Jo Jo

I had to put my kitty, Jo Jo, to sleep this morning. She was 13 and had been with me through so much.

She always knew when to jump in my lap to offer me comfort. Her need to be physically close to me was always soothing. At times, she would sleep on my pillow with me and I would fall asleep listening to her purr.

I found her at a kitty shelter. She was this scrawny, wirey kitty who was clinging to the wires of the cage while screaming her head off. I knew immediately that she was the one for me. Why her complaining and fighting spirit called to me, I'll never know.

She hated to be held. She would complain and fight until you put her down. But she adored snuggling up in my lap. One time she ate some of the ribbons off some presents and I had to take her to the vet. They got the ribbons out of her intestines but they called to tell me that there may be something else wrong as she complains like crazy whenever anyone tries to hold her. I smiled and said that I would be right over to get her as she sounded perfectly normal and healthy. That was Jo Jo. She allowed you to love her on her terms.

Her fur has absorbed so many of my tears and sorrow over the last 13 years. Her green eyes have taught me to appreciate the moment around me in new ways. Her voice has called to me when she wanted to rest on my lap or have some snuggle time.

She was wonderfully loved and I will miss her dearly.

I was able to stay with her while the vet put her to sleep. As her eyes glazed and her breathe slowed, I kissed her ears and rubbed her brows saying, "I love you. I'll miss you. And thank you. Thank you for being my kitten."