Ode to Ivan

[Cloud]

I'd like to share some thoughts about my kitty Ivan, who went missing July 9. I've been grieving for him, and I'm -- almost done.

--I got him locally from a classified ad. I wanted a girl kitty, and was told that this kitten was, but when I got him home, hmm. . . those HUGE (for a kitten) black pendulous things kind of gave me a clue . . .

--This is the kitty that fetched. He loved to bring me toys, trash--anything, for throwing and would bring them back to me several times for fetching. He also loved anything plastic and crinkly, and would come running when he heard me unwrap something.

--he was a dunker. He'd carry those little pieces of trash, q-tips, etc. around, and deposit them in his water bowl.

--he was a pig! He loved his food, boy, and I think he was around 15 lbs when he disappeared. He "galumphed" when he jumped, instead of being all springy and light like other kitty.

--He had crossed eyes, and a thick, plushy coat. Although he wasn't fond of being held, he was irresistible--like a big, plush teddy bear, and I just wanted to hug him and squeeze him all the time.

--he had bad eyes and would snore, because of his short nose, and allergies, I guess. His snores were so cute!

--He had big, flat oval paws unlike any other kitty I've seen. He had a funny habit of sitting with his front paws hanging down in front of him in a very cute way.

--It's my fault, I know. I didn't think, or didn't realize, that he could get out by pushing that window screen open. And, although he was chipped, he didn't have an ID tag or the rabies tag on his collar, because -- he was supposed to be an indoor kitty. Mistake now, I realize.

People keep telling me someone has him and he's happy in another home. I just wish I could believe that. I try not to dwell on what happened to him, but it's hard.