Time for a twenty one gun salute

[madwomanwithabox]

R.I.P.
Ramona Quimby Carlie
1989-2006

Ramona walked out of our garage one day when I was seven years old, a scrawny little stray. We were all allergic to cats, but she was so pretty and spirited that even Mom, a notorious hater of felines, ended up declaring that she'd need her shots.

This was half an hour after telling us we would NOT be keeping the cat.

Ramona was a neutered male, but I was seven and insisted on the name. After she lost the jewels, it didn't matter anyway, so it stuck.

Ramona was more than a pet, she was a member of this family. To my father, she *was* another daughter, and it fit because to me she's always been like a sister. She took care of this family when my mother died, and has been my father's only real, constant companion since he lost his leg.

She had a lot of attitude...always thought she was the alpha and omega, and we let her because to us, she was. She was smart as hell, and stubborn, too. She was one of the strongest, kindest, most noble people I've ever known, and over the last seventeen years has become the cornerstone that holds my family together. I can honestly say that I like and love Ramona more than most humans I've met in my life.

Ramona collapsed at home tonight after losing control of her back legs. Her heart threw a blood clot, and her chest was filling with fluid. She was a stubborn little bitch...but she just couldn't stand up to old age.

We had no choice but to end her suffering, and at about 6 PM tonight, she died.

A lot of you have heard me talk about Ramona over the years, but I honestly regret that you never got to meet this cat. Her death isn't just a huge blow to my family, it's a really tragic loss, because there will never be another like her, from now 'til Judgement Day.

It may sound silly, but she was my sister in every way that mattered. There's problems to be dealt with, but I won't deal with them here and now.

I just want to ask you all a favor tonight...take a good long look at that picture. Read everything I've written. And in the future, don't be afraid to ask me about her, to talk about her...don't be afraid of upsetting me.

If any of you out there have ever had a pet that means as much to you as any human in your life ever has, then you'll understand what kind of cat Ramona was.

I just want her to be remembered.

I love you, Mona Belle.

Comments

[mysticxf.livejournal.com]

*hugs* I'm really sorry, honey. I know it's hard losing a member of the family (and pets ARE sometimes the best members). *hugs*

[prettybutt.livejournal.com]

so sorry for your loss

[inthekeyofd.livejournal.com]

Oh, sweetie after everything you've written about her, I know you must be heartbroken, all I can do is over a shoulder and ear to listen.

So SO sorry for your loss.

[(Anonymous)]

I am so sorry for your loss. She sounds like she was a wonderful cat, and believe me when I say that I wish I could have met her.

You don't sound silly at all. It sounds like the two of you had a beautiful relationship, and I know she's missing you.

[superstarweirdo.livejournal.com]

*hugs* sending good vibes your way. i'm so sorry for your loss.

[cjmarsicano.livejournal.com]

Shit. :( I'm sorry, Liz. *hugs*

[twilight-tart.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry for the loss of Mona :( It sucks to lose a pet, especially one that is so near and dear to your heart.

[crystalkirk.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry for your loss, honey. We just lost our "like a human, family member" cat to old age as well a couple months ago, so I know how much it can hurt. :/

[alliecat8.livejournal.com]

Yes, I understand. *hugs and loves*

[jessierarr.livejournal.com]

They really do become a member of your family and not just a 'pet'. It does NOT sound silly at all.

Oh God. I'm so sorry for you loss. She was beautiful and she sounded like a fantastic someone to know. Cats like her come once in a lifetime.

[demonapendragon.livejournal.com]

I've been there myself, about 9 years. Different circumsatnces of death though. My sweet lil cat, Newgi, got attacked and killed by neighborhood dogs...

So Sorry for your loss.

[thiswholeflight.livejournal.com]

*sends so much love*

[astra2104.livejournal.com]

Oh hon, I'm so so sorry *hugs*

My family lost our Leon earlier this year, and the house just seems colder and less friendly without him around...

Your Ramona sounds like a great cat; I'm sure she will be remembered.

*hugs you some more*

[thetypogoddess.livejournal.com]

♥

So so so so so sorry babe. :(

::hugs::

[phantomas.livejournal.com]

oh, yes. I do understand. *sends her love to you and Ramona*

[http://users.livejournal.com/_crow_chick_/]

I know what you're going through, doll. September made it a year since we lost Lucky and you KNOW how much I loved that dog. I still miss him, but it helps to know that suffering was ended because of the actions family chose to take. *hugs*

Just remember that Ramona loved you and the rest will fall into place.


<3, E.

[siluria]

I'm going to give you a very big hug *HUG* (it would be bigger only I suck as html) My mum lost her 18 year old cat this year, and although we've lost a few over the years every one of them has a different personality and will be loved and missed as would any other member of the family.