MoBOB,

My wife and I had many discussions about what to do after we discovered our infertility. The cost and uncertianty of artifical means was more than we could bear but adoption also scared me. How could I love a child that didn't spring from me?One night I was sitting in my chair praying for God's guidance on this when Oz, my cat, lept up into my lap. He snuggled down and begin purring. I scratched him under his chin and absently murmured, "Love ya, little buddy."

D'oh! It hit me like a sledgehammer. I loved Oz and he's not even the same species as me! After that realization all fear of adoption left me. Because of Oz I now have been to China twice and have the most amazing children anyone could ever hope for!

Funny side story: One day while shopping about 8 months after bringing DD1 home a store clerk asked me if she was adopted. I answered without thinking, "No, she's my child." The fact that she had been adopted had been completely lost from my mind.

Oz is still with us, but he's over thirteen years old now. He doesn't do much other than eat, sit in the sun or lay purring in my lap. Someday much too soon I'll have to hold him in my lap as a vet inserts a needle. Then he'll pass on to the place where good cats go. A lot of dogs can lay claim to rescuing a family, but Oz will probably be the only one there that can claim he created a family.

Once again, you have my deepest sympathy.

-Blast

My condolences to your family MoBOB, losing a dear pet is never easy.

Also thanks for the very interesting and touching story Blast, I am glad you posted it.

My wife has a very soft heart when it comes to small animals and in the 24 years we have been together I am sure we have had 50 cats if you counted all the litters of kittens; I was never really attached to any of them, I was a "dog person".

Then about 3 years ago my daughters brought home a lost cat that was obviously very pregnant, over the next year she had 2 litters at the house before I finally agreed that it was "our cat" and had it fixed. This cat is more like a dog it; opens/closed doors, asked to go in/out, be fed/watered and is very friendly.

So I guess now I am a "cat person" it just took the right one to come along.

Mike

I feel your pain. When I was about four we got a cat, Pinky (no, not THAT Pinky). Had her for 18+ years, then I had to put her down myself. Hardest thing I ever did.

Side note, ether is not as humane, or as quick acting, as a bullet would have been...

Blast,
Hopefully not TOO soon - I have 2 cats that make Oz a "young'n" - Coquette is 18, Tux is 16 (well, in a couple of months). yeah, they both spend most of their time eating/sleeping/getting petted by their family while sleeping, but they are holding it together despite long term chronic renial failure, and in Tux's case, being diagnosed almost 6 years ago with Vaccine Associated Sarcoma (a form of cancer that usually kills a cat in less than a year - usually a short number of months)

Anyway, give Oz an ear scratch for me, and make sure he has a nice comfortable spot to lay in a sunbeam...

Again to all...thanks for the kind words and great stories. The DW told me that Gracie did in the car on the way to the vet's.

I specifically showed Blast's post to DW. I'm guessing she also read the other posts since she is addicted to reading.

Our animal history is all about strays/rescues with the exception of one mix bought from a store/puppy-mill (never again).

Gracie (the recently departed) was admitted to the house in 2000 during a harsh winter storm in New Jersey while I was in Spain doing Air Force stuff..funny how that worked.

Bijou (of questionable heritage) was gained through rescue in 1999 or 2000.

Drake (pure blooded Standrard Schnauzer/changed to Draco)was likewise rescued in about 2003 or 2004.

For now we have a mortorium on new critters until the dogs have been transferred to the Great Beyond. I figure that will be about 10-15 years. However, we do know that we most DHs do succumb to the wishes of the DW; or as Rumpole of The Bailey says "She whom must be obeyed". He desire is either for a Maine Coon Cat or a Norwegian Forest Cat.

Again, thanks to all for your good wishes, words, and stories.