by Tricia Cruikshank
I was at a pretty empty time in my life. My relationships were
going nowhere, and I just seemed to be floating through life.
One day, while a friend and I were on my apartment building
landing and she was cutting my hair, a huge, incredible black cat
found his way up the stairs and walked directly into my
apartment. "What is he doing in there?" I asked my friend, "Is he
going to go to the bathroom on my carpet? I worried.
My friend (a cat owner) laughed and said "No, of course not!".
A few days later I called my friend and said "This huge black cat
is really hanging around here - I can't seem to get him to leave. I
can't have a cat, you know".
She laughed again and said "Of course you can have a cat - let's
see what happens".
Sure enough, I became increasingly dependent on this big guy -
I named him "Jack" after my dad.
Soon, Jack was sleeping on my bed and I was completely in love
with him. When he would disappear for a few days I became
panicked. This was before I knew how important it is to keep the
kitties safely indoors.
When I moved, Jack came with me. Soon, I adopted a black
female kitten especially for him. I named her Lulu and they
became best friends. Shortly after that, I adopted another kitten
and named him Charlie.
Jack welcomed each new animal into the house. Pinning them
down and cleaning them like a mama cat.
Before I knew it, I became very active in cat rescue and fostering.
Jack was always there welcoming each poor soul into the home,
and befriending them as they went throught their transitional
period.
You see, I always liked rescueing street kitties. Those that were
left behind by negligent owners.
Well, we all know how this story ends......
After giving me 10 years of his precious life, Jack became very
sick last summer.
The worst was confirmed when he was diagnosed with throat
cancer and given a very short time to live.
I was devastated to say the least. I had always feared for this
day because I never really knew just how old my sweet Jack
was.
We tried everything that we could - even homeopathic. I wanted
Jack to be comfortable, and I secretly hoped that a miracle would
take place.
Sadly, on November 30th, 2002 I had to make that decision that
no loving pet owner wants to make.
My sweet Jack was relieved from his pain on that day. I felt relief
for him, but I have missed him every day since.
This small, sweet creature completely changed my life for the
better.
Because of him, I am an ardent animal rights activist and cat
rescuer.
Thank you for the "Rainbow's Bridge" poem. I read it over and
over after Jack passed and although it made me cry - I found it to
be a great comfort.
I know that my sweet Jack is waiting for me and we will be
reunited - only this time without any sadness or pain!
Tricia Cruikshank