SWEET CARLA...REST IN PEACE

I walked out this morning with Corey. Our usual routine. Opened up the truck and Corey jumped in. I went around to my side and before I could get my key in the lock I looked up. I saw my neighbor across the street, Rick, and he was staring at the ground beside his sidewalk. He looked up at me and I knew something was very wrong. I walked over, and as I did he asked.

"Is this one yours?"

As I approached him my heart sank. There was Carla lying there, motionless. I felt her. She was still warm, but she wasn't breathing. She was dead.

"Yes, it's Carla, she's one of mine." I said.

Corey was still in the truck but I could see him watching me. I went inside and came back with a bag and picked Carla up and, with Rick's help gently placed her inside. I took her around back then went back to the truck.

"Corey, Carla's dead."

He stared at me for a second then burst in to tears.

"No school for you today, Ok?"

We went around back together. I asked him if he wanted to see her. He said that he did. We sat together and petted her and talked about what must have happened. The street is a dangerous place for cats. At least someone cared enough to get out and place her on the grass so she wouldn't get run over again. She looked pretty good.

We had to wake up Casey and tell him. It was then, in telling Casey that my own tears began to flow. He is such a special guy, so sensitive, and I knew his heart was breaking. I told him that he could come down and come outside and say goodbye when he was ready. He did, after a little while. His tears flowed freely as he stood over her. Finally he bent and touched her lovingly.

She was such as sweet cat. Always there to greet you with her one paw up off the ground, as if ready to shake your hand. Always curled in a kitty ball at the foot of your bed. Always meowing when her bowl was empty as if it was the end of the world! Always the affectionate one.

She loved us and we loved her, too.

Goodbye, Sweet Carla.

Some PICTURES to remember her by...