Shari Della Penna
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"Small acts of kindness can change and humanise our world."
   Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks 1948-2020
   ​Chief Rabbi of Great Britain, 1991-2020
                         Author, Advocate, Advisor

And Now There Are Four

10/4/2016

8 Comments

 
       What Mr Cleghorn said was, “no, don’t, William. I’ll take it.”
       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. 
8 Comments
Joan Marie Atbogast link
10/4/2016 10:22:58 am

What a beautiful post about a precious pet. Sending hugs & invisible tissues.

Reply
Shari DellaPenna
10/5/2016 01:36:39 pm

Thanks for the kind words and understanding.

Reply
Linda lanterman
10/4/2016 11:14:37 am

So sorry Shari. He was so loved and had such a happy home. We love our little strays

Reply
Shari Della Penna
10/5/2016 01:37:37 pm

We sure do!

Reply
Jean kamrada
10/4/2016 09:45:56 pm

Shari your kindness and love of animals is awesome. Pumpkin knew he was at the right home. You made his life complete as he brought joy to yours. RIP Pumpkin!

Reply
Shari Della Penna
10/5/2016 01:38:53 pm

Thanks, Jean.

Reply
Elaine Rudick
10/5/2016 09:07:56 am

So sorry to hear about Pumpkin, Shari. We are so attached to our special, little creatures. They are truly part of our family. It's so good that we can remember the ways that they brought us happiness and vice versa. 💜

Reply
Shari Della Penna
10/5/2016 01:39:59 pm

Thanks. You are so right!

Reply



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         I'm a children's writer and poet intent on observing the world and nurturing those I find in my small space .

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