In Memoriam: Whimsy 1998-2004 |
Whimsy came into my life in September 1999. I found both him and Tigger at the Austin Texas Humane Society. Whimsy was a sweet, gentle, shy giant of a cat. I think he must have been part Maine Coon. He loved to be near me -- followed me all over the house. He also required quality lap time on a daily basis. He liked it best if I was in my 'comfy chair' with my feet up, but he often settled for lap time while I worked at the computer. He periodically 'helped' me type. His favorite toys were twist ties which I formed into spirals for him -- the perfect configuration to catch in his paw, or to roll around on the floor. He loved to curl up in boxes and bags. I know my wonderful dissertation supervisor was displeased with me for adding the complication of 2 kittens to my life, when I was preparing for comprehensive exams and my dissertation, but I needed the feline companionship, and the cats didn't hold me back. I had been without cats for several months following the death of Trouble from cancer, and I just couldn't bear it any longer.
Whimsy shared life with me for six wonderful years. On the morning of October 31, 2004, Whimsy suffered a saddle thrombus, a blood clot discharged from the heart and lodging in a major artery, paralyzing the rear legs. I immediately took him to his vet, and he spent the day there and in the animal emergency hospital, receiving every possible chance for recovery. However, the recovery rate for cats with this condition is low, and he died early the next morning. It's a devastating loss to me -- he was such a loving cat, so attached to me, and still young and seemingly healthy. He had no previous known health problems.
In the pictures here, I pay tribute to Whimsy. He was beautiful in every way, and I miss him very much.
Whimsy's very first picture, 8 weeks old
Whimsy at 8 weeks, first day home
He's only about the size of my foot!
First day together, already inseparable
Tigger enjoyed chasing Whimsy's tail
Whimsy and Tigger remained close friends! This is from about 10 weeks.
They were sloppy eaters, but they did enjoy their food!
Whimsy loved paper bags -- the ones from Strait Music were just right!
He had the bag to himself for a few moments . . .
Whimsy had a life-long attraction to shoes -- he worried them like a puppy! He never outgrew this.
Peaceable Kingdom! About 4 months old.
Chasing anything? I wasn't chasing anything! I don't know what you're talking about!
First Halloween. Whimsy was suspicious -- I guess he was expecting a trick instead of a treat!
Well, it seems safe enough, I guess!
Both Tigger and Whimsy loved boxes, and this one was especially fun. They had a great time!
Whimsy at about 1 year old. This was just before I left Texas for Illinois (July 1999)
Very attentive felines! (July 1999)
Tigger and Whimsy were always good friends. Here they are in July 2003
They followed each other around a lot. They also followed me around most of the time!
Here's one that's more his size. (August 2004)
Undersized boxes didn't stop him. He's bursting the seams here! (June 2004)
Tigger wanted to join him, but there was no room! (June 2004)
Whimsy was shy with strangers, but he warmed up to my sister-in-law Linda Kao Morenus (August 2004)
Whimsy in my lap (August 2004)
Last updated 11/04. Copyright 2004 by Carlyn G. Morenus. Questions? Send email to cgmoren@yahoo.com