"Jake" was taught to be an outdoors cat. We were told this
was the thing to do in the country. At first he wandered a bit, but after
he was neutered he stayed pretty close to home.
My husband, Bill, often said during Jake's growing years "I
hope he turns out to be a BIG cat". Looking at this skinny little
kitten, this was hard to picture, but Jake turned out to be a whopping
19-1/2 lbs.
Over the years, we watched Jake grow and change. He just loved the
puppies and they could have their way with him. His very special favorite
puppy was "Tommy Girl", who is now going on nine months of age.
It was fun to watch them and whenever "Tommy" was at play, "Jake"
would always appear out of nowhere to take part.
We really believe that "Jake" was a human for us, and a
Bichon for the puppies. At night he would lie on Bill's lap in the easy
chair and sleep for hours. Bill and "Jake" were buddies and had
their own private moments and games.
Whenever possible, "Jake" would join the puppies at
play and it got so that whenever potential clients would visit to look
at the Bichons, "Jake" would appear, to check everyone out and
entertain. He would always tell me who had allergies to cats as he would
immediately go over to that person and do his darndest to start the allergies
going. It was common to see Jake lying on his back with all four feet in
the air! Once when I was being very serious and explaining to a client
the training and care of their new puppy, the lady starting laughing out
loud. "I'm sorry" she said, "I can't help it!" When
I looked, there was our "Jake" over on his back with his feet
in the air. What an entertainer he was!
We really expected Jake to live for many years more and to have him
sicken and leave us within a two week period is devastating. Two weeks
ago, he was lying in Bill's lap, snoozing away.........and now, he's gone!
"Jake", however, was always Christine's cat, even after
she left home! It was Christine who went with me to take "Jake"
to the veterinarian; It was Christine who stroked him as he went to sleep;
It was Christine who insisted that we bring "Jake" home and bury
him here; It was Christine who carved a stone with "Jake" on
it and who I watched (from a distance) saying her final good-byes to him.
He was hers, but he belonged to us all, and we all miss him terribly.
There's no vaccination for Feline FIV and no specific treatment for
it. It is transmitted from cat to cat by bite wounds or blood transfusions;
not by such casual contact as using common food bowls or litter boxes.
It attacks the cat's immune system the same as HIV affects humans. Fortunately,
FIV is not transmissible to either humans or dogs. . . . but it took our
"Jake" from us so quickly. For those of you who have outdoor
cats, be aware that this virus is out there. Your cat can be infected with
FIV and the virus can go into remission for months or years. You may not
even notice, as we did not, until it reaches it's final stage.
We know that "Jake" is healthy and happy again, playing
with the puppies at the Rainbow Bridge. We miss you "Jake". We
didn't want you to go, and we tried our best to keep you here.......but
we'll meet again, someday!
Your Human and Bichon family (and the Kitty who shared your space)
(Thank you so much Kiyomi for the wonderful jake.gifs and for
reminding me that "Jake" is also a White Angel; and thank you
to everyone for the cards and messages. I feel so sad, but knowing you
are all there truly helps! Norma)
"Rainbow Bridge"
Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that
pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our
special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food,
water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored
to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong
again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they each
miss someone very special, someone who was left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when
one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent;
his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying
over the green grass, faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when
you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous
reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face;
your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into those
trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your
heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...
