July 17, 2003 — April 12, 2022
RIP Frankie “Pretty Boy”
What seemed like just yesterday, I walked into Pets Plus looking for the perfect kitty. I always had an affinity for the orange tabbies due to their appearance and their reputation for being extra affectionate. He made a connection with me right from the beginning—reaching up on his hind legs and extending his paw as if to say, “pick me”.
We feel in love with Frankie instantaneously. He loved skipping into the room and sitting his little body on my mother’s shoulder. His head so close to her cheek as if they were one complete being. He was so sweet—not a mean bone in his body. The one and only time he got “testy” was when I held his pet monkey too long. Remarkably, he came up to me about 10 minutes later and reached up to me with his paw and a meow as if to say he was sorry. That’s how special he was. He understood and was able to connect so easily.
It’s already not the same without Frankie. I looked forward to weekends where we would nap together on the couch cuddled with blankets hearing your purring louder than the TV volume. Something so simple made me unbelievably happy.
To my Frankie: You were just three months shy of your 19th birthday. Your illness just seemed to occur overnight. I was willing to do anything to keep you alive and healthy as possible, but I vowed not to let you suffer for my own selfish reasons. Yesterday, you seemed so full of energy. You cuddled and hugged us, ate like a hungry bear, and even talked to us with your sweet meows and purrs. Today was a different story. You were lethargic and in pain. You didn’t have to say it. I saw it in your eyes. In addition to the chronic kidney disease, it was confirmed you had cancer.
No more suffering, sweet boy. God is taking care of you in Heaven. You will always be loved—our “pretty boy”. Until we meet again, I know you are being cared for and at peace.
Love you forever,
Mom and Jennifer
