tree, I cannot find the tree skirt. I have looked in every box and closet. Did you come down and take it so no one else could lay on it? If you did that's ok, it would have seemed funny if someone else was on it instead of you. Be sure to celebrate with Oreo and Eva.I miss you... 2-10-2012 Sorry I'm a few days late in placing this note. I had my other knee replaced 2 weeks ago and it's taking me a while to get caught up. It's been a year, and I still miss you, butter-boy. Have fun up on the Bridge with Oreo,Eva and all of your friends. By the way, I don't know if you and Oreo gave Hermione a few pointers, but she has very nicely taken your physycal place beside me after I've had my surgeries. 12-25-12 Merry Christmas my butter boy..I found the tree skirt. I guess you decided to give it back... 2-8-2013 2 years butter boy...I still miss you... Please also visit Eva and Oreo.

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