Memories of Jackie

Six weeks ago, my little Jackie was a happy cat who ate everything I put in front of her and doing all her normal activities. We went to the vet for her yearly checkup, where it was determined she had hyperthyroidism and was put on medication. Two weeks ago a follow-up blood test was done, and the vet doubled the dosage of the medication. This started Jackie on a downward spiral which she never recovered from, and we lost the battle early Thursday morning.

Jackie was at least 11 years old when she came to live with us 8 years ago. She has always been one of the sweetest natured cats I've ever seen, and she was that way right up to the end. She had so many cute quirky things she did over the years, as all cats do. One of my favorites was how she'd open our bi-fold doors every day - she figured out long ago that she had to pull in the center of the doors in just the right place to get them to open. And then there's our dresser which has outer doors with pull-out drawers behind them. Jackie figured out where the magnets were that kept the doors closed, and would open the doors from underneath, then pull out the same drawer every time, along with the same pair of shorts. Once done, she would walk away proudly. She also loved to sit above us on the back of the couch, and burrow her nose into the top of our hair. She had a unique way of running - actually bouncing no matter how fast she was moving - we called it "High Steppin." And she loved to snuggle up under my chin, whether I was sitting straight up in a chair, or laying in bed - she wasn't close enough until her whiskers were hitting me in the face. Every night like clockwork she would show up and sit on the arm of the couch next to my husband for her evening rub.

We have so many great memories of her in the 8 short years we got to spend with her. Needless to say she leaves a big hole in our household, and we miss her dearly. Jackie had lost most of her hearing the last couple of years and she wasn't as active as she used to be, so it's comforting to know she's happy and healthy again and running with all the other kitties and pups who've crossed the bridge before her.

Rest in peace my sweet girl.