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Conference misery::feline_v1

Title:Meower Power is Valuing Differences
Notice:FELINE_V1 is moving 1/11/94 5pm PST to MISERY
Moderator:MISERY::VANZUYLEN_RO
Created:Sun Feb 09 1986
Last Modified:Tue Jan 11 1994
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:5089
Total number of notes:60366

2008.0. "Karamaneh -- gallant lady, R.I.P." by FLASH1::KALLIS (Anger's no replacement for reason.) Wed Nov 30 1988 12:13

                      -<may you meet Angelica, sweet soul>-
                      
    A little over a decade ago, I got some kittens.  This was not only
    because I love cats, but because Morgan and Nianinne had died, leaving
    Angelica, by grand old lady, alone.  Since I was single then, and had
    to leave her alone when I worked or played, being the Only Cat wasn't
    as good as it could have been.  So, I got Merlin, Vivianne, and
    a little later, Morlock to keep her company.  And although she
    wasn't overly thrilled at the thought of kittens, they kept her
    mind occupied, and eventually, she became resigned to accept them.
    
    Then, in time, Angelica died (at the age of 18).
    
    The kittens were 3/4 grown, but still little.  I decided to see
    whether I could get a substitute "mom" for them.  In time, a beautiful
    Siamese sealpoint, looking almost like a younger incarnation of
    Angelica, was found for me through the MSPCA.  She was an approximately
    two-year-old stray.
    
    I named her Karamaneh, after a character in the Fu Manchu stories,
    who was a princess (and what lady Siamese isn't?).  She groused
    on the way home, but she quickly took charge: there was _no_ question
    as to who was the Head Cat.
    
    Karamaneh led a full life,, occasionally full of surprises.  She
    occasionally would manage to Get Outside The House, and it became
    a game to catch her.  
    
    When I was courting my wife, Karamaneh, with perfect assurance,
    was the first to make friends; indeed, when we finally got married,
    my wife, who's named Carmen, said of the little one, She's my kind
    of cat."  (Karamaneh, whose name is formally pronounced "car-ah-mah-
    neh" was generally cared "carmen-ay.")  Although Karamaneh loved
    me, she bonded closer to Carmen, who often referred to her by all
    sorts of pet names.
    
    There are so many memories of the little cat, including her airplane
    ride (it frightened her, but the vet indicated that we shouldn't
    tranquilize her), her "getting out of the house" when we were visiting,
    her laying on the paper to get the reader's attention, and her
    demands in her strong, Siamese voice, that I could write all day
    ... however...
    
    About a year and a half ago, she developed cancer of the mammary
    glands.  She underwent several operations until Carmen couldn't
    stand it any more; then, she was allowed to live as normally as
    she could without further surgery.  She was as self-possessed as
    any cat has ever been, lording it over Merlin (the only of the kittens
    remaining) even though he outweighed her two to one.
    
    She got thin, but her appetite was good, and she demanded and received
    certain treats such as raw chicken liver.  She was playful, and
    if she needed companionship or a pillow in the daytime, there was
    always Merlin.  At night, she would jump on our bed, circumnavigating
    it, purring, getting petted first by Carmen, then by me.
    
    A week ago Monday, she stopped eating.  Her Bonkers, she would chew
    but not swallow.  She drank a lot of water, and wouldn't even finish
    her raw liver.  
    
    Finally, before she starved to death, I took her to our vet.  He
    examined her and agreed with my judgment that the best thing at
    that point would be euthanasia.  I held her, and she purred, as he
    prepared the injection.
    
    She died almost instantly, collapsing into a small and very fragile
    heap. I brought her home.
    
    She is being buried with full Egyptian honors, as all kitties should.
                             
    I'll miss her terribly, but when she goes to wherever the souls
    of kitties congregate, I hope she meets her predecessor, so they
    can compare notes.
    
    And I hope I'll meet them both some day.
    
