Azul and Ali, Ali and Azul. Two girl-cat peas in a pod.
In November 2002 I adopted this beautiful burmese at the Humane Society in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was scared, starved to the bone, and craving attention. The first time we saw each other Azul lept out of her cage into my arms and started rubbing her face all over mine. In that moment I knew that this cat was special. "I don't think I have a choice," I told the volunteer at the shelter. "I think this one will be coming home with me."
I nursed Azul back to health and we became great friends. We kept each other company on lonely nights, slept together huddled under blankets in my tall single bed, and spent hours sitting in my armchair, me knitting and Azul draped around the back of my neck purring.
Less than a year after I rescued her, Azul returned the favor and saved my life. I mean it. I don't know what would have happened that night in July 2003 had I not had the image of my sweet Azul to think of and get me through the toughest, most painful moment I've ever endured. This is a story for another day, but my girl-cat most certainly was what got me through to the next morning without doing anything stupid.
Now Azul lives in California with my mom and 2 big Australian Shepherds. She has grown, become a brave little thing, reigning supreme in a house previously dominated by canines. My mom's husband built an enclosed area on the deck of their house where Azul can go soak up the sunshine, chase birds, and keep my mom company as she does her morning reading and has a cup of tea.
I miss Azul more than I can stand sometimes, but it's comforting to know that she's in good hands. And I quite like the idea that she and my mom are together, the two girl-cats that I love so much, halfway around the world waiting for the day when I will come for a visit.
For more peas in a pod click here.
18 comments:
I can 100% relate to this.
I, too, have a cat that saved my life during my own darkest hours.
And we're separated now, too.
She's living with my mom, too.
It sounds like Azul is living a very happy, contented life, even though you probably miss one another. I hope you get to see each other soon.
She's a beautiful cat!
Ali, beautiful post and photos! Thank you for sharing this lovely story of your precious Azul. And thank you for your lovely, poignant message yesterday. I'm having serious computer problems - this is only the second time today it's worked for longer than two minutes at a time - and I hope to respond to your message shortly.
In my darkest hour a dog stood by me and showed me the meaning of true, unconditional love, one that never betrays or hurts you. It may seem ridiculous or at least exagerated to some people, but it is absolutely true to me. Later she saved my life for a second time,when she stopped an intruder who had entered my house and was about to attack me. The night after she died I could hear the noise she made with her paws as she walked on the floor, all night long...
Cats rule. If someone hates cats, I can't really trust them.
I have two of mine own, and while they've never saved my life, they have saved me from boredom and loneliness on many occasions.
What a sweet kitty, and a great photo of both of you! I love animal adoption stories, and I am deeply curious about how she saved you life. I hope you will write about it!
What a nice story :) I feel that you mis your cat very much but with ur mum, azul is at the best, right?? Beijinhos
You are making me want to slip my husband some anti-allergy medicine so that I can FINALLY have a kitty. :(
Sweet story and wonderful picture!
Your story brought tears to my eyes. My sweet kitty is sitting right next to me as I surf. I know you have to miss her so much. That is a darling photo.
It sounds like your lovely girl-cat is well loved, but I'm sure she misses you just as much as you miss her.
Beautiful writing. :)
-Aly
Wow, you and Azul look great together...I haven't had a pet in a long time, actually since I've moved to Bucharest, cause of lack of space, time and other basics. But reading your story made me wanna take care of a little soul like that!
Awwwwwwwwwwwww...
That's a sweet story. :)
But I can't relate, I'm badly allergic to cats. :| Azul saved you, she could kill me (not quite, but almost)... :(
What a pure story of devotion and love. Who says animal's can't keep us sane? Save our lives? He/She who says so has never loved or been loved by an animal!!
Great post
~Gabi
If cats had thumbs they would be feeding us.
Love,
Dad
Oh so precious. Cats have spiritual instincts that are way beyond my comprehension, which makes them completely irresistible. What two beautiful peas in a pod!
As a cat lover, I'm completely charmed by your take on this week's prompt. That's a great photo of you 2 peas in the pod. I hope you're able to visit one another soon.
I love the precocious way she's staring into the camera.
Glad to know I'm in the midst of a bunch of cat lovers!!
And that people can relate to my "my-cat-saved-my-life" story, or at least not judge me for being nuts after reading.
Telfair -
So good to know that you relate 100%!!!!!
Kanuthya -
Thinking of the dog's paws going pitter-patter on the floor made me want to cry.
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