In Loving Memory of Per-puppy (5/5/99 - 5/22/08)

We fell in love with the French Chartreux cats and in 1999 I I flew to Kansas to pick up Peri - to be a companion to our first French Chartreux, Nefertitti. Having shown dogs for a number of years I had pursued some interests in the cat show world (purely spectator). Thus, Peri (Perriwinkle Purrfection) born May 5, 1999, came to join us in July 1999. We convinced Alan that Peri was really part dog and after 3 weeks, Neffie accepted that too, allowing her to occupy the same room in the house with her now that "puppy" status had been conferred upon Peri. When Neffie showed Peri her mean side for her first 3 weeks in the house, Peri turned to the dogs for comfort and that was the turning point for Neffie too - all fell in love.

Before I flew to Kansas to get her, the breeder called to warn me that Peri had some interesting fur for a French Chartreux. Her fur was too long for the show ring. Well, we decided to take her anyway, and see how she turned out. She was basically a long-haired French Chartreux. Not real common and not showable. And my husband decided it was a lucky break (for him). She would be spayed and no show ring rounds for us. Alyssa had already told us Peri belonged to her and she was quite glad to have her all to herself.

Neffie and Peri had a hate/love relationship. I think it was more show for us - at night we could hear them stomping through the house playing. (Neffie is closet to the front in the photo.) While it took Neffie 3 weeks to accept that this cat was here to stay - I think it will take her much longer to understand she is gone. When we had Peri shaved due to being dog slimed, Neffie would treat her as a stranger until her fur grew back in. (Who can understand cats!). Richard said Neffie looked for Peri all around the house after we left for Minnesota.

Peri loved Alan and Q though. Peri loved to be at the center at whatever was going on. She always made sure to run her entire body under Q's mouth for much slobbering. When we moved, she took to the new house just fine and explored with great interest. She loved people and always came to see who had come over. She hated being carried or picked up. But lay down next to her or have her join you on the bed or couch and she was content. She wouldn't let you stop petting her!

Alan got home from work about 4:30 and found her laying on the floor by our bedroom door. She would not move. She managed one loud meow. When he picked her up she went limp. She was obviously very ill. Our regular vet said they couldn't see her. So Alan drove her to the vet in the nearby town. They were so kind and took her in. She passed away while they were treating her. I managed to make it to the Vet's office while they were still working on her. They brought her to us to say good-bye. We asked them to find out why she died. She was only 9. It turns out Peri had a large tumor in her stomach and it had invaded her liver and then her kidneys, causing kidney failure. There was nothing anyone could have done to save her. I know she is now at Rainbow Bridge.

RAINBOW BRIDGE
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to
someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are
meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they
can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water
and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to
health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made
whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our
dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy
and content, except for one small thing; they each miss
someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one
suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright
eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly
he begins to run from the group, flying over the green
grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special
friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion,
never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your
face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you
look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long
gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...