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NevadaKitty
08-16-2006, 06:26 AM
Hello Friends,

I joined this forum today following the tragic death of my beloved cat Snuggles just 10 days ago. I’ve been so grief stricken and sick following his passing that I’m desperately searching for help, someone to talk to, understanding, and maybe even a cyber shoulder to cry on. Hopefully I will make some lifelong friends in the process.

Not everyone understands or appreciates what losing a beloved pet is like…and many go so far as to minimize the loss and make comments like “big deal, get a new cat”. So I figured who better could or would understand the tremendous loss I feel than a forum full of animal lovers…sure can’t hurt, and I’m willing to try anything.

First I’d like to share with you some information about Snuggles when he was alive, and a bit about the life we shared together. I caught Snuggles using a trap I borrowed from the Humane Society 10 years ago. A stray cat gave birth to him in my shed, and he was one of four kittens I caught with the trap. The litter was only about 6 to 8 weeks old when I caught them, but already showing signs of becoming wild. I took all four kittens into my home, tamed them, spayed and neutered them, and adopted out three of them to good families. I kept Snuggles, however, because I fell head over heals in love with him instantly.

Snuggles was quite unique in many ways. He had four front feet, for instance. Not just extra toes but extra feet…complete with pads and toes. Even my veterinarian said he’d never seen such an extreme case of polydactyl syndrome in a cat ever. He also had 8 toes on each rear foot. He’s paws looked like baseball mitts....lol

Snuggles was mild mannered, gentle, loving and my best friend in the world. He slept crooked under my arm every single night, often using my cheek as a pillow. He was extremely smart as well. At night if I was not lying on my back so he could cuddle up, he’d tap me gently on the shoulder to wake me up so I’d roll over for him. He had gorgeous, long red and white fur (not tiger stripped), he was red on top and bright white under his belly. He was BEAUTIFUL.

Now that you have a general idea of who Snuggles was, I’m going to tell you about what happened to my sweet baby. Better get a tissue handy…you may need one.

About three weeks ago I noticed Snuggles was pulling out his hair in various locations. He’d bite onto it with his mouth, and pull some of it out. I’d never witnessed this behavior before so being the doting Mom I am I scheduled a vet appointment to make sure he was okay. The vet did blood work on him, and examined him and found no physical illness or anything else that might cause him to do this. During the examination my vet looked at his teeth also. He said that Snuggles could use a dental cleaning, and that tarter had built up on his teeth. He said that having your pets teeth cleaned on a regular basis would actually prolong his life. Snuggles had just turned 10 years old.

I told him I didn’t like the idea of him going under anesthesia for such a procedure. He told me that his clinic had been in business 18 years and that they had never lost a pet during a dental cleaning. Reluctant still, I told him I would have to think about it, and would call him in a few days if I decided to go ahead and have the cleaning done.

I talked it over with my boyfriend, mother, sister, and a few friends and decided that I would go ahead and have his teeth cleaned. 10 days ago I delivered Snuggles to the vet at 7:00 am in the morning for the procedure. The doctor came into the examining room and explained the procedure to me in detail and had me sign a paper giving him consent to do CPR “should” anything go wrong. I began crying as I signed it, still worried about whether or not I was doing the right thing. The doctor again reassured me that everything would be fine, and told me not to worry. I left.

At 9:30 am my phone rang at home, and the caller ID showed it was Baring Blvd Vet calling. I answered the phone and a nurse informed me that Snuggles heart stopped. I screamed, dropped the phone of the ground and went into panic mode. She said they were attempting to revive him, but so far it had been over 5 minutes and they were having no success. I LOST IT! About 20 minutes later the doctor himself phoned and told me that Snuggles was dead and they were unable to bring him back.

I ended up in the hospital about 4 hours after he died. I’d lost complete control. I was shaking, in shock, and crying uncontrollably. They kept me sedated for 6 days and released me to return home.

When I got home I called the vet doctor and asked him what exactly happened, I needed to know. He reluctantly told me the truth. After Snuggles was put to sleep for the dental cleaning a breathing tube was inserted into his mouth and chest. Some sort particle from his lungs or chest came lose and blocked the breathing tube. He suffocated to death. Nobody was monitoring him for 10 minutes after the tube was inserted and he said that the veterinarian aide walked away to take a cell call. Total negligence. She was fired for her carelessness…but that doesn’t bring back my baby. He’s gone forever!

This is my story. I’ve never felt such pain, loss, anger, guilt, resentment or sorrow in my entire lifetime. I’m still in complete denial..

