Saying farewell to Gentle George

In memory of George, the gentle Maine Coon

by Nancy Kelleher

I've had many cats over the years and loved them all but until George I never knew how much I could be in love with a cat.  George came to me from a friend, he was living at home where he was mistreated and neglected daily.  He was about a year old when I got him and was thin but had the heart of a lion.  In a short amount of time he packed on the pounds (26 at his heaviest).  I didn't realize until I took him to the vet that was actually a Maine Coon and that was pretty normal for his breed.  He was the most lovable, affectionate cat I've ever had the privilege of owning.George would come to meet me every day at the door when I came home from work, grocery day was always his favorite he would run and jump in the bags no matter where they were.

He had some of the funniest quirks, for example he loved snow.  Every year when the first bit of snowflakes would come he would run around the house from window to window meowing like crazy.  The bigger the storm the happier he was, I think he was a meteorologist in his former life. Also, I could always tell 2 days before a full moon because even in his elder years he would chase his tail for hours, Maine Coons are known for having very long fluffy tails--it was his own personal play toy. 

When I would sit down to relax after a long day of work and chores he would come and sit on me, and with his long front teeth would rub up against my hand for me to pet him, sometimes for hours, reading a book or a magazine was nearly impossible because he would push his way around what I was reading to get my attention.  Though he was a relatively quiet cat he was a commanding leader in the house with other pets they all respected him.  I've had cats and dogs that lived with George and he always made sure his presence was known to me. My friends always marveled at how gentle he was for a cat his size.  

I miss him every day but cherish the 17 years I had with him. I miss his loud purrs that used to lull me to sleep, his warm body that would cuddle up with me and take a nap, his adorable face peeking out the window looking at me when I was coming home from work or when I was outside gardening. 

I miss you my boy but I know your not in pain anymore, I keep pictures all around the house of you to remind me of your beautiful face every day.

In memory of George Kelleher, September 1992 - February 27th 2010