Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
memories of choo choo
I remember the first time I saw Choo Choo. I was at a shelter looking to find just the right cat. I met several, but didn't seem to connect with any on the level I had hoped. I was leaving disheartened, when I saw a flyer listing two persian kitties, who happened to be brothers, needing a good home. One was blond, and one was a little redhead. Tears welled up in my eyes, because I just knew. I told Rob and my mom those were my boys. And they were.
I called to express my interest, and learned two other families wanted the kitties. I came in for an audition. I got down on the floor and introduced myself. I learned they were named Rutherford and Choo Choo. Rutherford was not sure about me at first, but Choo Choo brushed up against my leg and looked as though he had found something he had been searching for. I let them check me out, and I stroked what little fur their lion cuts had left them. I then played with them, learning that Rutherford was a mouser, while Choo Choo was more of a bird chaser. I fell in love with them and hoped I would hear good news soon.
A few days later, I got the call that they were mine if I wanted them. Of course I did. I brought them home, and we were a family. I renamed Rutherford Rufus, but Choo Choo's name really seemed to suit him.
Choo Choo knew I was his mommy from that day on. He sat with me constantly, kneading my tummy the way happy kitties do. Sometimes his claws would scratch just a little, but I didn't mind.
I made up songs for the boys constantly, but Chooie's favorite must have been "Little Red Caboose" because he always came when I sang it. There was the variation of the Chia Pet jingle, Bowie's Changes, Chooie Choobaca, and so many others.
It didn't take me long to discover not only was he extraordinarily sweet and snuggly, but that he also possessed a uniquely playful personality. Choo Choo always kept me safe, stomping "light monsters" that came out of flashlights. He had a toy consisting of a wand with a long piece of felt attached to it with feathers on the end I referred to as his baby. He dragged it around in his mouth, caterwauling down the hallway at all hours. I think it was his gift to me.
He loved biting at dripping water. He was dog-like in his enthusiasm for this pastime.
When he wanted to be petted, he would brush me persistently with his paw, like a child tugging at Mommy's skirt.
He loved to be cozy, and in cold weather would crawl under the blanket with me. He could be across the room, and if I lifted the blanket an inch, he'd dash under there in no time.
He enjoyed being outside, and we were fortunate enough to have a deck, and later an enclosed yard that allowed this.
He made an impression on those who met him. Even non-cat people adored him. His brothers, Rufus and Smokey, loved him.
Maybe he wasn't the greatest cat in the world, and maybe he was. I have loved and lost several pets, and they were all great and precious in their own ways. I think what strikes me most about Choo Choo though, was how much he loved me. The unconditional love I received from him did more for me than I can express, so in that sense, he really is the greatest cat in my world.
He was a vibrant, joyful, loving cat who will be sorely missed. I love you, Chooie, you will always be in my heart, and I will always be your mommy.
This video from 7:42-7:53 reminds me of his spirit.
I called to express my interest, and learned two other families wanted the kitties. I came in for an audition. I got down on the floor and introduced myself. I learned they were named Rutherford and Choo Choo. Rutherford was not sure about me at first, but Choo Choo brushed up against my leg and looked as though he had found something he had been searching for. I let them check me out, and I stroked what little fur their lion cuts had left them. I then played with them, learning that Rutherford was a mouser, while Choo Choo was more of a bird chaser. I fell in love with them and hoped I would hear good news soon.
A few days later, I got the call that they were mine if I wanted them. Of course I did. I brought them home, and we were a family. I renamed Rutherford Rufus, but Choo Choo's name really seemed to suit him.
Choo Choo knew I was his mommy from that day on. He sat with me constantly, kneading my tummy the way happy kitties do. Sometimes his claws would scratch just a little, but I didn't mind.
I made up songs for the boys constantly, but Chooie's favorite must have been "Little Red Caboose" because he always came when I sang it. There was the variation of the Chia Pet jingle, Bowie's Changes, Chooie Choobaca, and so many others.
It didn't take me long to discover not only was he extraordinarily sweet and snuggly, but that he also possessed a uniquely playful personality. Choo Choo always kept me safe, stomping "light monsters" that came out of flashlights. He had a toy consisting of a wand with a long piece of felt attached to it with feathers on the end I referred to as his baby. He dragged it around in his mouth, caterwauling down the hallway at all hours. I think it was his gift to me.
He loved biting at dripping water. He was dog-like in his enthusiasm for this pastime.
When he wanted to be petted, he would brush me persistently with his paw, like a child tugging at Mommy's skirt.
He loved to be cozy, and in cold weather would crawl under the blanket with me. He could be across the room, and if I lifted the blanket an inch, he'd dash under there in no time.
He enjoyed being outside, and we were fortunate enough to have a deck, and later an enclosed yard that allowed this.
He made an impression on those who met him. Even non-cat people adored him. His brothers, Rufus and Smokey, loved him.
Maybe he wasn't the greatest cat in the world, and maybe he was. I have loved and lost several pets, and they were all great and precious in their own ways. I think what strikes me most about Choo Choo though, was how much he loved me. The unconditional love I received from him did more for me than I can express, so in that sense, he really is the greatest cat in my world.
He was a vibrant, joyful, loving cat who will be sorely missed. I love you, Chooie, you will always be in my heart, and I will always be your mommy.
This video from 7:42-7:53 reminds me of his spirit.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
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