Dear GOD why my Snuggles?

Thanks for reading my long story, I look forward to any replies. I feel like I've been gutted, I'm empty inside without him. Will I EVER feel better?

Grieving,
NevadaKitty

rosethecopycat
08-16-2006, 06:46 AM
I can't even come close to what you must have felt like, to lose your Soul kitty under those circumstances. So, so sad.

We do feel the same way you do about our kitties, so please do come back and rely on us for support.

Snuggles is safe and happy at the Rainbow Bridge now, the only thing he is missing is you.
Until the day of reuniting, bide your time, keep him in your heart, and you will see him again. One Fine Day.

Godspeed to the Bridge, Snuggles

NevadaKitty
08-16-2006, 07:01 AM
Hi Rosethecopycat,

Thank you so much for your sweet words of hope and encouragement. It's a pleasure to meet you and I enjoyed hearing from someone who actually can relate to the pain one feels when something so senseless and tragic happens to a beloved pet. He was my WORLD. I was unable to have children, so my animals throughout my life have "been my kids"...I love them no less.

I wrote a poem to my Sweet Snuggles the other night while in "meltdown" mode. (I've never cried so many tears in my life until this happened).

The poem talks about me and Snuggles "reunion" day someday...I thought I'd share it with all of you here as well. Keep in mind I was sobbing uncontrollably when I scripted this, so it's not exactly Hamlet. LOL

Thanks again Rose for the words of encouragement...I really need them right now. Here's my poem to my sweet handsome boy, Snuggles.


In Loving Memory Of
Snuggles

Even though you’ve passed away and we’re so far apart…
The loving memories we shared together shall forever remain in my heart…

You were truly special to me and quite a rare find…
You were my Snuggler and one of a kind…

I treasured every minute, and day spent with you…
My love for you is undying, deep and true…

You slept tucked under my arm each and every night…
Now just an empty pillow remains, and it just doesn’t feel right…

I miss brushing your beautiful hair while you squirm and wiggle…
Everyday we were together you made me laugh and giggle…

You were always there when I needed a friend…
And cuddled me when I was sad, to help me to mend…

When my time on Earth is over, and I too shall pass...
We will be reunited again my sweet boy, at long last…

So make lots of friends in heaven, and frolic and play…
And look forward to, as I will, our reunion day…

I Love You so much Snuggles, my sweet handsome boy…
You were my WORLD, my PRIDE and my JOY…

Love Your Mom,
Kathi

critter crazy
08-16-2006, 07:07 AM
Poor Sweet, sweet snuggles!!! I feel for your loss! what a horrid way to loose you beloved firend! I am so very sorry! please stay, and lean on us for support!

zoey
08-16-2006, 07:27 AM
NevadaKitty,
Oh dear, reading your story this morning has me feeling so many emotions. I don't know what to say. It must have been unbelievably hard for you to write. But it can be cathartic too, and I hope that you'll stick around Pet Talk. I know you are grieving now. But when you can, come and just type whatever you are feeling. No one here will have that attitude of "getting a new cat to forget the old one" Some of us have also had losses and it is so painful. Each is unique and precious, as are the people I’ve met on this site. We are here for you, and my PM box is open.
Zoey

smokey the elder
08-16-2006, 08:30 AM
Oh, I'm so sorry! I have cats that are getting up there, and I worry about any procedures like that. It can't be any easier, knowing it was preventable.

Your beautiful red and white cat has a companion, Catmandu's Moose, to fly the Rainbow Bridge express with.

NevadaKitty
08-16-2006, 08:47 AM
Hi Critter Crazy & Zoey and Smokey The Elder,

Thank you so much for the kind words, and for just understanding what I might be going through. Since this whole nightmare began 10 days ago, I've been unable to connect or identify with anyone who genuinely understands the torment and pain I'm going through. My own mother told me to "get over it" and that I was "just trying to get attention". Unbelievable!

While in the hospital for 6 days even the doctors, nurses and therapists seemed shocked and amazed that I was "that" broken up over an animal. I'm stunned and amazed at how some people feel about animals. To me, they are no different than humans are, except they love you unconditionally, and have innocent souls. Perhaps they are "better" than some humans, I think. They don't go around murdering, raping, or hurting anyone, they just love you everyday.

Well, thanks again for the warm welcomes. I hope that I don't burden anyone here or cause you guys any problems. I'm just looking for some new friends that KNOW and LOVE animals the way I do, and who might be able to help me work through this crisis. And even when and IF the crisis ever passes, I hope to be a part of your forum for a long time to come. I've already met some very warm, caring people here. Thanks so much!

