When I moved in with my monster as her caregiver, I brought along my then 13-year-old tortoiseshell cat, KDP (short for Kitty Diva Princess). I'd had her since 2005, and she'd been my rock; she saw me through a divorce, a short move, and a longer, cross-country move. She was my soul kitty.
My monster accepted that we came as a package deal, up to a point. My monster, being of Dutch and Bavarian heritage, was then (and still is) intensely house-proud; everything needed to be neat and dust-free 24/7/365.
Anyone who has pets knows how impossible this is, because...well...cat hair. Cat yarf. Litterbox accidents. I was solely responsible for KDP, and I cleaned up after her religiously. Except for her final year, she was a dainty, very particular cat.
Her unconditional love saw me through my detached retina and subsequent surgery, the disastrous end of my job two months later, and the death of my father in 2017.
It was also the only barrier I had against my monster's nastiness. As long as I had KDP, with her deep purrs and love of belly rubs and sunbeams, I was OK.
She went OTRB (Over the Rainbow Bridge) unexpectedly in early 2020, two months before the start of the pandemic.
Then I wasn't OK. Not by a long shot.
I grieved HARD for a good six months. We're talking unable to get out of bed, eyes perpetually swollen, weight loss due to lack of appetite. I spiraled. I eventually recovered due to therapy and medication, but I'm still at a loss without a cat.
And, because this is Hagatha's house (a fact she has made crystal clear on more than one occasion), not mine, I am unable to adopt again.
I will rectify that situation as soon as I am able.
My point is, if you're struggling, and you're in a position to adopt, both financially and space-wise, please consider a shelter pet. "Emotional Support Animal" is a real, if often abused, term. Having a sweet pet who relies on you and gives you unconditional love in return can make all the difference between existing and living; sometimes, a lifeline has four paws.
I'm crying as I write this.
RIP, my sweet sunshine girl. I miss you with all my heart.
Until next time,
Liz
