| In Memoriam |
| a small tribute to our angels who have earned their wings |
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| Samantha 1984-1997 |
| Caboose 1985-1999 |
| My beloved angels Sam and Boo. Both were born in my home; Caboose was born right in my hands. Biological brother and sister, Sam and Boo were my life, my anchor. Regardless of the trials life threw at me, they were always there for me through thick and thin, good times and bad. After Sam passed from an unknown brain disorder, Boo developed diabetes, and then hemangiosarcoma. My life was so enriched by the wonderful years I shared with Samantha and Caboose, and their passing has left an aching emptiness that has never really healed. Sleep softly, dear Sam and Boo...we will meet again. |
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| Lucky 1985 - 2004 |
| Rusty 1997 -2004 |
| My darling Lucky is gone. Lucky came to me in November 1996, a desperately ill, three-pound feral probably just days from death. I took him in expecting him to pass from his multiple health problems, but he must have wanted to live. With his will, our efforts, and excellent care from our vets at Juan de Fuca Veterinary Clinic, Lucky blossomed into a wonderfully affectionate companion, and lived eight full years. He battled lifelong medical problems such as thyroid disease, chronic URI, skin cancer, and finally CRF, but never gave up. Finally, just days before Christmas 2004, these problems caught up with him, and we had to say a tearful goodbye. My tough old guy is finally at peace. Part of me has passed, too. |
| Rusty's passing is still a mystery. Rusty was twice-abandoned, a loner, and not well socialized. He was our only cat allowed to free-roam on the property to prevent problems with our other cats. He never strayed from the immediate area of the house, yet one day he didn't come in for his supper and the next day we found him a kilometer away in the forest, running scared. We still have no idea how or why he got there, and five days of trying to catch him were unsuccessful. He had vanished. A few weeks later I received a call in response to posters I put up...a person said she saw Rusty on the road, victim of an apparent car hit. We never saw any indication of this...no evidence...nothing. But he has never come home. Even though we only had Rusty for a couple of years, he was a very much loved member of our family, and missed more than I can say. |
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| Sanka 1996 - 2005 |
| Sanka found me about the same time as Tiki, in early 1997. He was just a kitten too, but much more frightened and unsure than Tiki. It took quite some time to win Sanka's confidence, but once earned, his loyalty and affection knew no bounds. He was King of the Headbutt...he loved giving these gentle displays of affection to humans,and othe cats alike. Happy, healthy, full of life and love. In February of 2005, while giving Sanka his customary scratch under his chin, I discovered a very slight swelling. Trying not to panic,I took him to our vet for assesment. The vet was sure it must be a salivary gland infection, since externally it didn't feel like a tumour. Under anesthetic, the doctor found cancer, and lots of it. He was shocked, and ashen-faced as he told me the horrible news. And, it was fast moving. It was decided that in Sanka's best interest, he should not be woken from the anasthetic, but allowed to go to sleep peacefully. From happy and active to...gone, in the space of a couple of hours. I was absolutely crushed. I still am, and I miss my little snuggle pal enormously. |