Also, I'd like to post his picture here, but can't quite grasp how to do that. Can someone walk me through it please? Thanks in advance for any assistance. Talk soon friends.

Forever Sobbing,
NevadaKitty
Kathi

Miss Z
08-16-2006, 08:55 AM
Kathi,

Snuggles sounded like the most amazing cat. I just lost my cat, Zsa-Zsa, recently, so I am still grieving for her like you are for Snuggles. I also wrote a poem for my girl, and the poem you wrote is very beautiful and from the heart.

Reading that story, it reminded me so much of my mum's cat, Bimbo. She too went under anaesthetic for teeth cleaning and her heart stopped under the strain. My mum said it was the worst phone call she ever took and ever will take. I'm sure that Bimbo, Zsa-Zsa and Snuggles are all at peace now though.

((hugs))

Donnaj4962
08-16-2006, 09:09 AM
Oh NevadaKitty, I am so sorry for your loss. Snuggles sounds like a great kitty, and I know that he was so well loved! (He knew it too!) I can only begin to understand the loss you must be feeling. I have LES as I am writing this, as your story and poem was so touching.

RIP sweet Snuggles. Play hard at the RB, and look for other PT babies! They will show you around and help comfort you as I am sure you are missing your Meowmie as much as she is missing you.

(((hugs))) from Donna (Meowmie), Tabitha (18 year old kitty) and Sasha (3 year old kitty) in Indiana

NevadaKitty
08-16-2006, 09:22 AM
Greetings Miss Z,

First of all, it's a pleasure to meet you, and thanks so much for dropping by and reading my story and responding. Everyone here seems so loving and caring...moreso than my own family and friends in dealing with the loss of my beloved Snuggles. I find that shocking!

Snuggles didn't succomb to the effects of the anesthesia, but instead died due to neglect on the veterinarin aide's behalf. The doctor administered the anesthesia and left the room so it could take effect, and the vet aide insertered a breathing tube into his chest and then got a cell phone call and walked away leaving him unmonitored. He suffocated to death when the tube got clogged with mucus. She left for 10 minutes...so there was no chance at reviving him. When she returned he was gone.

I think knowing that his death was due to complete neglegence on the aide's behalf makes my grieving process even harder. His death was senseless, and shouldn't have happened. I rocket between sorrow, rage and guilt and a ton of other feelings since it happened. My emotions are so out of control I feel like I'm on a never ending rollercoaster ride, and hanging on for dear life.

I'm glad you liked my poem. It definately came from the heart when I wrote it. I'd love to read yours too about your cat.

I'm so sorry to hear you, too, lost your precious Zsa-Zsa recently. I've been so busy spewing my problems all over the place here that I've not taken the time to visit other threads about lost pets yet...but I will. Did you write a thread about her in the forum? If so, I will have a look. I know what you're going through, for sure...perhaps we can help each through the rough times and perhaps smile again someday.

Thanks friend, talk soon... :)
NevadaKitty
Kathi

catmandu
08-16-2006, 09:26 AM
I have just lost my Moose, so I am mourning too.
I am sure that Snuggles is showing the Moose around.
Today at Tony Romas, they will ge the first Ribs.
And Snuggles will miss you, but you will see him again, and be friends again.
One Fine Day.

Miss Z
08-16-2006, 09:34 AM
Thank you so much for showing an interest in Zsa-Zsa. Her thread is in this cat memorial section, under 'Rest in Peace, my dear sweet Zsa-Zsa'. Zsa-Zsa was 16 years old, and suffered with the ill-effects of blindness in her last 6 months. The pain of loss does heal in time, and I'm sure ours, and Gary's (catmandu) will heal together, just as our kitties play together in paradise.

NevadaKitty
08-16-2006, 09:38 AM
Hi Donna,

It's nice to meet you, and your sweet kids Tabitha and Sasha. You sould like you're a really loving cat meowmie, too. (love that word)...

I have another cat named Jessie...she's 5 years old. She's grieving Snuggles also, I can tell. She's not been herself since he's been gone. Poor girl.

Thank you so much for the kind words and condolences regarding the loss of my sweet boy Snuggles, and reading my story. I'm so glad I found this forum (or it found me), because I'm finally able to identify and talk with people who understand the bond that can exist between man and our furry four legged friends. I really need this type of support right now, as it helps me sort things out in my head, it allows me to openly discuss my sorrow without judgement or ridicule, and empowers and validates my emotions.

