September of 2001 was a bad month for everyone. But along with 9/11, we were dealing with the death of my husband’s grandmother and with my parents moving to Arizona. It was not a good month. But after my parents moved, I was tying up some loose ends at their house (this was 19 years ago; I think it was a garage sale but who knows) and there were two tiny orange kittens running around outside. I played with them and watched to see if anyone came to claim them, but saw no sign of it. So I did what any crazy animal lover would do, and took them home with me.
We already had two cats, so the husband wasn’t thrilled, but he went along with it. I named one Thumb, for the extra digit on one paw, and the other Freckle, for the freckle on one paw. Sadly, Thumb had some health problems and didn’t make it through the night. But Freckle thrived and settled into our family.
This was Christmas of 2001, and man alive, look at those three babies! But don’t let that cute little photo fool you — Freckle was the orneriest cat I’ve ever had, always getting into things and knocking things off tables and desks. I loved him but to be honest, he drove me nuts. A few months later, my parents came for a visit and this happened:
My dad had recently lost his previous cat, and he and Freckle bonded. I confess, I was more than happy to send Freckle back to Arizona with my parents. And Freckle lived out there for 11 years, coexisting with their dog and getting into all kinds of trouble. After Dad died in 2012, Freckle moved back here with my mom and tolerated her new cat and all the new children petting him and squeezing him.
Today I had to take Freckle to the vet for the final goodbye. He was 19 years old, wheezing all the time, down to skin and bones. Just like it often is, we knew it was the right time but it still sucked. Thanks to covid, I didn’t get to go inside, but the vet came out to the parking lot to give him the sedative so I could hold him while he fell asleep. It felt right, me being the one to take him. We got to come full circle. It’s hard to ask for much more than that.
bonnyknits 
I’m so sorry. It sounds like Freckle had a wonderful life.
Thank you! I think he did, and that’s a big comfort.
RIP Freckle. That picture with your Dad is so great! They were clearly meant to be together.
Thank you! I’m glad Freckle found his person!
It’s sad when we have to say goodbye to them. They enter our lives and fill our hearts and minds with lots of memories.
Yes, it’s hard. I’m glad he made it as long as he did!
My condolences on the loss of your fur baby Freckle! You had 19 wonderful years. Pets are family too!
Thank you! Yes, they really are family, especially after 19 years!
I am so sorry for your loss! It sounds like Freckle had a good life and was loved. It is so hard to lose a fur baby, but I’m glad you were able to be with him and hold him as he went to sleep. Hugs!
Thank you! I was awfully glad too.
I’m so sorry. What a sweet story. Freckle had a good life thanks to you. ❤️
Thank you! I hope so!
I’m sorry for your loss—it’s always a sad time when we have to say goodbye to them, even when we know the time is right. I’m glad you were able to be with Freckle at the end.
Thank you. I’m really glad too.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Freckly seems to have had a wonderful life with your family.
Thank you, I think he did!
::hugs:: I am so sorry to hear this. Animals are family and it’s so hard to lose a loved one. Such sweet photos too.
Thank you!
Aw I’m so sorry *hugses*