He was as surprised as everyone else after he had said it, but when he examined the words he decided he meant them.
“But you can’t,” said William. “What on earth would you do with it?” This had also just occurred to Mr Cleghorn, but he thought of the answer just in time.
from: Mister Cleghorn’s Seal
by Judith Kerr
HarperCollins Children’s Books, 2015
When I found Pumpkin, I already had two cats, a golden one, Charlie, and black, white and gray striped Tristan. This new baby kitty was skittish. Every morning and afternoon I took him some kitten food in a small plastic bowl. I shook it a couple times and called, “Here’s some breakfast (or dinner), Baby.” Then I’d walk away and he’d come out and chow down while I watched, out of sight. After about two weeks, he let me touch him. My new little golden kitten fit into the palm of my hand. His eyes were barely opened. What happened to his mamma? Brothers? Sisters?
Well, he has a new family, now.
I worried, “I have a golden kitty. What if I won’t be able to tell who is who?”
I named my new kitty Pumpkin. (Thanks, Sandy!) Logical: I found him on October 1 and he was orange, like a pumpkin, even though he felt golden to me.
Pumpkin grew into his name in a hurry! weighing in at over 14 pounds! He liked his new home. He liked to play with his brothers. They all shared their food and toys. I never wondered who was who.
Pumpkin was a gentle cat. He loved to be brushed. He loved to watch squirrels and chipmunks. He loved to squash himself into the window-sill in the Spring and Fall.
He loved to sit quietly with each grandchild and listen to stories and what was important at the moment.
I thought Pumpkin had a cold. He sounded congested. It wasn’t unusual to hear him snoring gently while he slept, but I knew something was wrong when he snored even when he was awake.
The vet said Pumpkin had a blockage (tumor) in his esophagus that interfered with his breathing. He wouldn’t get better.
My husband and I decided to let Pumpkin go. He was brave and kind and generous to the end.
?October 11, 2000 - August 24, 2016
Rest in peace, Pumpkin.