I hope to talk a lot more with you in the forums soon and hear all about your two bundles of joy. I'm a cat WORSHIPER, and LOVER and want to know about everybodies sweet kitties.

Thanks again Donna for your kindness, God Bless...
NevadaKitty
Kathi

NevadaKitty
08-16-2006, 09:46 AM
Hi Catmandu,

Nice meeting you friend! Thanks for reading my story, and sharing your recent loss of Moose with me too. Snuggles has only been gone 10 days so I think Moose might be showing Snuggles around. Snuggles was a shy sort of cat. I've found myself worrying if he is okay on the other side or not. I picture him being frightened, lost and alone without me, his Mom.

:confused:

Hopefully Moose is helping him out...I think he might need it. I look forward to hearing more about Moose. I saw the thread about him, but haven't read about his passing yet. I apologize for that. I've been so busy unloading my grief all over the place that I haven't stopped by and tried to help anyone else. My world just seems to be spinning...I feel like a frog in a blender.

I promise to catch up on all the stories here and try to extend and offer as much support to all of you, as you've all given to me already.

Thanks so much everyone!

Talk to you soon, my friend, keep your chin up... ;)
NevadaKitty
Kathi

NevadaKitty
08-16-2006, 10:19 AM
Introducing Snuggles...

http://i8.tinypic.com/24pxf05.jpg

Here's my sweet baby I just lost Snuggles. As I mentioned in my first posting of this thread, he had quite unusual paws...this picture depicts their large, baseball mitt size nicely.

This was taken about 1 month ago as he was lounging on top my sofa.

OMG! I MISS HIM SO MUCH! He was my WORLD!!!!

WHAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!
NevadaKitty
Kathi

krazyaboutkatz
08-16-2006, 12:09 PM
Kathi, I'm so sorry to hear about Snuggles passing.:( He sure was a handsome cat and sounded like he had a wonderful personality too. My cats are mychildren and I call them my furkids and I've also lost my Pepper so I know how difficult it is. I loved your poem and I'd also like to welcome you to Pet Talk. You'll find that the people here are wonderful. RIP sweet Snuggles.:(

kuhio98
08-16-2006, 12:25 PM
Kathi ~ I am so sorry for your loss. How awful. Thank you for sharing Snuggles with us all. I wish I had some words of comfort. Please be kind and gentle with yourself.

When Kuhio died after 17 wonderful years, we found www.petloss.com (http://www.petloss.com/)
There is a lot of good information there. They also have a moderated message board. It helped us so much to be able to post about Kuhio. Knowing that the board is moderated and that hurtful comments would not be posted also helped.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Donnaj4962
08-16-2006, 12:49 PM
Oh NevadaKitty.... your Snuggles is so adorable in the picture yor posted! And would you look at those paws! How sweet!

We welcome you to PT, although we are so sorry that it is under such awful circumstances. I discovered this site about a year ago, and have been hooked ever since! Please know that all on here love their pets, and I would venture to say that most of us consider them our children! (I sure do as I have no skin chicldren of my own!) My life seems to revolve around my furbabies, and theirs around mine!

You will enjoy the may conversations here, and the gorgeous pictures! And the comfort that you will find will be phenomenal! Please give lots of extra luvvins to Jessie! She and you need one another at this time! Again.... welcome to PT!

Cataholic
08-16-2006, 12:57 PM
Nevada, my heart breaks for you, it truly does. I am so sorry to hear you have lost your precious baby. Too soon, too, too soon. I can only hope you will continue on with us, and lean on us, as you slowly struggle through this misery. So many of us have been here, we share your grief, and I hope we can lessen it, at times, however slightly. May time and fond memories bring you some comfort.

Johanna

jenluckenbach
08-16-2006, 02:16 PM
Oh dear...........too many emotions to list. :(
sadness for the loss of a beloved kitty
guilt for wondering if you should NOT have had the dental
RAGE from the knowledge of neglect

But try only to hold on to the GOOD memories. All the other stuff just gets in the way of healing. Snuggles looks to me like a cat who could forgive anything and would not want you carrying such heavy burdens.

I cannot truthfully say that I ever had something so heartwrenching happen to me, but I too DID lose a very special boy just 2 short months ago. And I know how OTHER people can be cold. :( I did not even bother to tell my family (dad/brother/sister) that I lost a cat because I knew it would be trivial to them.

{{{{{HUGS}}}}} and prayers.

