A Monster Story Her name was Monster; this, however, was a complete misnomer. A name more suited to her personality would have been Sweetheart, or Honey Bun or such. Although I called her Little Girl, I often thought that Bev, after Beverly Sills, would have been an appropriate name. Monster had the most musical voice I have ever heard from a fur purrson. Her meow was sweet and expressive, and I thought it could have spanned three octaves! She could do trills and runs that would make any Opera Diva envious. It was a treat to listen to her concerts when she had a lot to talk about. Monster was especially fond of trilling into the telephone whenever I held a conversation with my fiance. I think she was letting her know who the Lady of my house was! Monster spent the first ten years of her life with four different owners, the last before me was my Fiance, Phyllis, who asked me to keep her for a few weeks while she painted the small office room, which was Monsters home at that time. I was reluctant to do this, as both of my furry companions had passed away the previous year, and I was still coming to a resolution of that loss. I considered Monsters situation and agreed to keep her for the three or four weeks it would take to re-do the room. HAH! Little did I suspect how quickly she would work her magic, and take over my affections! The sight of her delicate little face, her velvety black coat, and the little heart-shaped white blaze on her chest, completely won me over. Her meow concerts in the mornings to awaken me, and the same musical greeting when I came home in the evening, made her conquest of me complete. When the four weeks had passed, I persuaded Phyllis to let Monster remain with me, as my house was a better environment than the small office room, which had been her home. This would also solve the problem of keeping Monster and Phylliss two Siamese cats separated. Feigning reluctance, Phyllis agreed. Two experts had played this boy like a hooked fish! Monster filled the next seven years with the joy and pleasure that a sweet, gentle fur purrson can bring to a house. As the years passed, she seemed to grow prettier and more loving with each passing day. It was with great concern that I noticed a change in her eating habits, and a corresponding loss of weight, during November and December of 2002. I realized that I had to do the thing, which Monster hated the most. Trapping her and shoving her into the pet carrier for the trip to the Vet. The diagnostic report was devastating. It was a lung tumor. The Doctor advised against surgery and chemotherapy, due to Monsters advanced age. I brought her home, and did everything to make her as content and comfortable as she could be. She passed her remaining days as she always had keeping me happy with her attention and presence. This sweet life ended shortly before I arrived home on the afternoon of Valentines Day 2003. I have not considered another fur purrson for a companion, as Monster, like my previous fur purrsons, is NOT replaceable. I will just have to wait and see what the Good Lord will send my way. Perhaps it will be another older kitty, like Monster. Perhaps a throwaway will appear at my door, or it could be that Monster will be my last fur companion. I have no idea how things will work out. I am certain of one thing, that whatever happens, Monster will have a paw in it! Soft in her slumber; Thoughts bright and free Dance through her dreams Like gushing melody; Light is her young heart, Light may it be; Come where my love lies dreaming. (Stephen Foster)