This is my beloved Groucho on his last day. Groucho claimed me as a kitten through pet store glass with his funny moustache. I referred to Groucho and his sister, Jersey (whom we lost in July ’08 also from kidney-related issues) as my “cow cats” because of their black and white markings. There was one small round spot on his shoulder blade (which you can see in the picture) that I’ll never forget because the lady who sold him to me jokingly called it his “panic button,” pushed it, and we both laughed. Groucho was my best friend for 19 years. I never imagined he could be such a large part of my life for so long. I am very fortunate. He was with me when I was single, claimed Stephen (so I married him), and happily put up with the addition of dogs and a child to the household. He slept up against my back or at my feet almost every night of his life. I look for him every time I walk into my bedroom. He loved his routines. Before he got so frail, he liked to get up with Stephen in the morning and sit in the bathroom with him while he got ready for work. He was such a lover! He would rub his shoes to “mark” him before he went to work everyday and meet us at the door when we came home. Whenever we returned from a trip, he would greet us but also let us know his displeasure by sitting with his back facing me for a couple hours, but then he would cave in and come to me to be petted. In his later years, he lost quite a bit of weight and didn’t get around as well, and we have struggled with when the right time for him to pass on would be. He passed on yesterday, June 15, 2009. Although we both felt his physical problems were causing him too much discomfort, it was still a struggle to make the decision. However, as I sat on my bed with him, waiting for his doctor to come, a gigantic double rainbow appeared after a thunderstorm had subsided. Jersey’s ashes were sitting on my window ledge, and from where I sat, the rainbow ended with her. I believe it was a sign that the time was right. I miss you, Groucho, and will every day of my life. You were so special.
Love, Your Mommy.
Stephanie, Longmont, CO