Jayna78
08-16-2006, 05:45 PM
I'm so sorry to hear about the tragic loss of sweet Snuggles. He looks like a cute, sweet boy. What a horrible, preventable tragedy!

My husband and I just lost our beautiful, sweet Leo the other day - he was only estimated to be 4-6 years old, we'd only had him a little over 2 years, and he died Saturday night when we chose to put him to sleep because he went into irreparable kidney failure. It was heart-wrenching, and we both never knew we could shed soooooo many tears, but he was our snuggler, the one who always shared our bed and our pillows with us. You definitely have come to the right place to express your grief and share memories and stories of your beloved Snuggles...everyone is so great here, and everyone knows how wonderful our cats and dogs (and other pets) can be - truly members of our families.

Leo will help Snuggles at the Rainbow Bridge. :) It's horrible to know that several (including catmandu's Moose) have lost wonderful kitties in the same week we have, but at least there will be no shortage of friendly faces at the RB.

kb2yjx
08-16-2006, 07:01 PM
The sadness I feel right now is just too great for words!!! Many of those who have posted have lost a dear cat recently, mine was Ralph Syracuse the day after his 14th birthday. He, like your Snuggler, was an Orangeman!! This creature are so special to us, because they love us unconditionally. To be honest, I have NO idea how I would have reacted if that happened to my cat what happened to Snuggler!!! He knows you meant well, and will always be with you and you will feel his love surrounding you!!! Sleep softly dear Snuggler....((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))) to your Mom...

NevadaKitty
08-16-2006, 08:29 PM
Hi krazyaboutkatz,

It's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for your response and healing words. Snuggles was indeed a handsome fellow...I always used to call him my handsome boy. I, too, considered him to be my child, as I was unable to have children of my own, so instead i've been the proud mother of several cats throughout my adult lifetime.

I'm so sick inside over this whole mess. I just can't seem to accept that he's really gone forever. It's like a nightmare, but I can't wake up.

I'm sorry about your losing your cat Pepper...and can relate, only too well what you might of gone through and perhaps continue to go through.

Such pain, such sadness, such sorrow...how could something so horrible happen to my sweet, sweet boy? I'm so confused...

:confused:

Thanks again for responding to my dilemma, and for sharing your story with me. Hope we can get to know each other a lot better as I inject myself into this forum in the future. Thanks for everything. Talk soon.

NevadaKitty
08-16-2006, 08:42 PM
Hello there kuhio98,

Thank you for your condolences regarding the passing of my sweet baby boy Snuggles. I'm "trying" to be gentle and kind to myself as you suggested in your response, but having a bit of difficulity with that. The guilt I feel over his death is enormous. I cant stop replaying the events of that day over and over in my mind. When the vet suggested the teeth cleaning I was very resistant and against it, fearing something could go wrong...unfortunately I did'nt listen to my inner fears, worries and concerns and elected to take him in for the cleaning anyway. It cost my sweet baby his life.

:(

In your response you mentioned the website PetLoss.com. I found that site today and spent hours talking in the chat room with grief councilors about my loss. I read all the poems submitted from others who've lost their precious animals also, and found the site to be very well organized, helpful, and insightful.

I'm sorry to hear about Kuhio after 17 wonderful years. Sounds like your kitty lived a very long life. I imagine you miss him dearly too, just like I'm missing my baby.

Thanks again for responding to my posting about Snuggles. You are all such a warm and caring bunch of people, and I'm so glad I found you....or you found me.

Talk soon friend,

NevadaKitty
08-16-2006, 09:03 PM
Hi Donna,

It's nice to meet you. I'm glad you enjoyed viewing Snuggles photo. His paws are indeed unique. Or....erm....were unique. <sob>

I'm very happy with what this site has offered me so far, but cant help but feel a little selfish as I continue to mostly post about my current plight rather than offer support to others who are hurting here. I'm such a basketcase still that I don't even trust my own advice, let alone offer advice to others yet. Hopefully, with time I will be more suited to help other people who are experiencing a loss such as mine.

My other cat Jessie is grieving, and as you suggested, I have been giving her lots of extra attention to help her get through it. Usually Snuggles and Jessie had "special" sleeping places exclusive to them, since Snuggles passed Jessie has been laying in his special spot almost as if she's waiting for him to come home. So sad...<tears>

I look forward to getting to know you better in the future, and swapping cat stories. Until then, take care.

:(

rg_girlca
08-16-2006, 10:10 PM
I am so terribly sorry on the loss of your beloved Snuggles. He was a gorgeous boy with such magnificent feet.

