Oh my gosh!! The only thing I can write because I’m still crying big tears from laughing so hard! This story is all so true and written so well. You can picture everything. This would really be good to keep handy if you need a good laugh and cry at the same time. Was hilarious 🤣 mom
I don't know your wife, so take this with a grain of salt--apparently you can't go wrong with the ashes of a beloved pet.
Practically, though, the most beloved birthday gift I got my wife was to reach out to all of her friends on social media and ask them to write or record the reasons they love her. You'll get an overwhelming response (assuming your wife is not of the Aileen Wuornos variety) and everyone else will have done the work for you. Win win. ;)
I’m grateful to you and Becky for helping Alexis live her best life while this world was lucky enough to have her.
Alexis was barely a kitty teen stray when she had her first litter under a grassy overpass in Corona. It was set to be demolished the next week, so she & her kittens were trapped and rescued. Moira was close to feral, having never known kindness from humans, so I knew she’d be doomed if she went to the shelter and was separated from her sweet mama Alexis. They were a bonded pair and had to stay together…a tall order for stray cats, especially during the height of the pandemic when shelters weren’t even open to the public.
I remember the drive from Long Beach to Corona, then to the Canyon. Alexis and Moira, woozy from spay surgery anesthesia and utterly confused about why they were in a cage in a moving car with the crazy lady who abducted them from an overpass, would occasionally let out a tiny meow. Almost to ask, “Where are we going NOW, lady? Haven’t you done enough?”
Little did they know they were through the final trial and on their way to the best life imaginable for semi-feral cats: loving humans to care for them and the freedom to roam and hunt all day. Safety inside at night, with delicious wet food and warm beds. What an amazing life you provided for Alexis.
I read your story with great interest - how in the world were you able to get rid of these Sherman Tank rats….you had my complete attention. Loved the story and sad about the sweet kitty.
So sorry for Alexis...and your wife. That's a heck of a BD Present. I hope you shared some stiff drinks afterward. I still sob if I think too long about my Brandi (ruby Cavalier). I never thought of getting her ashes...I was sobbing all the way in and out of the Vet's office the day she died. I'm sure they considered calling an ambulance for me. I gave the vet her favorite Teddy Bear. He kept it in his office on his shelf. Do you want to see it? he once asked me. I started tear drops and of course, he was wise not to bring it out. I would have needed an ambulance again. This is too hard to discuss....
Oh my gosh!! The only thing I can write because I’m still crying big tears from laughing so hard! This story is all so true and written so well. You can picture everything. This would really be good to keep handy if you need a good laugh and cry at the same time. Was hilarious 🤣 mom
Thanks, ma. :)
Very well written and don’t let the rodents know taps have been played and she is no longer on guard duty!
Her daughter will take up the mantle.
My wife’s birthday is coming soon - any suggestions?
I don't know your wife, so take this with a grain of salt--apparently you can't go wrong with the ashes of a beloved pet.
Practically, though, the most beloved birthday gift I got my wife was to reach out to all of her friends on social media and ask them to write or record the reasons they love her. You'll get an overwhelming response (assuming your wife is not of the Aileen Wuornos variety) and everyone else will have done the work for you. Win win. ;)
Certainly deserve to outlive people.
Loved it, Norm!! We always had cats at the cabin for the same reason!! So sorry about your sweet kitty! 💝
That’s why we’ve always loved your cabin. Feels like home.
This was great Norm. Still laughing!
;)
I’m grateful to you and Becky for helping Alexis live her best life while this world was lucky enough to have her.
Alexis was barely a kitty teen stray when she had her first litter under a grassy overpass in Corona. It was set to be demolished the next week, so she & her kittens were trapped and rescued. Moira was close to feral, having never known kindness from humans, so I knew she’d be doomed if she went to the shelter and was separated from her sweet mama Alexis. They were a bonded pair and had to stay together…a tall order for stray cats, especially during the height of the pandemic when shelters weren’t even open to the public.
I remember the drive from Long Beach to Corona, then to the Canyon. Alexis and Moira, woozy from spay surgery anesthesia and utterly confused about why they were in a cage in a moving car with the crazy lady who abducted them from an overpass, would occasionally let out a tiny meow. Almost to ask, “Where are we going NOW, lady? Haven’t you done enough?”
Little did they know they were through the final trial and on their way to the best life imaginable for semi-feral cats: loving humans to care for them and the freedom to roam and hunt all day. Safety inside at night, with delicious wet food and warm beds. What an amazing life you provided for Alexis.
Thank you. ❤️
Alexis was the best, like you. Thanks, Jen.
I read your story with great interest - how in the world were you able to get rid of these Sherman Tank rats….you had my complete attention. Loved the story and sad about the sweet kitty.
Kitty cat shock and awe—that’s the answer to building a better mousetrap.
Another brilliant column.
Grazie!
So sorry for Alexis...and your wife. That's a heck of a BD Present. I hope you shared some stiff drinks afterward. I still sob if I think too long about my Brandi (ruby Cavalier). I never thought of getting her ashes...I was sobbing all the way in and out of the Vet's office the day she died. I'm sure they considered calling an ambulance for me. I gave the vet her favorite Teddy Bear. He kept it in his office on his shelf. Do you want to see it? he once asked me. I started tear drops and of course, he was wise not to bring it out. I would have needed an ambulance again. This is too hard to discuss....
Yeah. The grief comes in unpredictable waves.Sorry to hear about Brandi. They should live forever.
Aww. RIP sweet kitty… and Happiest of Birthdays to that beautiful soul of a wife of yours!! Love ya Becky!! 🫶🏼
She loves you right back.
Crunch . Rats. You’ve effectively made my eggs Sunday benedict ready for the toilet bowl. Happy birthday to your beauty queen
Apologies. And thank you. :)
I for one would not mess with the feline dictator.
You strike me as a person who knows a little something about self-preservation.