Diana here. Apologies from myself and Cookie for our blogging hiatus. It’s been a sad time for our family, and for awhile the words just weren’t coming. First, after a long illness, we lost my beloved Uncle Charlie. My Uncle was an animal lover and was especially fond of his dogs, who were his constant companions. He doted on them, and often took them with him when he went out, whether it was for a walk on the beach or a long road trip. His dogs Suzie, Mabel and Annie are now providing companionship and love to my Aunt Linda now during these difficult days. Rest in Peace Uncle, and thank you for showing me how special it is to have a dog in this life.
Last Sunday, our beautiful S’More Cat did not return home, and has not been seen since. She has vanished without a trace, and we are all worried, sad, and deeply miss her. Each time I gaze outside at the yard, or look down by my feet, or at her favorite spot on the couch, and don’t see her, my heart hurts. I so want to see her beautiful little face, look into her bright yellow eyes – one just a little bigger then the other – and scratch behind her ears and feel her bunny-soft fur again. I listen for the tinkle of the little bell on her collar, search for her when I walk Cookie around town, and look for her face pressed against the glass doors of my house, asking to be let in. Her food remains untouched, and the couch doesn’t have it’s usual supply of white fur on it. Heavy, heavy, heavy sigh. Without our kitty, I am so present to just what a presence she has been in our lives. The truth is, we spend a lot more time with our pets then our extended family. They are a key part of each and every day, as much so as the sun rising in the morning and the moon setting at night. Without our cat my days just feel strange and off-kilter. Time will tell if our kitty will come home to us. In the meantime, we are grateful for the kindness and concern of our neighbors and friends here in Katonah. I also learned about a great local rescue resource in my area called Community Cats, and of a website with helpful tips about what to do if your cat goes missing called catsinthebag.com. If you are ever in our situation, I recommend you take a look.
Cherish your pets, even on those days they are “high maintenance” with their shedding, clawing, and chewing. Life is never the same when they are gone. I have been talking to my children about how this situation with S’More is a true test of faith. We’ve just got to have some right now.
Warm and Fuzzies, Diana
Cookie of Katonah 
