Monday, March 15, 2010

Gratitude Monday - Panther

Panther's first appearance in our yard was about a week before Halloween 2008.
Later when she got used to us and knew she was welcome she came over often. She liked to sun herself on the front porch in the afternoons on warm days. On hot days she went to the back porch and found a spot on top of a tote or on me if I was relaxing in a lawn chair.
She occasionally helped herself to a bird, which we didn't like, but she took out a mouse or five and that was okay.
She always seemed happy to see us and often came over when she heard the door open. Sometimes she'd be waiting on the back porch for us to come out.
We called it "Pussycat Waiting" and we were tickled silly over it.
She lived in the house next door, but from spring to fall she was over often. She found her way into two of my manuscripts and was the inspiration for "Pussums Manynaps."
Panther went to her Great Reward recently. We are sad she won't be purring on our back porch anymore, or catching mice, or sunning herself out front, or bounding over to see us when the back door opens.
We are grateful for the time she spent with us and saddened we won't have Pussycat Waiting anymore.


13 comments:

carla said...

Im so sorry.
Nothing aches like the loss of an animal.

Carla

David Cranmer said...

What a bittersweet post. RIP Panther.

solarity said...

Yes. I'm grateful for all the animals that have shared their lives with me, mostly not by living with me.

Mary Anne in Kentucky

the Bag Lady said...

Goodbye, Panther. I know you will be missed. Thanks for bringing some cat-love into my cousin's life.

Terrie Farley Moran said...

df Leah,

The feeling if is a reflection of the joy Panther brought to your lives. How sad if no one loved and missed her.

Terrie

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

Oh, she will be missed! I lost a neighbor-cat, too, but to a move. I miss that friendly kitty waiting on the back porch for me after a run or a trip to the store.

I wonder if they know how fond we become of them?

Leah J. Utas said...

Very true, df Terrie.

I hope so, Bunnygirl.

Thomma Lyn said...

Awww. Tears in my eyes. Panther was such a beautiful kitty, and I'm glad you shared a special friendship with her. Hugs, sweet Leah. And rest in peace, precious kitty girl.

Leah J. Utas said...

Thank you so much, Thomma Lyn. I just know you would have loved Panther.

Hilary said...

Aww I'm sorry to hear that. Cats have a way of purring their way very deeply into our hearts. I'm sorry for your sadness, Leah. She was a beautiful creature.

(Word verification a very apropos "catily"

Leah J. Utas said...

Thanks, Hilary. She was the sweetest critter ever. Love the word verification.

messymimi said...

Please accept my condolences.

It is very hard to lose a beloved animal.

Leah J. Utas said...

Thank you, Messymimi.