Cats

Jazz

Jazz was the first cat to become close friends with me, and she was a credit to her species. Jazz didn't adhere to the typical image of feline aloofness; rather, she loved to be around people in general — but she showed special fondness for me, and we always enjoyed being together.

Jazz and I shared this wonderful friendship for 5,206 days, or 14 years and three months. Jazz had a great deal of perseverence; she suffered from chronic kidney decline for the last four and a half years of her life but managed to beat the odds and live a relatively active life; she was catching mice (and presenting them to me) only a few weeks before she died.

Jazz died of liver failure on November 3, 2001, at the age of approximately 18 years. Though I was sad to lose this priceless friend, I'm grateful that Jazz died at a time and place of her own choosing, and that she died without suffering, and with me at her side on her favorite spot on our bed. Jazz was my best friend and I will treasure her love and friendship forever.

Jazz has been gone I miss my fuzzy angel so much!

Zydeco

Zydeco was the smallest (and only female) of a litter of five kittens born on September 15, 2001. She joined me at the age of 11 weeks and has lived with me

Zydeco is very playful and affectionate, and she's a real joy to have around. I think we are on our way to becoming good friends, though living with an exuberant kitten is a bit of a change from living with an elderly cat! Watching Zydeco explore the house, and observing her as she discovers new experiences is a great deal of fun, even with the disarray she leaves in her wake!

Zydeco is a lively, accordion-based genre of music from south-central and southwest Louisiana. I enjoy this energetic, playful music a great deal, and thought it a fitting name to bestow on this energetic little kitten. It also continues a musical "naming scheme" of sorts, starting with my first cat, Jazz. The joy brought by music and cats is among my favorite parts of life.