Describing Ivy in one word would be the hardest thing anyone could ever ask of me. I just don’t think I could possibly sum up this sweet girl so simply. Ivy was extremely special to me. She was one of the cats that preceded me at Animal Aide; one of the first I was to meet upon my arrival in March 2003. It won’t be the same there without her. Ivy was a petite Japanese Bobtail of the highest order. She was affectionate when it suited her and independent when it didn’t. Ivy had no problem letting you know what she wanted and when she wanted it but few cats could be so adorable while doing it. Just look at that tongue (as seen below)! Too cute!

In the end, I gave her two nicknames – Cater-to-Ivy and Gotta-Love-Ivy. Ivy led a good life and few cats could make you fall in love quicker. I tried so hard to come up with my favourite memory of Ivy, but I just can’t narrow it down to one. There are so many in my mind and all of them came flooding back when I heard that she had died on October 27, 2008. As Ivy got older and lost her hearing, she started to look more fragile than before but Ivy didn’t believe that. You would have had a hard time convincing her that she needed to take it easier.

Ivy loved to climb up the side of the other cat’s cages and lay in a bed up there. Once she could no longer climb or jump back down, she would stand near the edge of the cage and silently stare until someone noticed her. Then she would wait patiently while you picked her up and set her down on the floor. For Ivy, that extra help was just expected from us, not demanded. She knew how much we all loved her and it just never crossed her mind that we would ignore her needs. Not one of us could walk by her standing there without helping her. You just took one look into those eyes and your heart would melt and you were instantly willing to give her whatever she needed or wanted.

Ivy was never one for being held or cuddled, but the last few months after I would lift her down, I was able to cuddle her for a few minutes. I would then set her down on the desk and she would sit right in front of me. I would wrap my arms around her and give her kisses on the top of her head and she would give me kisses on my hands or face or whatever she could reach. Ivy seldom spoke but always managed to find a way to make her needs and wants known and we became very good at reading her mind. There were many times Ivy worried us as she would sleep in a circular position and you could seldom tell that she was breathing (as seen here) – I was forever checking her as one would a newborn baby. For nearly 6 years, Ivy has held a part of my heart and I will never forget her, nor would I want to.

For 4 ½ years, Juicy graced our space and our hearts. She was gentle and sweet and loved to lie in the way of whatever you were trying to do. When I sat at the computer, Juicy was there; not helping exactly, she just wanted to be near me. She had eyes that seemed to look right through you as though you weren’t even there sometimes and yet we knew she just wanted to be close. I’ll never forget the day I first noticed a change in Juicy’s health. She was lying down close by when suddenly her whole body began to shake. It didn’t take long for the vet to figure out that Juicy had become Epileptic. Juicy was given medication daily and her seizures were kept under control.  

In the last months of Juicy’s life, her feisty spirit began to deteriorate. She seemed content to laze around most of the time. But no matter how her day was going, Juicy always seemed to find the energy to steal food from whatever cages she could reach into. Even the cats in those cages seemed to respect Juicy and her right to do what pleased her as I don’t remember ever seeing any of the cats getting upset at Juicy for eating their food. It was almost a game with her. Several of our cats eat different brands of food and I will lay odds that Juicy had her share of food tasting every one of them!

October 27, 2008, will be remembered as a very sad day for me as we lost two of our long-time residents that day. However, after the tears are shed and I have had my fill of feeling sorry for myself at her loss, I will remember the good times we shared, the joy we had, and the immeasurable gift I was given all these years. I loved Juicy and I will miss her terribly, but I am also grateful to have had her in my life. She was more than a cat to me, she taught me patience and perseverance as I watched her deal with her Epilepcy. Juicy lived a good long life where she was loved. Goodbye……..

PATTY – Jan 5/09

Our dear, sweet Patty died the same way she lived – with dignity and grace. Patty was one of the gentlest souls I have ever met, human or feline. Patty never believed in rushing anything, all good things would come to her if she waited. As a resident, Patty had not been caged for as long as I can remember – she had the freedom to walk around wherever she wanted, although she mostly preferred the back room. Over the years, Patty developed a unique friendship with three of our other resident cats, Athena, Clementine and especially, Clara (in the basket with Patty). They became known as the Fab Four. Patty wasn’t just decoration all these years at Animal Aide. She truly left her mark. It was Patty who helped Clara to see that not all humans were bad. It was Patty that showed Clara the true meaning of love and it breaks my heart that Clara will not understand her loss, no matter how deeply she will feel it. Patty was a guiding force for the three girls, who doted on her. Patty was their matriarch – she loved deeply, enjoyed life and knew how to rest and relax. Patty was a calming spirit for everyone; she never seemed to feel anxious or scared. I’m sure she always felt safe and loved. Animal Aide will not be the same without her for Patty had wisdom beyond even our years. We love you Patty, and we will miss you dearly. Goodbye……