1997 was a very difficult period for me. On one hand, all my childhood dreams had come true and I found myself working the red carpet of the Oscars, Emmys, Golden Globes, Grammys and many Hollywood Movie Premieres at E! Entertainment Television, all the while attending my cousin Danettes murder trial. There were two defendants and two separate trials. At times I found myself leaving the courtrooms in Orange County and driving back to LA to work the red carpets. Strange life, indeed. It was during this time that an old childhood friend came to visit me from Arizona to show me her newly born son Jacob. And she brought another gift-- a tiger kitty in need of a home and for some reason she thought of me. I bonded quickly with the loving, friendly kitty. Eventually choosing the name Ripley for Sigourney Weavers character in Alien and Aliens. Why, you ask? She was tough but tender this tiger kitty and her name rang true. I nicknamed her Rippers because she tore up all of my furniture. Nothing worked on her. Sprays, kitty scratchers, water bottles-- the vet said it was her breed. It didnt matter. She was worth it! I think the most wonderful thing about animals, especially if you live alone, is that they see the good, the bad, and the ugly and they love you no matter what. They dont ask for more than you can give and they intuitively understand you, even though we rack our brains trying to understand them! Over the years, Ripley has been a gift to me, over and over again. Entertainment, comfort, agitation, all of the above. She has been my family. And she fit in with all of my friends. And like her namesake, she was more comfortable around guys than gals. Over the years, she has won over many a dog lovers heart! Ripley is 17 this year and up until a few months ago as loving and feisty as ever but a few months ago I noticed that she wasnt grooming herself as much. She was her old self in all other ways, eating, drinking and sleeping just the same but just not grooming herself. And, in just the last 3 weeks, she started losing a little weight. Today, at 1:55, she had a violent seizure. I thought that was it. That she was gone. But she after being still for a few minutes, she stirred. She could barely get up on her feet but she turned and curled up on the bathroom carpet and I sat next to her on the floor, telling her how wonderful she was, how loved, how special…with strains of Aliens playing in the background as it happened to be broadcasting on the IFC channel (I kid you not). I know I could take her to the vet and have her euthanized but I cant bring myself to. I know that there is nothing to be done. I have had a few pets over the years and I know what the end looks like but she has been with me through the darkest times and I need to be with her for hers. She is tired and weak but peaceful. And she knows that she is loved. Normally, I wouldnt share this kind of thing. I am private that way. Used to dealing with stuff on my own but I have had friends that balk at my behavior and find it selfish on my part. Being a Virgo, I am always thinking I am saving people from my drama. But today I will step out of my comfort zone and share. Anyone who has ever met Ripley, send love her way! And if you havent, send love anyway. She has been a truly wonderful kitty.
Posted on: Sun, 01 Jun 2014 00:15:27 +0000
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