    Rest in peace, my little baby-cat.
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name		DateLines
2008.1CUPMK::TRACHMANZhivagoCats, Ltd..The Inn is Full..264-8298Wed Nov 30 1988 12:374
    The love and wonderful memories are yours to keep forever and ever.
    Our thoughts are with you.
    
    E.T. and the kids
2008.2Fare thee well, KaramanehBIGSUR::GRAFTON_JIWed Nov 30 1988 12:508
    Steve,
    
    Thank you for sharing Karamaneh with us.  What a wonderful tribute
    to a loved member of the family.
    
    Best wishes to you and Carmen,
    
    Jill
2008.3WEFXEM::COTESing with the clams, knave!Wed Nov 30 1988 13:027
    > Rest in peace, my little baby-cat.
    
    Steve, ya brought a tear to my eye with that line.
    
    May she indeed rest in peace.
    
    Edd
2008.4TPVAX1::ROBBINSWed Nov 30 1988 14:1214
    
    
           I've found my new year's resolution for the world.
    
           For someday that everyone (I'll be happy with the majority)
           can feel the same compassion, pure beautiful love, and respect
           that Steve has just so sensitively wrote to all our fellow
           creatures.  
    
           She will always be with you and near you Steve.
    
                                              With tears in my eyes,
                                                                   
                                                               kim
2008.5what a tribute!VIDEO::TAYLORCold noses = warm heartsWed Nov 30 1988 14:438
    I'm writing this with tears in my eyes.  What a beautiful story.
    My thoughts are with you.  Hold merlin close and give him all the
    affection you can give him.
    
    With the deepest sorrow,
    
    Holly, tabby, silver, snooks, micki, and seasea
2008.6Thank youMEMV03::CROCITTOWed Nov 30 1988 14:4621
    Steve--
    
    It's hard to see the keyboard right now!
    
    Thank you for sharing that note with us.  Each cat we love and are
    owned by is special.  Your story brought back memories of my first
    cat, Henny, that I had since I was 6.  She left us when I was a
    sophomore in college, and I still think of her with love.  My cat
    now (Billie) is 10, and I don't like to think of her not being around.
    I love her so much, and she's such a big part of my life.
    
    I really believe that that's why we have cats--again and again--because
    they teach us to expand ourselves and our love, and show us that
    we can indeed love again.
    
    You did the right thing, and I know that she understood.  I believe
    that, when cats (or any animal) die, they go to a special place
    in Heaven, and are safe.  Please be comforted.
    
    Jane
2008.7Memories of her will live onFDCV03::SENAWed Nov 30 1988 15:088
    Steve,
    
    It's so hard to lose one of the babies - I'm sure she had a wonderful
    life and you'll always have the finest memories of her.
    
    You're in our thoughts ---
    
    Joy, Dubbers & Punjab
2008.8Adieu Karamaneh...HILLST::MASONExplaining is not understandingWed Nov 30 1988 15:5113
    Steve -
    
    I have often thought that the truest test of one's love for his
    friend was letting go to help her, rather than hanging on to help
    yourself.  It is the hardest decision to make, but the fairest one
    of all.  Thank goodness that the memories will always be alive,
    and that we are able to befriend others.
    
    I'm home early because I didn't feel too well.  I think I'll go hug
    my kitties.
    
    Gary
2008.9sniff, sniff.....SWAT::COCHRANEScattering like light.Wed Nov 30 1988 15:524
    What a touching tribute to a most beloved friend.  Surely her place
    in heaven is as special as her place in your heart.
    
    Mary-Michael, Niniane, Charm, Dream and Boogie
2008.10I need a hankieRDVAX::ERPTEMPWed Nov 30 1988 16:4410
    My thoughts are with you, as tears are streaming down my face.
    It is indeed time to go visit my mother so that I can see my
    baby "Pina Colada" who is 11 years old.  She two has a tumor but
    is still her old self these days.
    
