Today was strangely mild and the wind smelled like something from my childhood; a wind that had not blown for fifteen years, at least.
And today I said goodbye to my cat of nearly eighteen years. Tabasco, true to her name from beginning to end, came to me orphaned and only a few days old. I raised her and loved her more than I have ever loved an animal. I will probably miss her for the rest of my life.
I want to share some images and thoughts to express the joy I feel for having known her.
Tabasco, you were fierce and affectionate, neurotic and regal. Your hunting skills never failed to impress and dismay. You were born to catch your meat, with your camouflage-coat and razor-feet. When Sunshine died you had a fresh chipmunk to offer so that we could send her on with cat-treasure to the afterlife. You put Bastet to shame with the exotic shape of your ears and erect, queenly way of sitting. To the end, your eyes were as clear as topazes and your nature independent. And yet you purred at the sight of me. It was a privilege to be your human and I will miss your weight on my shoulder. I hope that you found Gizmo and curled up against the old dog’s belly as you used to when she lived. Give her my love, as I miss her too. We send you off, our house now queenless. Happy Hunting.
jubilare 
December 31st, 2011 at 3:57 am
The penultimate picture is pretty much exactly how I pictured her. Will you plant daffodils where she lies?
December 31st, 2011 at 8:51 am
She’ll be between my mother’s hemlock trees, beneath flowering currants, with daffodils and iris at her head. She used to like lying there, where her camouflage made her all but invisible.