Everything I remember about Gem is a fond memory. I love each and every one of my fur babies, but there are times when I have to scold one or another, but not Gem. I can't even remember one time that he ever got into any "trouble". It's always been my belief that Gem was so happy with and appreciative of his home, that he would never do anything to jeopardize his welcome here. Not he ever could have, but I guess he didn't know that.
He had the cutest way of stretching out one back leg as you can see in the photo above. He would do it while standing too, whenever I would pet him or speak affectionately. I called him my little ballet boy. He was a graceful kitty, delicate little feet, and with the slender body of a Siamese. He had Siamese in him because one of his siblings was mostly Siamese in coloring. And then there was his voice, also very much like a Siamese kitty. He was always quick to answer me whenever I addressed him, up until the last few weeks of his life when he lost his voice completely.
Prior to bringing Gem home from the shelter where I worked, I had never seen him play. He was always so sad there, just sitting in a box on the patio and crying whenever I asked him what was wrong. His eyes were so sad, and that's why I eventually brought him home (I truly regret that I waited nearly 4 years to do so) so that I could remove that sad look from his eyes. That sadness ran deep, but eventually it gave way to what I called an "expressive" look. However, he would always remain a serious and dignified kitty.
Within weeks of bringing Gem home he began to play with toys. It tugged at my heart to see him enjoying himself for the first time in his life. I chose the photo at the top of the page for fondest memories because in going through my photos I was delighted to find that in this photo were all his favorite things. His most favorite was a yellow felt covered catnip fish. You can barely see it in the photo right behind his neck. And that tattered thing in the upper right corner is the corrugated cardboard thing that he loved to sharpen his claws on, and boy did he ever make a mess with that, but I didn't mind because he loved it so.
He had blood relatives at the shelter and I felt badly about separating them, but he quickly attached himself to his new siblings here at home, especially my Andy as shown in the photos below.
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(please click on thumbnails to enlarge photos)
Even though Gem was an older kitty (about 7 years) when I brought him home to live with us, he played like a youngster. I'm certain that it was because he never had that opportunity at the shelter. Below are some "action" shots of Gem playing with his favorite toys.
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Within a couple of weeks after moving in with us, Gem quickly attached himself to his new fur family. Below are some fur family photos.
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Below is a photo taken Christmas Day 1999. It breaks my heart that Gem will not share next Christmas with us. Gem is in the middle of this photo holding a just unwrapped catnip mouse in his hand.
I will never forget you my little "Gem", and the things that were unique to only you. Like the way that you used to come trotting over, just like a little pony every time I called you. I'll miss those happy family times that we all shared. We love you and we miss you so much. Our lives will never be the same, but we're thankful for the lovely memories, and the enrichment you brought to all of us who loved you.
Look not where I was
For I am not there
My spirit is free
I am everywhere
In the air that you breathe
In the sounds that you hear
Don't cry for me Mom
My spirit is near
I'll watch for you
From the other side
I'll be the one running
New friends by my side
Smile at my memory
Remember in your heart
This isn't the end
It's a brand new start
By: Carol Kufner
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Fondest Memories |
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