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Thursday, January 12, 2012

Miss You Casper!

It has been a year since my buddy Casper lost his battle with cancer and left us.  There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss those occasional head butts or the meet and greets in the bathroom.  I still think I hear the floor boards creak under his 22 lbs. of pure cat love!  There was a time that if someone asked me if I was a cat person that I would reply with a quick "NO"!  Casper changed this for me.  We adopted Casper when he was 3 months old so our little Seamus would have a buddy.  When we met Casper he was a bit shy but took to Dan right away, most animals do.  Casper's history was a sad one.  His nose had been broken along with some serious contusions to his backside and head.  This loving boy had also been doused in lighter fluid and set on fire by some seriously demented 8 year olds.  There mother was able to catch Casper before to much skin damage had been done but the psychological  damage was off the chart.  Casper ended up at   the Vermont animal rescue with little or no hope of ever being adopted because of his fear of people.  He had no fear of Dan when we met him and soon became a part of our family.  It took me a long time to bond with him but once I did he was an inspiration and a constant companion!  Everyday was a new step on that stairway of trust for Casper.  He always trusted Dan and eventually me but no one else.  In fact, his name is Casper because no one even knew he existed most of the time cause they never saw him.  My friend Stacey Mead remembers meeting Casper and soon became accepted by him but it usually took days for him to appear to anyone.

Casper was with us for 13 years.....13 years of smiles and laughter cause he had the most incredible personality and a very lo-o-ong tail!  We could rarely set any food (especially dip) on our coffee table cause his tail always found its way into the middle of it.  He was also the biggest klutz I had ever seen....never being able to round a corner at a run without sliding around it on his side.  When it came to catching mice (our old store had plenty) he had the patience of a monk and the speed of a cheetah on steroids!  Dan and I were often greeted with gifts in the morning, little dead furry ones.  Needless to say the mouse population around here came to a halt while he was alive.  One of the most emotional moments in our life with Casper is when we re-located to Virginia and he made the trip, in a rather large carrier, with us.  Both Dan and I remember the look on his face when we opened the door to the carrier and he entered his new home.  He looked at us with a look of pure love and delight as if he were saying "you brought me with you"!  

We NEVER took one moment with this cat for granted because he showed us a new world through his eyes and actions.  I miss you my enchanted love and wish so much you could have stayed with me forever!  You were the teacher and I the student in our relationship and I am forever grateful of our time together! 

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Awww, such a sweet post, Pam! I'm sure that Casper would have been so pleased with this honorarium to him! I've had plenty of furry teachers in this life, too. What sweet companions are our animal friends!

Leah's Art Magic said...

Oh, Pam what a wonderful cat you had!

I once had a cat too that was a bright light in my life that has now passed. I think about her often and feel SO lucky to have had her in my life.

(hugs)
Leah

WoolenSails said...

What a wonderful post and tribute to casper. I found a stray last year and he was pretty beat up from encounters with coyotes and other critters, but he is the sweetest cat and loves being inside and loved.

Debbie

Kays Kids said...

Deat Casper, he found the right home to belong to after his terrible torcher.
Your post is beautiful as usual.
Hugs
Kay

Jan - Life on Buttermilk Hill said...

Loving an animal is so great--neverending acceptance. Our son adopted an elderly dog that was scheduled to be put down. The poor thing had been badly abused--ears and tail docked with scissors--so fearful.He lost Colonel after giving him 2 years of adoration.That was 2 years ago and he is still devastated. Your little friend Casper still lives in your heart! I was glad to meet you at the Fairfax show in 2010.I am the folk art painter you talked to that was also set up at the show.
Jan-Life on Buttermilk Hill

Firecracker Kid said...

Aww, a touching post and very touching that you rescued him. He looks so happy and content in his photos. You are hearing his foot steps :o) He's still there with you.
Hugs~Carol

TheCrankyCrow said...

What a wonderful tribute to an amazing cat. He may have been an amazing teacher to you, but I'm sure he was equally grateful for the loving home and fulfilling life you gave him. I have always been a cat person ~ and, too, have experienced the loss of one very special to me. As much as I love the two I know have, I sometimes call them by "his" name. I hope when you think of Casper that a smile crosses your face before the tears have a chance to form....Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin

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