It's been over a month. Our dear mainecoon rescue cat, Shakespere, has been missing. We have finally come to grips that he will not be returning.
We adopted him and his sister almost two years ago. They were an early Christmas present for our kids when our previous cat died earlier that year. These absolute sweethearts were left in a box with another brother almost identical to Shakespere on the driveway of a woman who worked with a local animal rescue foundation. These darling little balls of fluff came home and cuddled their tiny bodies together and tolerated being carried on their backs like infants by our three kiddos for weeks.
Shakespere grew up to be exceptionally different. His personality lied somewhere between the traditional playful kitten and an exhausted great dane. He would often be found laying on his back- legs spread wide open- at the foot of the stairs. During card games at the kitchen table, he would lay on his back right in the middle of the game. He certainly like being the center of attention!
He and his sister played wonderful games of chase around the house. He grew to be a pretty big kitty, so his tromping down the hall at full gait was heard throughout the house. He enjoyed the occasional feigned swat at the dog's tail to try to evoke a rise out of the big monster, but was never successful. The dog cared little for the cat, but was always eager to correct him, like a dutiful sheriff, when he was heard scratching his claws on the couch.
The sadness of his loss, swept through the house with a terrible force last month. We could all be found gazing out the back window eager to witness his return. He went out on a usual romp in the forest just before bed one night. It was their routine- a quick jaunt around the backyard, a dash into the woods, and back in for a cozy snuggle with our oldest daughter. His sister, Nina came in, and he and the little guy- Scrapper- were no where to be found. This wasn't the first time the boys stayed out all night, so we left them to their antics and went to bed. In the morning, Scrapper had stuck himself up a tree and was crying to be let down, Shakespere was nowhere in sight. We expected his return soon after Scrapper got the guts to get himself out of the tree, but "Shakes" never returned.
The whole family walked the woods, knocked on doors, put up signs, and turned up empty handed. A kind neighbor warned us about the foxes and coyotes in the area, and suggested that he was snatched by one of them. We all grieved his loss, especially given the fact that of all the cats to go, he was truly the house favorite. Our oldest daughter- who holds a unique bond with animals- took the loss especially hard. Her best friend and bunkmate was gone for good.
I can't say enough good things about growing children and animals together. My kids have learned a great sensitivity to things that are less than they are. In addition to compassion, they have also learned responsibility, unconditional love, and friendship. We all celebrate the silliness and joy that these creatures bring us on a daily basis. In fact, I think our house would be quite boring without the addition of all these friendly faces. They all offer a caring snuggle when we are down, come running when the children cry, and join in on stories and songs at bedtime. They truly live our lives with us, follow us from room to room throughout the day, and eagerly greet us as we return. What love they offer us. How beautiful... What an amazing gift God has given us in the domesticated animal. We are blessed.
Shakespere- we love and and miss you. You were truly loved, and will be forever treasured in our hearts.
Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.
~Anatole France
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