Oreo

In my attempt to start trying to post more consistently, I wanted to write more of a formal introduction piece, but life (as it often does) got in the way. This past Friday afternoon we got a call from animal control, letting us know our sweet kitty Oreo (whom had only been part of our family since drifting in as a stray in November 2011) had been hit by a car down the street from our place. Unfortunately he did not make it, causing my heart great pain.

Losing a furry friend is never easy, this especially difficult being unexpected and sudden. Thus I am writing a small piece to my resting critter to gain a bit of closure, as well as to have something to reflect on in the future so as to share his memory with my son, and any other children of mine to come whom were not lucky enough to have met Oreo in person. Here goes nothing...

Dear Oreo

Thanks for being such a wonderful pet. You never failed to amuse, bewilder, or bring a bit of liveliness to our home. You were a sweet ball of spunk and chill all rolled up into one very cute little package. You may have wandered into our lives, but it was no accident. You fit perfectly into our craziness and it was meant to be. We know you felt loved and we know you loved us. We couldn't have asked for a better cat - we will always remember you, your sweet purr, and your quirky quirks.

A Few Reasons We Loved You

1. You were a sweetheart to our toddler. A good-natured dude, you put up with stuff no other cat would or should have. You took wild rides in the back of a plastic dump truck. You never clawed or scratched or bit, even when being carried by the throat by a 2-year old. Your patience was second to none.

2. You snuggled me through back to back miscarriages. You comforted me WAY more than you will ever know. Thank-you!

3. You were able to win over a dog-lovers' heart. Something I didn't think was possible, but you proved me wrong.

4. You brought us a ton of laughter - curious but not too destructive, just the way a perfect kitty should be.

5. You were chill. You taught us to take it easy sometimes, and just 'observe' the surroundings. Again - thank-you. We miss you lying around the house - it feels empty right now without you.

Top 10 Oreo Memories

1. Soup's On - When we first got Oreo, we set a bowl of soup in my son's highchair. I turned around to put my son in and there was Oreo, sitting in the highchair, ready to dig in, looking as sly as ever.

2. Flying Through the Window - Oreo was pretty good at meowing to coming in, but one morning I must not have heard him, and he wanted in something fierce. Next thing we knew, there was a crash in the kitchen. Oreo knocked down the screen, bent the curtain rod, knocked the curtain into the sink and found his way down to his food dish. Not sure how he found the strength to fly hard enough to knock the screen in, but it was sure funny. There were also a few similar occurrences with the bathroom window. His perseverance was commendable.

3. Chasing the Scarf (or the head phones or anything stringy) - This is a great memory because of the sheer joy it brought my son to play with his kitty. The giggles heard were some of the best. Oreo played the game willingly and I think he always won.

4. Sleeping ANYWHERE - Oreo could sleep anywhere. Wine racks, baskets, gym bags, Christmas bags, headboards, waffle boxes, dish racks, laundry baskets, the Christmas tree, empty pizza boxes, kid tunnels, salad bowls, sinks - you name it, he could make it look comfy. His special spot was smack centre of the couch, where he could look out the window and stretch out like a little pencil crayon. It was always interesting to see where he would hunker down next.

5. Hanging Out in the Yard - This kitty LOVED to be outside. He begged to be an outside cat, and we gave in. He hung around the back yard like a dog. Lounging in the shade, bouncing around and chasing spiders, peaking up at me as I watered flowers. He enjoyed sit in the playhouse and the Flintstone car. He even let us push him around in the stroller. Again, shows just how chill he was.

6. Laundry Pal - Yep...caught him hanging out in the washer and dryer more than once. Freaked me out one day putting stuff in the dryer and seeing his cute head poke out - I swear he smiled up at me.

7. Bathtub Buddy - Oreo loved the water. He'd stick his paw in and splash. He had no fear. He even stole a tub toy right out of my son's bath and ran away with it. Lucky we caught that moment on tape to watch...so funny. In the winter, when he would hear the tub running, he'd head to the bathroom and prepare for our nightly hang outs. He'd either stand guard at the foot of the tub, hop up and sit on the ledge (which he learnt wasn't a good idea) or have a nap in the sink. He also loved to sneak in when I was having a shower and lap the water. Crazy Kitty!

8. Trapped at the Neighbours - Our neighbours have a little sunroom addition off the side off their house. Often, they kept the door open. Well, one evening Oreo must have went on in, but then the door got shut without them knowing he was in there. The next morning I couldn't find the cat, so I send my husband out looking for him. I could hear him yelling "Oreo" "Oreo" - he looked over the fence and saw Oreo pawing at the glass door. Thank goodness the neighbours were good sports and that he didn't get into anything. What a turkey!

9. Wrestling with our Border Collie - Our dog Abby fell in love with Oreo instantly. She was pumped to finally have a playmate. It took Oreo a day or so to warm up to Abby, but once they understood they were both gentle and kind, they hit it off. They even looked similar in tuxedo black. These two loved to wrestle, and never managed to hurt one another despite the huge size difference and a set of claws that rarely came out. It was entertaining to watch them battle out of boredom on a super cold winters day, and ending it with their own their own twisted snuggle.

10. Mini Sticks Goalie - Anytime there was a mini stick hockey game going on, be it in our living room or back yard, it was a sure bet that Oreo would be hanging off the back of one of the nets. He loved being close to the action, and to the people he adored. He loved hockey, just like the rest of our family.

Rest easy my little Oreo. Your life, although short, was meaningful, wonderful, and will be forever treasured. Thanks for blessing our lives with your sweetness!

Love Always
xoxoxo

For those of you with pets, give them an extra snuggle today!