    That was a beautiful tribute and rest assured that she still can
    hear and see you and she know that you love her dearly,
    
    
    Linda
2008.11it's so sad..PARITY::WHALENAnd may the traffic be with youWed Nov 30 1988 17:418
       Thanks for sharing, there's tears in my eyes, too. 
    It's especially hitting home with me, as I lost my beloved Tabyy
    this summer, and am watching my true love, Ruby, slowly die of the
    same disease (FELV).  I know soon too, I will be writing my tribute
    to this file as well, with lots and lots of tears in my eyes.
    
                               thoughts are with you,
                                                   Denise
2008.12I'm so sorryVAXWRK::SKALTSISDebWed Nov 30 1988 18:053
    My deepest condolences on your loss.

    Deb
2008.13Sorry....SA1794::DOWSEYKWed Nov 30 1988 19:1112
    Sorry to hear of your loss...
    
    A year ago I lost my furface buddy Hamden (15 years old). They may
    be gone but the memories live on forever. As with your Karamaneh
    Hamden had a long hard fight with his illness. And I held him while
    the vet put an end to his pain. I did feel much better about the
    whole ordeal by being with him and seeing and feeling how quickly
    he went into his final sleep.
    
    We will meet our loved ones again.
    
    Kirk
2008.14My sympathies to youBCSE::GOGOLINThu Dec 01 1988 15:5614
    Steve,

    I'm so sorry to hear about Karamaneh. What you wrote was beautiful; I 
    think I'm setting a record in Kleenex consumption.

    I can really empathize with you as yesterday I had to put to sleep my 
    19-year-old Siamese Junie, who I've had since birth. It's the pits when 
    you lose them.

    You can take comfort in knowing that she was well-loved during her
    lifetime and you gave her the very best care you could. I'm sure 
    Karamaneh knew that and was comforted by it, too.

    Linda
2008.15So sorryCLUSTA::TAMIRACMS design while-u-waitFri Dec 02 1988 10:468
    Steve,
    
    Many a tear have been shed over your loss.  Karamaneh enriched your
    life, and the empty space she leaves can never be filled.  My deepest
    sympathies...
    
    Mary and crew
2008.16My sympathiesMTADMS::ALANDRYtightly undoneFri Dec 02 1988 14:567
    Steve,
    
    I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  I will be giving my
    babies a special hug when I get home tonight.
    
    Anna/Zildjian/Spunky
2008.17Very sorryLARVAE::DOIDGEYes, that is how you spell it !Mon Dec 05 1988 08:5913
    It's very hard to do Notes on the quiet, when a Note such as yours
    is so touching and makes me cry! I hope you are feeling better now. 
    One of my boys died recently, and I felt terrible, so I can fully
    sympathise with you.
    I read a book once, that said all animals go to Heaven and that
    some-one eg a relative or friend, looks after them until their owner
    gets there. So far, my mummy is looking after Russel (Cocker Spaniel);
    Blacky and Tinky (black cats); Doris, Electra and A.N. Other
    (goldfish); and most recently, Merry (tabby cat). She must be busy!
    keeping them apart, if nothing else!
    
    Regards,
    Rosalind
2008.18FRAGLE::PELUSOWed Dec 07 1988 08:165
    
    Your note brought a tear to my eye...we're sorry to hear of your
    loss.
    
    Michele and Nippa
2008.19MARKER::REEDAll the world&#039;s a stageTue Dec 13 1988 14:083
    Such a wonderful tribute to a friend.  Our sympathies are with you.
    
    Roslyn, Esco and Brandy
2008.20So Sorry.SALEM::DEFRANCO_JWed Dec 14 1988 12:007
    I've not been reading notes faithfully over the last few weeks so
    I just read your note Steve.  It was beautiful, touching and tearful
    all at the same time.  I am so sorry to about your loss.  Your sorrow
    is shared by all of us.
    
    Jeanne, Cali, Sam and Sweetie