Rest in Peace, Cleo

I was carrying a load of clothes back from the laundromat when two little kittens walked boldly up to me demanding attention and love and fish. I remember scooping them up immediately and sneaking into our TLF – even though no pets were allowed.

My sister adopted Ms. Piggy immediately and I claimed Confucius as my own. At the vet’s office they received shots and new names – Ms Piggy was the boy and became Ralph. Confucius was a girl, and thus, became Cleo.

She lived in three states in the USA and one province in the Netherlands. She started each day with demands for fresh water and ended each day with demands for cuddles.

She licked everyone. She purred easily. She moved like a cat half her age. She’d let Zoe bully her until she was done and then she’d kick her ass. Zoe always lost the fights when Cleo had enough.

Cleo always comforted me when I was upset and today was no different. When we got the test results, I burst into tears and she curled up in my lap and purred – one paw around my wrist. I wish she was here to comfort me now.

I love you, Old Lady Complains.

Sweet dreams, Cleo.