In Loving Memory

We've been meaning to blog again for quite some time, figuring that, in particular, it would be a good way for us to document some of Baby Lias' shenanigans for those of you who are not close by.  Alas, we do not make our triumphant return to the blogosphere with news of Baby Lias' arrival or an adorable first photo.

Anticipatory artist rendering of Baby Lias...
but with less hair than expected

Instead, we are back to say our goodbyes and share some memories of our beloved cat, Pig.

I first met Pig in 2007 when I went to go look at a litter of stray kittens that had been rescued along with their mother and were free to a good home (I've never been one to say no to a free animal...).  When I arrived to inspect the kittens, there were already two families there to decide which kitten they wanted to take home.  As I sat back and waited to take my turn, their wiggly-hipped mother sidled up to me and started rubbing up against my legs and purring.  I don't think I ever did get around to holding those kittens...and I don't know that I really chose Pig, I think that she chose me and I decided to go along for the ride.

Since that day, Pig and I have lived together in 5 houses and 2 states.  We've welcomed 3 other cats, a husband, and a dog into our lives.  Well, Pig welcomed some more than others...  For instance, she was not initially keen on Tolliver when he was kitten, though I can't imagine why.

Oh yeah, that's probably why.

I'll never forget when Tolliver was still a kitten and I came upon what looked like Pig and Tolliver snuggling. Upon closer look, Pig was begrudgingly grooming Tolliver and growling the whole time.

In the end, no matter how obnoxious he was, Pig still could not resist the maternal instinct to love and groom him.

No matter how obnoxious he was, Pig still couldn't resist the instinct to love and groom him

She was a seriously weird cat with a very distinctive walk. She loved chicken and bacon, finding the sunny spot on the floor, and cozying up next to a good heating vent.  Perhaps most of all, she loved her people.  Pig was not effusively loving with everyone; but she never missed an opportunity to curl up with me and Nicholas.  She kept purring for attention right up through her very last night with me.  I'm really sad that she will not have the opportunity to get to know Baby Lias; I know that she really would have hated him or her.

I don't know what else to say other than that she will be truly missed and never forgotten.

Now, for the love of God, will someone PLEASE get me more clean tissues and a kitten!