The Passing of a Pet

My mother's tomcat Sugarpuss was called that because he was a very friendly cat. Whether he was on my lap or on top of the tool shed, Sugarpuss would love it when I pet him and scratch his ears and under his chin. In fact he would push other cats away so as to monopolize my attention.

But during the past month, Sugarpuss was so ill that he lost much of his weight. We had hoped that he would make it past XMas. No: This evening, while visiting Madre after a library board meeting, I found Sugarpuss under the credenza in the dining room, where he has taken up lately to keep from being medicated. He did not stir when the light was on, nor when I pet him. Indeed, the poor cat was stiff. Madre and I wrapped him in a blanket and put in a box. He will be cremated in the next couple days.

I will miss that little fellow. XMas will be sadder without him. He is survived by his sister Thyme and his aunt Calico.