There is a reason why it's been a while since my last update. The main reason is that my laptop has packed in, so I have to rely on my iPad to do everything, which is a bit of a pain. Also, my husband and I went on holiday for our two year anniversary last week, so I didn't have time.
My original topic for this week was going to be about the "witchy" things we do as children, but recent events made me decide to change it. This Saturday, I lost my cat Pepper at the age of 14.
The hole she has left in my heart made me think about the bond we have with our animals. It's a different, if not sometimes stronger, one than that we have with humans. It is unconditional and unquestionable. I don't think I ever once questioned that Pepper loved me as much as I loved her. While I have not shared a home with her for the last few years, every time she saw me, she purred. She recognised me and that I am there to give her all my love (and sometimes a yummy treat or two). Whenever I said "I love you", she would rub against my legs in an undoubtable "I love you too", or if I was holding her we would touch noses.
From the moment we brought her and her brother home when they were kittens, Pepper and I were the best of friends. The photo I began my entry with is a time lapse. The first photo was taken when I was 12 and she was a year old. The second was taken earlier this year, with her at 14 and me at 25. It was always a bit of a challenge to get her to face the camera!
I know this entry feels a bit aimless, but I just wanted to take an entry to talk about my little princess. I was on holiday when she passed away, but I knew something had happened. I spent the whole weekend with a feeling that something had happened, but I didn't know what. By the time I came to my parents' house (to collect my other cat, Dozey), I think a part of me already knew. When we went into the garden and realised she wasn't around, it hit me. Although, I'll be honest, I still have difficulty coming to terms with the fact that she really is gone.
For the times when the sadness takes over, I have Dozey. One of the many great things about cats is that they are intuitive. Whenever I feel sad, she's there for me. When I was younger, Pepper did the same for me (when I was feeling ill, Salty would take over... and knead my stomach).
I apologise for the bizarre, grief driven entry. I felt that, as my loving companion of 14 years, Pepper deserved a mention on my blog.
Also, I want to take this opportunity to encourage people to support the Cats Protection League, who take care of abused and abandoned cats, help them get better and find them forever homes.
Blessings,
Raegan Shanti