Mom sent me for bird food and home Spat came.
My mom never sent me for bird food again.
Around the State of Florida, Spat travelled with me.
She loved riding in the car, as long as she could see.
She was the most friendly cat I had ever known.
I didn't understand the cowering vet calling her "Cujo".
Away at college, Spat needed a friend.
Kevi arrived with love to no end.
I didn't know Rikki was already inside.
The vet tried to tell me, "Spat's been fooling around outside!".
Kevi so tiny and hiding to boot.
What a sweet little face.....How cute!!!
Rikki was born under my bed.
Kevi was howling and Spat very restless.
My vet, I hadn't believed about my sweet little Spat.
Maybe the vet knew what he was talking about!
Five little kittens arrived that night.
Rikki was a tough and mean little tyke.
I couldn't find him a home, I guess he wanted to stay.
After that, everyone got spayed.
For the next fifteen years, everyone grew up swell.
My home was filled up, no more animals as well.
Married I got and a nice house for five.
Then my baby Jess arrived.
Everyone told me "Get rid of the cats"
How could I do just that?
My cats were my family and I refused to let them go.
They loved Jess to pieces and good they were so.
They were better with her than she was with them.
But they forgave her again and again.
Eventually, she learned to be gentle and kind.
They set her straight and whooped her behind.
My kitties all got sick in there elder years.
Two with Diabetes and Spat with Cancer.
Because of the diabetes, I met a wonderful group.
Many friends from all over the world.
Many I feel will be life-long friends.
Many with hearts that give to no end.
The turn of the century was very rough.
First divorce, moving twice, and if that wasn't enough.
In 2001, I lost all three and it broke my heart.
First Kevi, then Spat two weeks apart.
Rikki died a year later, just as difficult again.
I had no debt before all this bad luck rain.
Now life moves on, although I still miss my three.
I truly doesn't get easier for me.
Ahead I move on helping others as I can.
Trying to put my life together again.
Two new kitties I have acquired (one shelter, one wild).
To help bring my smaller apartment alive.
Tiger and Sammie, I love just the same,
but my GA's will never be forgotten.
As Jess grows up now, I hope I will always be able
to tell her the stories of my GA's at the dinner table.
Many stories I have of all my great cats.
I believe what keeps them alive, is just that.