Grieving Issi.

The very best accolade for what sort of a companion an animal has been is the desire to experience that companionship again ~ despite the inevitable loss. Issi was definitely a cat who sparked that. He was something altogether else.

His blood clot was sudden, unexpected, devestating ~ & lethal. He looks bright eyed & bushy~tailed but his hindquarters were like ice & he was already dying. Sweet & gentle to the very last he died craddled in my arms ~ the place he best liked to be. I was given an image, not the sort of sentimental thing I normally think, of when I go home of Jesus coming to greet me, Iss padding at his feet on one side, Gyver at the other. Dearest says by then there will be a whole swarm of the cat family trailing in Jesus' wake to greet me. I do so hope!

So today we went to choose another cat ~ or two. We went to one of the shelters & it didn't take Ditz long to have a lapful of kittens. The black one was spoken for, the little tabby girl both too young & too sick.

Kirby was not my first pick. I fell in love with his brother who sounded just right for our family but the foster carers didn't really want to separate them & we wanted two cats. Yeah, I know. He looks a little bit like Issi & he loves Liddy's toes to nibble on.

This is Marlo greeting Dearest.

He spent his first hour wedged behind a painting but he has beeen out for cuddles, tail carried high in greeting.

Kirby has already checked out the view.

It will take a few days but the boys are settling in well & are very affectionate to everyone in the house. They can't ever replace Iss but they are their own special selves & are helping to ease the pain.