Like all pets, Smokey adapted to our family and grew into her own personality. When we first happened upon her she was nothing but a small hellion of a fuzz ball running the neighborhood. We were not too fond of her in the beginning but allowed her to sleep in our garage. We had no intention of keeping her because we already had two other cats. Almost overnight, however, She won our hearts and instantly became family.
As a young sprout she took to our male cat, Tiger, instantly and they became inseparable. They had a bond I have never seen between two animals and their time was short. Tiger fell ill and passed away only a few years after taking in Smokey. For about a week after, Smokey became mean and defensive. You never really connect that animals have feelings until you see it first hand like that. It was odd to see this little fuzz face filled with grief. From then on, we became the center of her world. She dedicated 110% of herself to us.
As some of you may know I adopted a dog a few years ago. Smokey was beyond livid, first time she had seen a dog up close. My mom was afraid my pit bull mix would attack the cats at night. Little did mom know that nobody would bulldoze Smokey, in fact Smokey became the bulldozer. She immediately showed Max who was boss by attacking his every move he made. Needless to say Max lived with his tail tucked. It was such a gas to see such a big ole pooch afraid of something so little and precious. Mom slowly changed her views and was,on occasion, afraid Smokey would hurt him whilst we were away.
About three weeks ago Smokey started acting odd. Her little legs began to swell some and difficulty walking set in. We decided to take her to the vet and see what was going on. The doctor assumed it was something along the line of mastitis. She was given a few shots and was sent home. The next few days she seemed to be progressing but we still took her back the following Monday for another round of medicine. By this next week, the swelling had returned and she was unable to get on the bed or go down the stairs now. Things were looking grim, but I had to keep my cool and optimism up. Not only for my sanity but for everyone
Then Thursday night came and it was time for bed. I saw her laying on my floor after eating a few pieces of chicken. She looked surprisingly bright eyed and was yearning to get on my bed. She couldn't stand at all and getting on my bed was impossible. I hoisted her up and laid her on the bed when she began to struggle breathing and moaning. So I laid her back on the floor because she seemed comfortable there. She tried standing two more times as she looked hopelessly at my bed. I started to pet her to calm her down. She grasped my arm with her paws and let out two excruciating meows. Dad came in after hearing the moans and that was it. She was gone. He tried to get her back but it just wouldn't work. She just couldn't handle it.
It's funny how cats are quiet and typically timid creatures yet their presence is loud. Smokey would rarely ever meow but now that she's gone the house has become so quiet. Presence speaks volumes and it's not until they are gone is when you realize it. You will be greatly missed I love you, Bear Bear.