by Lynda McNiven
When I first moved out on my own I received a most precious gift, that of my fur baby Sunhine. He was part Siamese and as I liked to joke part rabbit due to the length of his hind feet. He had the most awesome blue eyes. He was my best friend. He was there when I needed to talk thing out or to vent my frusterations of the day or when I just needed a furry shoulder to cry on. He never asked for anything in return except to be loved and love him I did. He never questioned the things I did or the methods in which I did them. He was a one person cat and I am so glad he let me be that one person. Sunshine had many curious quirks about him like how he hated when I did the dishes in particular the utensils. They made so much noise and I remember how he'd sit at the kitchen door and yowl until they were finished. Another thing he'd do is meow everytime I'd sneeze as if to say bless you. I could never fake a sneeze though because he knew and he would remain silent. Another quirk about Sunny is that he had a fettish for licking the glue off of envelopes that came in the mail. I would often either have to go into the bathroom and run the water or else go outside to open my mail. He was crazy about floor cleaners too. When I would wash the floor with MR. CLEAN or PINE SOL he would come into the kitchen and roll over the fresh washed floor. I guess the smell acted like a catnip of sorts for him and sent him on a trip. When Sunshine was about two years old I brought home a kitten to keep him company while I was at work because I thought he was lonely. I named the kitten Shadow because the Shadow follws the Sunshine. They didn't hit it off at first but after a few very tense days they learned to co-exist and then to like each other and be friends. They could often be found curled up together or with Shadow sleeping on Sunshine's back. When I became pregnant with my child I had to spend the last three months in the hospital on bed rest. I hated to leave my fur babies at home and as such I got as many 4 hour passes as I was aloud. When I'd come home Sunny would be at the door to greet me. After my son was born Sunshine came to accept him as he seemed to know that he was a part of me. Sunshine was healthy esxcept for a few bouts with Urinary Tract Infections when he would have to have surgery and be hospitalized for a couple of days. I'd always go to visit him but the hardest time is when I'd have to go and leave him there. One time he was hospitalized over Christmas. I cried so much that time when I had to leave him there. It was in early March 1996 when I noticed that Sunny wasn't eating. A couple days later he wasn't drinking too much either and was not using his box much. I took him to a nearby vet who said he was dehydrated and gave him IV fluids. I took him home and a couple days later he seemed to be the same so I took him to him regular vet who diagnosed him with renal failure. He said if I gave him IV fluids at home twice a day and gave him an antibiotic injection daily he might be ok for a little while. I watched and learned how to give Sunshine the fluids and antibiotic. At home that evening I gave him the fluids and it went ok so I htought I'd be able to continue the home treatments. The next day When I tried to give hime the IV fluids he cried and I cried too. I couldn't find the right vein to give him the antibiotic so I took him in once again to the vet. That evening when I went to give him his fluids he cried again. I think he was telling me, 'Mom, I am ready to go to the Bridge. Please let me go.' I gave up trying to give his fluids and just let him rest quietly on the sofa. He had a seizure that night and when it had subsided all the light had left his eyes. It was the hardest decision I had ever made that day when I took him for his last car ride to the vets. The vet shaved his paw. He had a small seizure on the table before he drew his final breath. I held him and told him how much I loved him and how I would miss him. I thanked him for being my loyal friend and I cried. When I left the vets that day, I left with a broken heart and empty arms and the tiny bit of his fur. At home Shadow seemed to look for him and I showed him the fur of his friend. Shadow rubbed his face on it and then layed his head on my shoulder so I could cry. Sunshine, my love, as I write this tribute to you five years have passed and still I cry and still I miss you. When my days on earth have ended I'll join you at the Bridge and there we will be together never to be seperated again. I love you Sunny my friend, until we meett again. Love Mommy