Our first pet was a dog, an Airedale .. named Susie , she was the beginning of a menagerie of pets over the years .

There were cats , a rabbit , white mice , tropical fish, hermit crabs , once a wonderful butterfly emerged from a cocoon we found on a stick and kept it until it awoke from transformation and then we let it go.

There was a robin my husband found near a street curb on a hot day and brought home. A cardboard box with a tree branch , water and screening on top became its home and I became its mother.  We kept it until spring and let if fly in the house , it loved to perch on the rungs of my ironing board ...

Later we had a baby mocking bird we raised. I know he returned every year because he would perch on my clothes line when I hung clothes out and talk to me ..

Once we had three cats and two dogs and one of the cats was the last cat I had ..he lived to be 19 years old and this poem is about him.

I don't have cats anymore because I am not organized enough so I have dogs , but all our pets contributed to the joy in our lives. They were funny, loving, and better than a lot of humans - I can tell you.

Each had its own personality and none were truly the same...

My daughter , Alex just lost a sweet cat of many years. It was one my son-in-law brought home. The cat  had been mistreated and the vet even wondered if it would survive , but love and caring worked its magic and now Victoria has, after 17 years, found her place in the scheme of things.

I am sharing the poem I wrote when it was just about time for my cat Napoleon to leave me ..it is a dialogue between Napoleon and me ...GOD LOVE THEM ALL and thank HIM for allowing us to share our lives with them ...

Mistress mine I grieve for thee.
My Elba nears. I know you see
My coat once smooth and sleek
Now rough and dry, matted deep.

Your ministrations I appreciate
Since no longer can I depreciate
The fur along my thigh, and dear
I need you now to scratch my ear.

My diet severely limited, leaner,
Meant for cats who are senior!
When I venture forth the birds
No longer fear this meek predator.

Truth be known I must confess
I have forgotten why I did address
Them in the past. They safely now
Fly near me and I wonder how

I had the energy once to pursue.
My attack days dwindle to few,
Those lackluster in attempt.
Once suave I am now unkempt.

Oh dear cat of my home
Time is soon when you will roam
Elysian Fields, full of birds to chase.
Teasing you they will fly in haste

Sanguine you nibble on sweet grass,
Waiting there for time to pass
When in that perfect place
We two will gather... by Grace.

anna alexander
7/26/97
all rights reserved

 anna