3.23.2011

White Wednesday

When Robert and I first started living together about eight years ago we had a cat crisis straight away.  I had calico Molly who at the time was ten years old and at the height of her orneryness before she mellowed into old age and Robert had a white cat named Alaska who was sixteen and as gentle as they come.  Alaska, or Allie for short, had been living with Robert's ex then quite unexpectedly one day he got a call, the cat was no longer wanted and he better come and get it. 
Miss Allie
Molly was accustomed to being an only child and was not interested in a roommate, which she did not hesitate to show Allie at every opportunity. The one advantage that newcomer Allie had was size, she was a big girl who weighed about twenty pounds with fluffy white fur that made her look even larger.  Molly was no featherweight herself, but she also wasn’t an idiot and gave mountainous Allie a wide berth.  They seemed to stake out different areas of the house to call their own and learned to live surprisingly harmoniously within their set boundaries; Molly slept with us and Allie had the second bedroom across the hall.  The only time trouble erupted was when we got home from work, both cats would emerge from their separate territory and head to the shared ground of the living room in order to be with us.  They would walk around a corner and find themselves face to face.  Much hissing, posturing and air batting would ensue but neither seemed to do the other much harm.
reluctant friends
After several months had passed, Allie and Molls settled into a peaceful existence and one day when I came home from work I found Molly in Allie's bedroom.  Granted they were on different ends of the bed but it was a start and I was very happy (and snapped the one and only picture of them together).  Unfortunately shortly after this picture was taken Allie became very ill with diabetes and went to the bridge.  I know that Molly had not liked her at first, but for weeks after Allie was gone, I would find Molly in Allie's bedroom sitting on the bed missing her friend.  I hope Allie was waiting for Molly when she joined her at the bridge last September.

42 comments:

Sparkle said...

That story gave me pause. I wonder if I will miss Binga if she goes before me.

Hm.

Maybe not.

Mr Puddy said...

I'm so sorry for your lose and I'm so sorry about Allie and Molls almost make a good friends in their relationship.

Thank you so much to share this story to us. You and Molls must miss Allie so much.

Warm Charming Hugs for you and Molls
xoxo
Puddy

Angel Simba said...

What a sweet remembering story. Allie certainly was a large girl! I am sure there are fond memories of both Allie and Molly.

Vicki said...

I love this...My Persian Prissie is very much about being the only cat who shares a home with us and always has been. If there was even a cat that she saw come on the deck or anywhere she would turn in to all teeth and start making ungodly noises!!! ha! She is almost 21 and has always ruled the house! Love your story and isn't it nice they get along now? Cats rule....

Teddy Westlife said...

That is a sweet story. Mum despairs that Teddy and I will ever be that friendly.

Alasandra, The Cats and Dogs said...

What a sweet story. Sometimes we find our friends where we least expect them.

Anonymous said...

How sweet, it's almost like Molly knew!
Gillian

Cory said...

Such a sweet story and to have the wonderful photo as a memory. I bet they are pals now at the Rainbow Bridge.

Kea said...

Aw, we're glad they finally came to peaceful co-existence. We wish the same could have been said for Annie and Nicki!

Allie and Molly probably are sharing space--not too close!--at the Bridge now, though. :-)

-Fuzzy Tales

Hannah and Lucy said...

How nice that they sat on the bed together before the end - mum always says that cats always know before their humans do if one of them is sick.

Unknown said...

What a nice tale! Me misses my companion Licorice still (when the brat is not tormenting me).

SASS....Sammy Andy Shelly Sierra said...

What a sweet story....and it also gives our mama hope that us boys and Shelly will settle down and co-exist without stress.

xxxxxxx

Samantha & Mom said...

That is a wonderful story about Molly & Allie!!
Samantha

Hi Ben!! Wanna come over and play on the porch with me?
Love & Hugs,
Clemmie

Random Felines said...

Awww - we are glad Molly and Allie got to be "friends" before Allie crossed the Bridge. It is funny to see that despite not "liking" each other, they do seem to miss each other when one leaves.

Marg said...

That is such a great story. Isn't it great that they became friends at the end. Maybe Molly knew that Allie didn't feel well. Animals really are amazing. Hope all of you have a fun day.

Rene said...

What a sweet story, and that photo is adorable.

The Island Cats said...

What a nice story. We're glad that Molly and Allie were able to come to terms and accept each other eventually.

