3 Months Later... Lots of Changes...

Blog neglect, blog neglect, blog neglect. Yes, I'm guilty as charged. It's hard to believe that it's been 3 months since my last post. What have I been doing all this time? In a word or 2... work and kitties. It's been a busy 3 months. We've closed out another school year and have begun to get ready for yet another (ugh!). On a personal note however, there have been a few changes around the house. My beloved 10 year old kitty, Smokey, went to kitty heaven last week. A few months ago he was diagnosed with kidney disease and we've spent these months treating him with subcutaneous fluids and frequent visits to the vet. Our efforts helped keep him comfortable for a few more months, but the disease finally took him from us. He passed away in the early afternoon of Tuesday, June 2 and thankfully my husband was with him. I don't think little animals understand what happens as they approach death but I know they are aware when their people are near so having human comfort was important... and I'm thankful.

Smokey was my faithful companion for 10 years - he knew all my secrets and deepest fears. He was a loving lap cat and if you sat down in 1 place long enough - he would plop down and purr for as long as you would let him. He was patient as his house was overrun with 4 orphaned kittens - he welcomed them and loved them as if he were one of their clan. He was an escape artist - as an indoor cat he loved to run outside and roll in the dirt whenever given the chance. He was loyal - he would follow you all over the house and spent many hours at my feet as I worked in my studio, often looking at me as if to ask "why can't I play in the beads too?" He was unique - a solid black, long-haired cat with a few "freckles," random white hairs atop his head and neck. Smokey was adopted from our local cat shelter when he was 5 months old and the worker said she had never seen a solid black cat with wisps of white fur, they always had white patches... but not Smokey.

I've owned cats all of my life, I still have those 4 once-orphaned kittens (they are now 2 years old), but never has there been a kitty like Smokey. He will be missed and I'm so thankful to have had 10 wonderful years. The picture above represents him well - big ole Smokey and his little "little sister" (orphaned kitten) Princess. Princess loved Smokey, she always sat near him, groomed him and followed him around. To post his picture with her is a tribute to his kind and gentle demeanor. Smokey... you were the best and we love you. Rest in peace my dear furry friend...