R.I.P. Cloudy
January 2008 – February 28, 2018
Where do you begin when someone you love passes away? When you have spent some part of almost every day saying hello, sharing some affection, a meal or two, and sometimes a kiss goodnight?
This being, as you can see, happens to be a cat – a cat to whom I became very attached over the last 10 years. Cloudy belonged to the people next door, as does Pumpkin. He was an indoor/outdoor cat – nicely set up in their garage at night and out during the day. Although he spent plenty of time curled up in his bed during the coldest winter days, he was out and about most days until the two boys were called in for the night.
However, he was on my back porch at one point or another almost every day (yes, it’s true, I do have food here), or greeting me when I pulled in the driveway. In the nice weather when I sat outside reading or drawing, he stretched out on my wicker coffee table, sat on my lap, or lay at my feet. He was snuggly and loved affection. Some nights, when he didn’t hear being called in to the garage, he would sit on the wicker table or at my back door, hoping I might put him inside. On these occasions, I would carry him across the backyard to the sound of loud purring and then know he was safe for the night. I also was fortunate in being able to take care of him and Pumpkin when my neighbors would go on vacation.
Cloudy may not have been “my” cat, but I loved him not one iota less than if he were truly mine. He was pure innocence, a very young soul, with not one mean bone in his body. Quite simply, he was so easy to love. And that I did.
His life ended unexpectedly and far too young. I see him each time I look out the door, those wide eyes just waiting for recognition, hoping for a loving touch. I see him basking in the sunlight in front of a neighbor’s garage, and looking up when he’d be hugging my back door in the cold. I suspect I’ll be seeing him for quite some time, until he finally curls up in my heart.
“Until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
– Anatole France
Still A Dreamer 
I am sorry for the loss of your sweet friend. These 4-legged angels have such an amazing way of imprinting their spirits on our hearts, don’t they? It sounds like you were very special to Cloudy. Gentle peace.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kitty, thank you so much for your kind words. I always felt so protective of him; he was so sweet and unassuming. He was a little angel, indeed. I will be missing him for a long time to come.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am saddened by the loss of your friend Cloudy, Jeanne. Our animal companions are friends for a short time, but remembered for a lifetime. May his beautiful little soul rest in peace, and may you find solace in the memories of this sweet angel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lavinia. Our animals’ time with us is always too short, and sadly, his life was cut even shorter. I Just never imagined anything would happen to him at this point in time. And you’re right, our memories stand us in good stead, especially once this first period has passed. Please give an extra kiss today to all your feline correspondents, and let them know Jeanne said to always be thankful for their wonderful Mom and Dad. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely post for your friend Cloudy. It hurts so much when we lose a beloved animal-friend. Sending you love and peace, sweet Jeanne. xo Gina
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed, it does. I will be missing Cloudy for quite some time. Thank you for your kindness and kind words, Gina. They are much appreciated. Jeanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahh. I feel you. Really. This summer two of my neighbor’s cats (he has 5–and that’s just the cats) have ‘moved’ in here. One came inside the first time to escape a toddler. Literally clawing at the front door handle as the child strangled him with ‘love’. I let him in. He’s been splitting his time between his so called ‘owner’s’ house and ours ever since. His little friend followed him. She’s far more high strung and easily startled. She started out simply staring in at her buddy. Then on hot days she came inside for a minute for a drink then rushed back out until one day she came in and fell asleep. She was ill and needed ‘inside’. She recovered after a week of much sleep. Now she spends most of her ‘indoor’ time here. Both cats are outdoor/indoor personalities who go crazy if forced to be inside 24/7–both have survived being on their own. They’ve done wonders for all of us in the house. Lucky Cloudy and you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cloudy had “popped in” my back door on more than one occasion, then looked around wondering where he was. I had to pop him back out asap, because Jazzy would not have been happy with an unannounced visitor in her domain. Of the two cats, Cloudy would have loved to be safe indoors, but Pumpkin is truly an outdoor cat. When he wanders the neighborhood, his kingdom, I call him “The Mayor”, and at other times, Mr. Crankypants, but the two were like brothers, and it was good they had each other as friends. I always worried about Cloudy because he was such a little tootsie, but I am so happy – and yes, lucky – that he was in my life. And I know the reverse is true. Animals are amazing and add immeasurably to our lives. They are also wonderful,non-judgmental teachers. Enjoy your two appreciative friends.
LikeLike
Beautiful post – I’m so glad you led me here after you read my Henry post. YES, even after years, I still see Henry spread out at my feet or in front of the TV or by my side of the bed. I think some part of our beloved pets are still there….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for stopping by, Pam. I can’t imagine a life without animals. They give so much and ask for so little. After my last cat, Claude, passed away, my house was actually void of animals for the first time in my life since I went away to college. The silence was deafening, but there was a 3 year-old rescue cat featured in the little pet food shop in my town. She’d been waiting for 3 months and no one had so much as looked her way. I firmly believe she was waiting for me, and has been here ever since.And so goes life with animals …
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful!! ❤
LikeLike
She’s staring me down right now – she seems to have the idea that if she stares at me long enough, I’ll get her dinner. She’s right – in about another hour and a half I will! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sorry to hear, Jeanne. R.I.P., Cloudy. And big hugs to you, dear Jeanne.
LikeLike
Thank you, Cynthia. I really appreciate it. He was such a sweet boy.
LikeLike