Bless You My Dear Monique

In memory of our beloved Monique

1994-2009

Dear Blog Friends,

Thanks to all of you who sent kind email or blog wishes about my beloved kitty and writing partner Monique when I mentioned last fall that she had been diagnosed with kidney failure. I truly appreciate your kind words and thoughts. Yesterday was her last day as our beloved companion, and hubby Steve and I are thankful that she blessed us with so much joy for nearly 15 years. This blog post is a tribute to my loving feline friend and devoted writing partner.

Monique had many of the life/cat qualities I admire: loyalty, a kind yet spirited disposition, was truly herself even to the end, affectionate, fun and funny, curious, and smart, to name just a few. (She figured out how to open doors with her paw and would do so when she was curious about something.) She was a joy to have around, always, and without fail she would meet us at the door when we'd come home.

Monique's antics on the sofa were legendary in our house; in any one day I could take ten photos of various humorous poses.

She had a regal bearing (probably due to her breeding as she was a purebred Scottish Fold) yet there were no airs about her. Her sweet disposition, combined with her gorgeous silver mackerel tabby markings made her a charmer; she was often the center of attention whenever someone new came to our house and we'd hear comments like, "What kind of cat is that!? or "She's gorgeous!"

I chose her from amongst about 300 cats at a Cat Fancy show when she was just 10 weeks old and it was love at first sight for both of us. She snuggled into me right when I picked her up and the breeder and Steve immediately noticed a bond. We had that for nearly 15 years; she claimed us as "her humans."

Monique loved curling up in our antique rocker next to our bed. The Scottish Fold breed is notorious for being loving and devoted to their humans; they are happiest when they are in close physical proximity to their owners. This was true of her; she loved sitting next to me while I wrote on the computer in bed, or climbing up on my chest and curling up in a ball while I tried to type. I'd stop typing and love on her. If I didn't, she acted hurt and moped.

Like me, she loved pink!

Wherever there was a comfy seat, she'd land.

She made us laugh with her "cat-itude!" She was the quintessential feline who could look at you with disdain when she didn't want her nap interrupted! But the next thing you knew she'd be up on your lap and licking your hands. Some people say they love dogs because they're straightforward; I love cats because they're mysterious. Or as someone once said, "Dogs come when they're called; cats take a number and get back to you!"

She loved curling up anywhere and everywhere in my home office.

She also was a big "help" when I was clipping pictures from home magazines!

Oddly enough, she loved sitting on wet laundry!

Her fellow feline, Beau, was the love of her life. We had him already when we got her and at just six months older than her, upon meeting her, he immediately acted like a "mother hen" and showed her the ropes in our home. It was very dear to watch; he was a true gentleman with her and always watched out for her. Some vets say when introducing a new cat to one you already have to put them on either side of a door to let them get used to each other. We never had to; they loved each other at first sight and I heard them hiss at each other only about three times in 15 years. Usually, they were curled up together like an old married couple.

Case in point!

Beau was always wrapping his paws around her head and giving her a good washing or a hug.

The other love of Monique's life (and mine!) was hubby Steve. My football player-sized yet teddy bear husband taught her to kiss and when he'd ask her for one, she'd oblige. It was a cute ritual between them; before he left for work in the morning he was sure to kiss "his girls" goodbye. She did this with him even on her last day.

Thank you Monique for the unconditional love, joy, and devotion you gave us for so long and may you rest serenely and happily in peace. You'll never be forgotten; we'll always hold you with love in our hearts.

Love,

Kathryn

http://www.kathrynbechenink.com/