In Memory of Sandy...the Perfect Cat.
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In Memory of Sandy...the Perfect Cat. |
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Since I was a child, I had always wanted a cat. To me, cats seemed so loving, calm and adorable -- the perfect companion. I would gaze longingly at pictures of cats, beg my mom for cat stuffed animals and stickers, and envy the other kids who had cats. By the time I grew up, I had forgotten my strong desire to have a cat. Nonetheless, at the age of 20, I got my wish. I met Sandy.
Sandy was 3 years old at the time and living with a family who felt they could no longer care for her. I was a little scared about taking Sandy home with me. I had never owned a cat before.
I'd like to say that Sandy and I hit it off immediately. The truth is that she ran behind the couch after I took her home, and she seemed to prefer my college roommate over me. However, over time, we really grew to love each other.
Sandy has witnessed some of the most formative years and events of my life. She was there through the doldrums of my last few years of undergraduate education studying chemical engineering. She was there during my quarter-life crisis when I spent a year doing nothing figuring out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. She was there when I got into medical school and during the late nights of studying that followed. She was there when I got engaged and then married. She was there during this tough first year of residency. And, sadly, that is where she left me. Sandy passed away on April 13, 2007. She was 11 years old.
I find some comfort in knowing Sandy led a very full life and experienced things that many pets (and even some people!) never get to experience. For example, she once rode in the cockpit of an airplane. She has lived in five different cities around the United States. She has gone on a road trip across the country. She flew from Seattle to Chicago in a first class seat.
But it's not so much these special experiences that I remember and love the most about Sandy. I remember the way she used to dip her paw in her water fountain before taking a drink. I remember her lounging on top of my books when she thought I needed a study break. I remember the way she used to knead the pillow while purring softly before curling up next to me to sleep every night.
And so this is the end. Or is it? It was Sandy's lovable nature that convinced my brother to get two cats of his own. It was because of Sandy that I got my second cat Katsu. And it is because of Sandy that I will probably adopt another cat in the future. I know I'll never replace Sandy, but I think she'd want me to adopt another cat in need.
So, to Sandy, you were a wonderful, caring cat. I love you so much and know that you loved me too. More than anything, I wish we had more time together, but I will always remember the fantastic time we did have.
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