JACOB

Jacob was my first cat. We adopted him when I was about 5 years old. He was an orange tabby who was a little spooked because he had be hit by a large telephone cable spool when he was very young. Fortunately, he was not seriously injured. The accident didn't keep him from being very loving, either. He was really good about letting me pick him up and pet him.

I remember when my mother, my brother, and I went to pick him up. On the ride home, he crawled into my brother's jacket and rode there the whole way back home. He was such a little thing. He was so cute and so cuddly. I hadn't realized how small kittens were. I didn't know that he would fit in the palm of my brother's very large hand.

I fell in love with him rapidly. I began to learn how wonderful cats are. He did all sorts of neat things. I loved the way his soft fur felt against my skin and his gentle purring was an amazing thing to me. I came to know the beauty of the cat through Jacob.

My fondest memory of Jacob is of when he stole my dinner. We were having hot dogs and I had a special kid table at which I ate because it was small enough for me to reach. I had set the table that night and had taken my hot dog to the table. I went back into the kitchen for something and when I returned, I found that my plate was empty. Then I saw Jacob under the table with a hot dog sticking sideways out of his mouth. I was so upset that I cried. I thought I wouldn't get any dinner. My mother and brother assured me that I would as they laughed at the sight of this little cat with a big hot dog sticking out of both sides of his mouth. Once I was sure that I would have something for dinner, I began to laugh too. Jacob's eyes were as big as quarters while he hid with his kill. It still brings a smile to my face when I think of it.

We lost Jacob a couple of years after he came to live with us. At that time, we knew nothing about the dangers of letting a cat roam, so he was indoor/outdoor. He was neutered, but that didn't stop him from roaming some. One night, he didn't return home from his adventures. We looked for him for weeks, but to no avail. I never saw my beautiful Jacob again. I can only hope that someone thought he was a stray, took him in, and gave him a happy home.

Kisses sweet Jacob. I miss you and will always love you. Maybe I will see you again at the Bridge. I hope I do.

Back To The Rainbow Bridge