Your story had me sitting here with tears rolling down my face as I also lost a beloved cat 10 months ago from a routine teeth cleaning. My Katie girl had just turned 14 years old and went in for a teeth cleaning and also had to have two of her teeth pulled. Had all the routine blood test and check up and she was a healthy girl apart from her teeth. Unfortunately, she had a stroke from being put under. She was kept in the hospital under observation as they didn't know if this was going to be temporary or not. Four days later, upon having another stroke and her condition worsened, I had to make the hardest decision that all pet lovers hate to make. I ended her suffering.

Yes, I know, as we all do on Pet Talk, the pain that you are going through and you will never hear the words, "It's only a cat" from us. Our animals are family to us.
You may not think so right now, but the pain will gradually ease from day to day. I also was a basket case for months as my Katie, Katie Pretty Lady was my velcro cat and I still miss her terribly. Allow yourself to go through the grief. When you feel you cannot cope, come here and talk to us or to the Pet Loss website about it. Talking your feelings out will help you.
Treasure the loving memories you have of your Snuggles. It's never easy having to say goodbye to a beloved pet. This tough time will end. Just know in your heart that you don't need to go it alone. We will always be here for you.

Rest in Peace dear Snuggles, you were greatly loved and will never be forgotten.

((((((HUGS)))))) NevadaKitty

sasha the cat
08-18-2006, 05:15 PM
We are greatly distressed at your loss of precious Snuggles because of negligence. My KatMa is still crying; Felix and I, mew-mew, are so sad for you.

In spite of your very great loss we need to tell you that your Snuggles and his siblings were the luckiest of kittens because you cared enough to socialize them, place three in good homes and you & Snuggles had sweet times together. My baby brother Felix is a rescued cat as was our beloved late Sasha. When pussycats [or other pets] are taken in by caring people, they are the luckiest pets in the world. I came to my purr~ents this January when my former family were transfered from Canada to the USA. They could not take me. Being 8 1/2 years old can make it harder for a pet to be adopted as most people look for kittens or puppies. True animal lovers like you and my purr~ents mean someone like me, Felix, the late Sasha and Snuggles end up having the very best kind of pet lives. People who love us, respect our species, and whom we love back.

Your darling Snuggles is at Rainbow Bridge [RB] now. Read the poem describing this wonderful place at: http://www.rainbowbridge.com/Poem.htm

One day Snuggles will be overjoyed to greet you as you enter Rainbow Bridge. Snuggles will love you forever as you love him. He was very lucky to have you as his MeowMama.

What has helped my purr~ents when darling pets go to RB is this:

Inside the heart is a very big treasure chest where every sweet memory is stored. It is your very own special place where you can go whenever you want to look at the precious jewels which reside there -- all of the memories of Snuggles. No on can ever take this from you because it lives deep in your heart.

Our KatMa wants to share a poem with you:

THE LITTLE CAT ANGEL

THE GHOST of a little white kitten
Crying mournfully, early and late,
Distracted St. Peter, the watchman,
As he guarded the heavenly gate.

"Say, what do you mean," said his saintship,
"Coming here and behaving like that?"
"I want to see Nellie, my missus,"
Sobbed the wee little ghost of a cat.
"I know she's not happy without me,
Won't you open and let me go in?"

"Begone," gasped the horrified watchman,
"Why the very idea is a sin;
I open the gate to good angels,
Not to stray little beggars like you."
"All right," mewed the little white kitten,
"Though a cat I'm a good angel, too."

Amazed at so bold an assertion,
But aware that he must make no mistake,
In silence, St. Peter long pondered,
For his name and repute were at stake,
Then placing the cat in his bosom
With a "Whist now, and say all your prayers,"
He opened the heavenly portals
And ascended the bright golden stairs.

A little girl angel came flying,
"That's my kitty, St. Peter," she cried.
And, seeing the joy of their meeting,
Peter let the cat angel abide.

This tale is the tale of a kitten
Dwelling now with the blessed above,
It vanquished grim Death and High Heaven
For the name of the kitten was Love.

Poem by: LEONTINE STANFIELD
Page 588 "The Best Loved Poems of the American People"
Copyright 1936, by Doubleday & Company Inc.

Please accept our sympathy on the loss of your beloved Snuggles.

Norman the King & Felix the Prince [inheritors of Sasha's Palace]
and our purr~ents, KatMa & Paw-Paw AKA Susan & Murray