Best Cat Ever

About five years ago, we went to our local animal shelter with the intention of finding a new furry friend.  We had adopted a cat about six months earlier, and were looking for a buddy for her. 

We met a soft and fuzzy squish faced cat named Pineapple.  He was sporting a horrible haircut, as he had been shaved almost bald when he came to the shelter, because he was covered with matted fur.   But he was sweet and talkative and passed our "Is this a nice kitty" tests.  We left that night without him, and made a plan to return when the shelter opened at 9 the next morning, to adopt him. 

We returned the next morning and there was a couple who decided to adopt Pineapple.  They were there literally minutes before we got there.  We were all so sad. 

But this is not a story about Pineapple the cat.  It's about Mongoose, the then 14 year old cat, who was meant to be ours.

We met Mongoose (later nicknamed Goosie and Foo Foo by the kids) once we saw that Pineapple was going home with another family.  He was so shy and soft and sweet.  We immediately fell in love and brought him home.  We learned about his breed - a Ragdoll - and created stories about why he ended up in the shelter.  Our favorite story was that he lived with a sweet older lady, who fed him wet cat food on a crystal platter and gave him all the love.  But unfortunately she got ill and had to surrender him to the shelter.   

Ragdolls are known for being very dog-like.  And Goosie was.  He greeted us at the door when we arrived home and followed us from room to room in our home.  When I was at home, and the kids were at school, he was always by my side. 

One of his best traits was that he slept with his girl every night.  He was the best snuggler and was always there for her when she needed him. 

He lived with us for five glorious years!  Sadly he passed away from natural consequences two weeks ago.  The last night he spent with us was a normal Goosie night with kitty treats at bedtime, snuggles with his people, and some rowdy catnip play.  And in the morning he woke us at 4:55 am with a howl, and then he was gone. 

We have shed so many tears for our sweet angel cat.  And we feel his absence every moment of every day.  We are so thankful for the time he had with us.  He was such a magical cat. 

There's a big kitty shaped hole in our hearts for Mr. Goosie.  And we miss him so much. 

xo
Kristen