Jessie
Jessie came from the shelter where I volunteer. Jessie was a very frightened, distrusting cat, usually huddled in the corner; she would hiss at anyone who came near. She eventually came out of her shell enough to be petted. I brought her home on April 21, 1991. Jessie spent the first few weeks under the bed, venturing out only in the evening. Over the years she's become quite a "Mommy's girl"...she's always right there with me, purring away. Jessie still frightens very easily, and I cannot pick her up with out getting clawed. But on her own terms, she is the sweetest kitty there is.
Above, Jessie wasn't very co-operative about having her portrait taken. My hand is under the cloth, holding up her head!
Jessie on her window seat. No other cats allowed!
In June 1999, I found a small lump on Jessie's back. A few days later, Jessie underwent surgery to remove the lump. It was discovered to be cancerous; specifically, vaccination-related sarcoma. The picture below was taken shortly after her surgery. Jessie recovered quite well; however, the vet warned me that the cancer may reoccur. Sure enough, in September, I felt a tiny pea-sized lump in the same area. Once again Jessie underwent surgery. The vet did not recommend chemotherapy or radiation. Jessie has since underwent 2 additional surgeries, in January and February, 2000. She is doing well now, and we take one day at a time.
On November 13, 2000 at approximately 2:10 p.m. EST, Jessie lost her fight with the cancer. She was a fighter 'til the end. Sleep sweetly, dear one.
Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you....
I loved you so---
'twas Heaven here with you.
Isla Paschal Richardson
Jessie is buried at The Pines Pet Cemetary in Lebanon, Ohio.
