by Caren Belcastro
Clarence, my cross-eyed, six-toed kitty goofball... I miss you.
Clarence showed up on my doorstep just over a year ago. A big butterscotch colored older tom cat who acted like a dog, he quickly made himself at home under our shrubs. The sound of the door opening only meant one thing to Clarence.... FOOD! When my daughter left for school in the morning, he was there waiting, tripping her as she walked down the sidewalk. When I would leave the house, he'd be there howling, wanting some more food, or some scratches or a belly rub. He'd recognize the sound of my car and run down the sidewalk to greet me, anxiously peering into my hands to see if I was carrying food. He loved McDonald's French Fries and would pounce on any I would drop.
Once I got Clarence 'fixed', he settled down ever more so. He was ALWAYS underfoot if we were outside, or under a window meowing for us to come out. He couldn't come in, I already have 4 cats inside, and one is a big tom that would literally rip thru the window screen to get to him.
I found a home for Clarence, a really nice warm home. He was to go there last night. His new owner had come the night before, but Clarence wouldn't get into a carrier. It wasn't big enough.
Well, Clarence never got a chance at his new life. He got struck and killed by a car early yesterday morning. We found him laying peacefully on the side of the road....looking like he was sleeping. Which was so strange, because I never saw Clarence sleeping. As soon as he heard us, he was up and about and under our feet.
Awww Clarence....why did you have to leave the property?? Why couldn't you have just stayed put one more night? I just hope that the last year of your life was made a little easier, a little more loving by us. Thru our tears, you are still making us laugh when we think of you and your antics. We miss you big guy. Rest easy. >^..^<