Regarding the SuperScratcher that Wally is sitting on today, we have several of these around the house, mostly near places where the cats like to scratch. Wally uses these all the time! Ernie, however, still chooses to scratch the carpet, even with the scratcher right there. The one thing about the scratchers is that they are relatively inexpensive, so it's worth a try. Just put the scratcher next to the furniture that the cats like to scratch. Another option is to put a scratching post right next to the furniture that the cats are scratching. Good luck!

Island Cats' mom

Brian's Home Blog said...

Those are precious memories and it is wonderful that they became tolerant and almost friends. Thanks for sharing that story.

Unknown said...

Such a precious story Cat.

Dee
xx

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Thanks for sharing the story. I started in a similarr way. Mum had a old cat and I came as a kitten, she hated me but we became good friends and I missed he so much when she went to the bridge. Hugs GJ x

The Creek Cats said...

What a great story. So wonderful that you have the photo to look back on too.

I am taking the CS4 photoshop class online through my local community college. I am on my second course now and really enjoy it! You should look into seeing if your local college or community college offers a course in your area. I have learned so much! And it's great that you can do it online.

Pellie / Penny said...

Such a wonderful story. They were both lucky girls to have such nice kind humans.

Purrs,
Genghis

Clooney said...

That is such a sweet story, we hope they are pals OTRB...

OKcats said...

What a sweet story about your girls! I have never really had cuddlers, but I've learned to be happy with mere co-existence! :)

CCL Wendy said...

Allie was a beautiful girl, too! I'm glad she was with you and Robert at the end, where she was obviously appreciated.

Yes, with kitties, it's usually only a matter of time before they make a connection. It's too bad Molly and Allie didn't have more time together on earth, but I'm sure they've renewed their friendship on the Bridge.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

That was such a touching story.

*ummm*
I have to wonder the same thing that Sparkle did...if Boo goes before me will I miss her?

*ummmmm*
Let me get back to you on that one...
(it's highly unlikely she will go before me because I am 5 years older than her)

purrin
xoxox
Abby

Tamago said...

It is such a sweet story. I am so sorry they took a journey to the bridge...but I am sure they are being really good friends now and snuggling together.

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

we are so sorry for your loss as well. We are sure they are together in heaven xoxo

Ellen Whyte said...

Its' funny how cats can be frenemies, isn't it? It's sad they've gone but I bet they had a great life with you.

LP said...

We think Allie and Molly are now friends in the hereafter because we believe they were becoming friends on earth and finished what they had begun on earth in the hereafter,where love prevails.
the critters in The Cottage

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

Thank you for sharing this heartwarming story...life is funny sometimes. Love your header! Did you 'paint' it? I'd love something custom for my blog like that!

Avalon's Garden and Mewsings of Garden Cottage Cats said...

Awww,,, what a touching story~
Both Beautiful Girls,So Sad when they leave us..... I am sure they are together on the other side of the Bridge ~


And hopefully it Stops snowing on this side of the Bridge!

Clarissa said...

What a lovely story and memory. There is never enough time no matter how long we are together on this earth.

Cats of Wildcat Woods said...

Sweet story. It is true then that you don't know what you have until it is gone - Molly found that out.

The Adventures of Scarlett and Melly said...

What a sweet and touching story! Thanks for sharing.

meowmeowmans said...

Thanks for such a wonderful tale, Cat. :)

Anonymous said...

That's a lovely story! We are sure they are sharing different ends of the bed at the bridge.

Mickey's Musings said...

Molly and Allie were two pretty kitties and we are sure Allie was there to meet Molly :)
That was a nice story about your furbabies.You must miss them . Hugs!!

Purrs Tillie & Georgia

Miss Kitty said...

Dear Catrina,

We found this story of yours very interesting and wonder if any of this would help us, for my daughter went and got herself a cat under 1 year which she keeps at the dorm unless when she comes home for spring break or loading up on groceries.

Well as things would have it when she was home for the weekend, Oliver escaped from her room and the two met. Nothing happened but Ms K certainly was shaken up and it took a couple of days for her to settle down.

Thank you for sharing your memories.

Warmest regards,
Miss Kitty and Egmont

Miss Kitty said...

PS: We forgot to tell you that we adore your new masthead.

Ms K and E

Mama Bear said...

Such a beautiful white lady ...and she does make me think of our Spike, who manages to be incredibly graceful even with a wee bit of extar padding. How fortunate you were to be able to have some time with her.

Samantha & Mom said...

Hi Ben wanna come over and hide from mom with me??
Hugs & purrs,
Clemmie