Newsletter – Oct. 18, 2024
I promised myself I wouldn’t cry.
Marcie met her forever Mama today and Debbie and I said our good-byes before she drove off to Pennsylvania. Our next door neighbor and her husband actually live in PA not in their house next door. It’s a long story. We really like them and hope they move back soon.
I’d gotten used to our little rescued ragamuffin warming my lap as I typed one-handed at my computer, my other hand cradling her behind to prevent her from sliding off and plopping onto the floor. Cats land on their feet and this little kitten developed her agility in the wild climbing trees and wrestling with her siblings, but she’s also bumped her head against my desk a couple times.
A few days ago I woke Marcie up by coming downstairs and she mewed at me about twenty times. She’d finally found her voice, but what did she want? She was purring fervidly so I knew she was glad to see me. Eventually I asked her if she had woken from a bad dream and she pressed her nose against my lips. That was a yes. We sat quietly together for a while after that.
I’ll miss the daily routine of visiting her four times a day.
I’ll miss Marcie’s spectacular leaps at my hand weights while I’m working out.
I’ll miss finding Marcie on the couch downstairs in her favorite napping place.
I’ll miss the warm spot in my lap where she used to curl up.
Aw, shoot. I promised myself I wouldn’t cry.
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We were planning to rescue one or all of the other three kittens, but Debbie did some research and learned that no one wants more cats. Not the Cat Cafe, or PETCO, or the no-kill shelters. Now we’re thinking about a catch-and-release plan to get them spayed and neutered. We already have an indoor cat who needs an insulin shot every twelve hours, with a feeding schedule to match.
Wherever you are, I urge to consider adopting a cat or dog if have any room in your home, your budget, and your heart. They really could use your love and attention. And your love will be generously repaid with interest.
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The Most Amazing Museum of Los Angeles is available through The BookBaby Bookshop at https://store.bookbaby.com/book/the-most-amazing-museum-of-los-angeles
Eric Margerum 