CAT LADY[&DA TWISTED WHISKERS]

Life Is Not Measured By The Number Of Breaths We Take, But By The Moments That Take Our Breath Away.
*The Cat Lady Who Almost Wasn’t*Although I've always had cats, I wasn't always known as the Cat Lady. I had a wonderful cat named Monkey.She was born in a litter from my cat, Jasper, and I kept her.She was born one month before my first child. Monkey was a dusty gray tabby,and she loved hot dogs. She always kept me company in my garden, or kitchen, or where ever i happened to be. When I came to meet my second husband, he said "I don't like cats!". Well... You know that is just a challenge that all cats love! She worked him good (lol). When we would sit to read the sunday paper, it was his lap that She had to lay on. Sprauling over what ever he was reading. When He would start the grill, she was right there waiting for Her hotdog (She didn't like them raw).She finally won His heart.She blessed us with many years.But as all of us do, She couldn't beat time, and old age took hold. I was so distraut watching her go down hill, i said "I'll never have another cat". I'd had her longer than my children. She was a huge part of the most special time of my life, and my children's.The 'Day' finally came when I could not bear it. I knew that she would not last the day, but I couldn't let her suffer any longer. this was the first time I had ever had to put an animal to sleep. My vet did surgeries in th mornings, so they said they couldn't get her in till 11 a.m. that was too long.I found a different vet and they said they weren't busy and to come right in. Well when I arrived the place was almost full. The girl told me that they had a rush all of a sudden. And that she was sorry to make me wait, but it wouldn't be long. So we sat there together. Monkey wrapped in a blanket, and me trying to hold my tears in. The day was two weeks before Her 18th birthday. More people came in. It was standing room only, and everyone, as they entered said "aww, you've got a sick kitty?" I was unable to speak to tell them, trying not to baul. Then after a nice lady had seen us, the receptionist quietly told her why we were there. She came to us and said that she bred Persian. And that she knows that I'm not ready now, but in a couple week, to call her and she would like to 'GIVE' me a kitten. I thanked her most sincerely, but I had decided that I couldn't go through this heartache again! she asked that I take her number anyways, just in case.We were finally called into the room, and as we waited alone, Monkey stopped breathing. Then she started again. We had a couple special minute to ourselves, and I told her it was all right to go. The doctor came into the room.The days dragged on. When you lose a 'constant' in your life, no matter what is is, your body and mind cannot function. Finally I said "I can't go without a cat in my life. It's just too empty." My husband assured me that Monkey would not want me to go without. So I called the nice lady. I remember the first time I saw my new kitten. She was the most beautiful little ball of fur. The lady (June) wanted to give me two so she wouldn't be alone, but I didn't think I could afford to care for two, and I worked at home so she wouldn't be lonely. So we came home, my Annabelle and I.Cats can definitely sense our sadnesses and Annabelle, as young as she was knew I needed her comfort. She kept a vigile by my side waiting for the pain to go. She became the constant in my life. She is the quiet Sentinel of our home.I believe that the Lord sent me to the other vet and filled the waiting room with people, so that I could meet June. And Monkey held on for that reason also. Just like I believe that the Lord sent all of my stray kitties to me through the years. The Lord had great plans for my future, even if I had no clue!