Saying Goodbye

Callie loving on a blogger's holiday gift to me.
Christmas 2009

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Today I'm mourning the loss of my blog's mascot, Callie Cat Hartness.  Diabetic and advanced in age (15 years), she died peacefully in her sleep today.  She's been part of our family since the summer of 1995, just after my husband and I married.  She came from the local ASPCA in Biloxi, MS as a 6-8 week old kitten. Sometimes we think she chose us, not the other way around!

Callie saw it all--- our move back to our native North Carolina, the purchase of our first home, the birth of our two children, our career move to Vero Beach, FL and so much more.  She survived many scrapes with death, having more than one kitty accident along the way.  Her patience with our wiley boys was remarkable, as she endured occasional chasings and slightly-rough toddler petting.

As I sit here in my room, all is silent, there's no cat sitting in the window or at the foot of my bed.  I already miss her so. She was a good friend and companion, and like all good family pets, she will never be forgotten.

R.I.P.

Callie Cat Hartness

1995-2010

Q

Callie not long after she joined us in 1995.
She loved to find hidey holes, like in between the cereal boxes. 
And once as a kitten she got herself shut into the fridge for a few minutes!

Callie sometime in the last year or so.
In her favorite perch in the bedroom window, looking out on the world.