Country

He a came to live with us in May 1996 as a graduation gift to Jen from the boyfriend whom no one really liked-- to say it kindly. The charcoal grey baby was thin and smelled awful because he had diarrhea; he was a pathetic little creature. Jen named him Country because she was into country western music at the time. He had aliases, too, depending on what he done. We called him Stinky early on until his health improved and Killer because he left dead sparrows and mice at the front door. He won our hearts as he grew older with his affectionate and loving nature. For a short time, he moved away when Jen took a job at IBM in Boulder. He was good apartment cat, but that job didn't last for Jen, so the pair moved back home. When Jen moved out again, Country stayed with us. Our home was his home now. Jasmine joined the family that same summer and couple of years later Max the dog arrived. The two cats and dog lived in peaceful co existence  more less tolerating each other for nearly two decades. Mo, the feral cat, joined us about 8 years ago.

We moved to the Garden Spot with the now aging pets and young Mo five years ago. We kept them in the house for several weeks before we would let them roam free outside. Country loved it here. He spent his days, even in his advanced age, at the neighbors hunting voles, bringing them home and leaving them at the front door.

He fell ill several days ago, making a loud noise as he breathed. The vet gave him an antibiotic, cautioning us that instead of a sinus infection, he could have a sinus tumor. If it were merely an infection, we would see signs of improvement. Didn't happen. His breathing was still noisy. He stopped eating, only drinking water. On Thursday it was apparent that he was not responding to the medication, only getting weaker. The appointment was made, and yesterday Country left us. He was 18 years old.

His passing was the end an era. The pets we had as the girls grew up are now all gone in the space of about 18 months, along with their grandmother who passed way a year ago: two cats, the cockatiel, and Max the dog. The house is quieter now. Lonely. We still have Mo, the ungrateful recluse who comes in only to sleep in the garage and eat. He bullied Jasmine and Country, but loved Max. Now he has to figure out how to deal with Boone who really does not understand cats.

I have been asked if I would get another cat. No. I guess not. Nor will I get another bird. I have had cats and birds since I was little girl. Somehow I always managed to keep the cats from eating the parakeets. I dare not go into a pet store where I might see a cute little budgie and or a lovely cat that needs a home. Mo is enough, cool and distant cat that he is. Boone keeps things lively enough. We will miss our sweet Country.

And Spring. . . Really? 

I suppose you are enjoying yourself, dear Lady. Of course this bad temperament of yours is typical. You bate us in with some 70 degree weather, sunny days, you let the daffodils just get a good start, then you rip the rug right out from under our feet. Shame on you.

I planted these yellow and peachy tulips two years ago. Last year you froze them to ground before they could bloom. Is this a repeat of last year's cruelty?

The Gnomes are always happy. I guess they are just thankful that they found a nice place to live. 

Newly planted last fall, these daffodils had a very sad awakening this season. 

The red bud is just beginning to  blossom. I hope it is hardy.

Ever cheerful, the robin pokes around the the mulch for bugs and grubs. Glad to see someone enjoys Spring's sick sense of humor.

Yeah, Spring. Proud of yourself? You killed off the hyacinths  last year, and the remaining one will probably freeze.

The Head Gardener kindly covered the tender perennials in the back garden. My first successful bleeding heart looks so strong and healthy and other plants are just waking up. 

This really is not the post I had planned for today, but I needed to write a little tribute to Country and vent on Spring's poor sense of humor.

Hope you have a great week. Thanks for stopping by.