Happy 18th, Nicky…Nicholas the Cat
Nicky was borne on 2-29-2008, Leap Year. His house mate, Miss Mendy, was borne a few days later. Before they came into my life, I lost Derick to diabetes. He was only nine years old
Derick was a true gentleman. His markings were that of a black and white tuxedo. Never would he take even the smallest morsel of food until I had taken one first. Never would he rush past me when I entered a room unless he felt danger. Then, Derick insisted on scanning the room before I entered. And, never did he let one of my tears shed without the comfort of his cat kisses.
When I was ready, I contacted the Human Society International. They are known for rescuing cats and dogs out of meat markets. Unfortunately, I was unsuccessful in finding recused cats of any age.
One day, I was just looking around the internet and found a picture of a British Shorthair kitten. One look at those golden eyes and, well, I was “hooked”.
Then, I searched for information about British Shorthair cats. When the Romans invaded English villages, they encountered a lot of rats. As the Roman soldiers travelled here and there, they picked up cats from various places and delivered them to the streets of England to kill rats. As I am Scot-Irish, they didn’t get them all!
After many searches, I adopted two British Shorthair kittens, one male and one female, from a vet in Arkansas.
As my work schedule was insane, my plan was to adopt two kittens so that neither would be alone if I was stuck at work. Besides, two kittens could provide a “companionship” that, as a human, I could never provide.
Before they arrived, I arranged the house for their comfort, safety and play. I even made a large fenced area with all they needed to make sure they felt safe while getting use to me and their new home.
Within a week, the fence was down. Their intelligence was, and is, remarkable. In fact, they chose their own names. I tried hundreds, with and without the Mr., Miss. or Ms, before decisions were made.
The male chose Nicholas (Nicky for short) and the female chose Miss Mendy. She insisted on the “Miss”!
At the age of twelve, Miss Mendy died from a heart defect. She was more a diva than any human I’ve ever known. In the mornings, she insisted on preparing for the day as I did. We bushed our hair together. After I put my “face on”, it was Miss Mendy’s turn with a bit of “pretend” makeup and a soft lacey loose scrunchie for her paw. In the evenings, after work, we exercised together.
And, Nicky, well, he was and always will be the protector and loving.
Once a relative visited and during our conversation, she cried. Nicky immediately offered his soft paw and stayed with her until she stopped crying. He refused to leave her side until she told him she was OK and no more tears were shed. Such compassion he has.
Yet, I’ve watched him protect his property and his home with such furiousness that a local dog walker approaches his property with guarded caution. As when her pit bull and lab were too close to his yard, they knew his wrath!
Nicky has chased cars, bikes, trucks, people, any manner of animal if they dared to come too close to his yard and house.
Now that he is a little older, he no longer chases cars but let anyone try to enter HIS home, without an inspection, if he is in the mood to inspect, or is willing to get out of his warm comfy bed, a warning to all!
Well, happy 18th Nicky!
You have given to me more companionship, protection, loyalty, respect and honest caring than any man I have ever known
I hope I’m worthy enough that we shall share another 18 years. Love you, Nicky.
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