Say it aint so

I am posting today with a heavy heart. Rasta is in the animal hospital awaiting surgery to remove an adenocarcinoma (cancerous tumor) from his colon, pending the results of a liver biopsy to see if the cancer has spread. The diagnosis was made last week during a colonoscopy which folowed many trips to several specialist veterinarians to rule out more benign conditions. Fortunately to date, aside from diminishment of his normally voracious appetite, he has maintained his usual happy, affectionate and loving attitude. He has been such a trooper to endure this much already, thankfully not comprehending the gravity of his condition. I wish I could be as strong.

Sam is running about the house, meowing and seeking my attention no doubt in an effort to understand his brother's absence. They have never been seperated for even an hour since their birth almost 10 years ago.

Sam and Rasta - 9 weeks old

Sam and Rasta came to me from a shelter called "Kitty City" at Pet World in Framingham, Massachusetts. About 40 cats and kittens residing in this elaborate maze-like cage network which had multiple levels, lots of toys, platforms, resting and play areas, even an overhead skywalk. When I stopped in, most of the residents were napping or just wandering around, awaiting adoption. However, oblivious to all else, there were two little, 8-week old black kittens frolicking, wrestling one another and jumping off a platform. I put a finger into the cage and Rasta came right over and started nuzzling it. Another finger in the cage and Sam followed suit. The connection was made! The shelter director said she wanted to place both cats together because they were so tight. I said that would be a perfect fit for me. An hour later I was home in Ashland with a new litter box, 28 lbs. of litter, lots of toys and food and two rambunctious kittens.

Cat on the hat - Rasta

Aside from both kittens being all black, it was immediately obvious that Sam and Rasta were as different as day and night. Rather, as night and later that night. Rasta the husky, sensitive, easy-going lounge lizzard and skinny Sam the gregarious practical joker who just had to pry open every door and cabinet in the house. Many trips to the hardware store seeking ingenious ways to "Sam-proof" the house. He stills finds ways thwart my latches and deadbolts, even in our current home in Marshfield, but has mellowed into a wonderfully affectionate cat,

Kitten Sam