Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Sweet Tippy

There are cats. And then there are exceptional cats.

Tippy belonged in the second category.

Super soft. Oozy. Purry. Sweet beyond belief. A champion snoozer. Unfazed by his galumph of a big brother, a Pit mix. (Think black and white canine the size of a Volkswagen, add in a foot-long tongue, and you have Oscar.)

Our daughter, AJ, adopted 6-year-old Tippy minutes after moving into her new apartment in St. Louis County. He had been rescued from a home whose owner had Alzheimer's. Malnourished and matted, he also suffered from a neurological deficit that caused him to bobble when he walked.

Readers of Naperville Now chimed in on the best new name for him. (Grover, Mistofelees, and Foggy were offered up. I suggested Tip O'Neill. AJ pounced on the name Tippy.)

Here is what he looked like then:

 
 
With love, veterinary care, and several truckloads of tuna, he ended up looking like the cat he was meant to be:




But Tippy's health was never quite 100 percent. He had an ear and nose thing working all the time, and it grew quickly and much worse last month. Despite the efforts of many, he went to sleep on Labor Day and never woke up. AJ and her husband were just returning from their honeymoon.

Ah, me. Life can be so joyful and so painful and all mixed up.

But I am hopeful that somewhere, Tippy is nibbling on dog tails with impunity and snarfing up tuna by the plateful.

He deserves no less.


(Naperville Now participates in Alphabe-Thursday hosted by Jenny Matlock.)

25 comments:

Anna said...

What a nice post, Mom. Thanks

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

Oh my! I'm glad Tippy had a little bit of love and care...

My name is Riet said...

OH what a beautiful cat and what a lovely story.

~✽Mumsy✽~ said...

She is adorable, and I am glad you love her so much!

carol l mckenna said...

Loving and wonderful tribute to 'Tippy' ~ She was beautiful and fortunate to have you and you to have here ~ am sure she is in a loving and warm place ~ healing hugs to you all (A Creative Harbor)

EG CameraGirl said...

I'm glad to hear that Tippy had a good life once recovered from malnourishment. Very handsome kitty!

4kids, 2 guinea pigs, 1 happy family said...

Lovely story, but a sad ending. Good to hear that she was happy and well cared for, for a short time.
x

Carol said...

I never met Tippy, but I feel like I have through this blog. I am so sorry for the loss of Tippy. I am not embarrassed to say that this news made me cry. Hugs all around, and thank you AJ for giving that sweet kitty such a good life.

Sarah said...

Tears are running down my face right now!!!! sweet little boy...I am glad I got to rub your chin and neck AND hold you like a baby....

Unknown said...

It sounds like he left this world very much loved.

Maureen Wyatt said...

What a wonderful person your daughter is to take on a cat with so many problems. It's hard to believe we are looking at the same cat. I'm so glad he experienced love and care before he passed on and you should be proud of raising such a caring girl! ~ Maureen

Anonymous said...

It's plain to see that you all loved Tippy very much and that he brought sunshine into your lives, lovely post.

Judie said...

This made me cry a little. When we moved here in August, we were adopted by a cat we named Violet. We did the vet thing too, and even had her spayed. I'm hoping she's going to have a long life with us and our two dog children. Losing a pet is always traumatic.

VBR said...

A beautiful cat and a beautiful story. Even though little Tippy did not get to stay long, she did get to know love and caring and tuna!

Birgit said...

Gosh, I am all teared up now... Sweet and sad story at the same time. Sweet Tippy is the perfect title...

anitamombanita said...

Oh, sweet and sad all at the same time. What a cute kitty. I like to think that you are right...Look out dog tails and hooray for celestial tuna!!

laurie said...

wow. he's gorgeous! but he was awfully endearing when he was tiny and shaved, too.

Splendid Little Stars said...

aawww... love that earnest face in the first photo! How could one not love him?!
wonderful to see what love, care, and time can do.

Kathy and Freddy said...

The JPs deserve a place in heaven, if only for their wonderful, loving care of needy pets...(tear running down cheek)

~✽Mumsy✽~ said...

Cutie and adorable looking cat!

Annesphamily said...

Such a sweet story! Having lost my big kitty Boots March 16, 2012 I understand the pain of loss . Having a rescue pet is an amazing journey! Our oldest son has a rescue dog and Stella is a super lovable gal after three years of struggling to win her trust! Tippy was beautiful and I know brought much joy! Thanks for sharing.

Lmkazmierczak said...

Nice tribute....Glad Tippy found someone to care for him so generously♫♪

Anonymous said...

So glad she got the life she deserved even if it was too short. Nice tribute.

Self Sagacity said...

What a difference! What a wonderful job you or your daughter did. He is gorgeous now.

Jenny said...

What a beautiful tale of hope and joy.

She looks so contented and happy.

It's neat that she had this wonderful time of her life.

I suspect she's still purring in heaven from it!

Thanks for sharing this extra sweet link this week.

A+