Sunday morning @ 0414, our much beloved Norton, left for the Bridge. He had been winding down since March. His body was just so tired. Norton came to us in September, 1993. Earlier in the summer, he was rescued from a sewer by animal control. " Bandit " as he was known at the shelter, because he stole from the workers lunches! I met " Bandit " when I was dropping off supplies. He had the run of the upper office. I asked what was his story, and the workers told me about his rescue. I told them they HAD to change his name to NORTON, after Ed Norton of the Honeymooners!!! I went home and told Barry about this year old cat, that at every adoption day, had been passed over for the kittens. Norton was home with us before the week was over!!! Norton had a great personality, was the offical greeter at the house. If you did not make a fuss over him that met with HIS satisfaction, he would walk in front of the guest, and throw himself on the floor, until he was given the attention HE thought he deserved!! Norton had an uncanny knack of predicting the snowstorms. He was so accurate, that a friend who works for NOAA was working on a contract for Norton. They could never get pass the catnip and nap clause, but Norton had the title of FURCASTER. We also never doubted the fact, that in another life, Norton was a Marine. We always watched him in utter fascination as he squared the corners of all our area rugs, instead of walking across the rug, as the other cats did. We were told by an animal communicator, when we asked the question: Were you a Marine?, that she heard a man's laugh and got the picture of a burly WWII Marine!!! Norton LOVED cheesecake, and his photo is at the local cheesecake shop.
As Norton aged, he continued his sweet ways. There was never a lap he could pass up. And in the evening, he was my reading, letter writing, and tv companion. He slept between our pillows every night, until the very end.
I told Norton just before he left for the Bridge, that there were so many Clan Cats there to greet him. We miss this great personality and the house seems so empty with Norton, who was always there to help out in whatever was going on. Sleep softly, Norton.... you are so missed...
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks