By Tracy Schruder
As I sit here surrounded by the purrs and snuggles of my two beloved cats and fond memories of one, I am reminded of the profound impact they have had on my life. They are not of my flesh, nor of my bone, nor even the same species that most people call their own, but they are unmistakably mine, heart and soul.
My journey as a cat mom began when my husband moved into my apartment, and we realized that starting a family wouldn’t be as easy as we thought. We struggled with conception, and it was a challenging time for both of us. But as we navigated this difficult period, we decided to adopt a cat, and our lives were forever changed.
We visited local shelters, searching for the perfect addition to our little family. When we couldn’t find a shelter cat that resonated with us, we ended up at a pet store, where we found a beautiful orange male kitten. This little ball of fur would become Sam, or Dorito, as he was affectionately known.
Sam earned the nickname Dorito due to his peculiar fascination with the crunchy snack. My husband, an avid Dorito fan, would often munch on the chips while watching TV or playing games. Sam, being the curious and playful cat that he was, would inevitably gravitate towards the bag, rubbing against it, pawing at it, and even trying to sneak inside it to a snack or two. He would often take a lick of your chip when you weren’t looking.
The nickname Dorito became an official part of our family’s dynamics when my husband jokingly referred to our little family as ‘BLT with an extra cheese Dorito cat.’ He meant that our family was comprised of Brian (B), Loves (L), Tracy (T), and our furry companion, the extra-cheese Dorito-cat.
It was a playful way of acknowledging that Sam had become an integral member of our family. From then on, the name Dorito stuck, and our beloved cat remained an cherished part of our BLT family.
Sam was more than just a pet; he was a loyal companion, a cuddle bug, and a constant source of joy. He had a unique way of communicating with me, using a variety of meows and chirps to convey his needs and wants. I cherished every moment with him, from the way he’d snuggle up on my chest to the way he’d playfully pounce on his toys.
Over the years, Sam became an integral part of my life. I eventually adopted two more cats, Tygrr and Gracee, who brought their own unique personalities and quirks to our little family. Sam may have been initially insulted by the new additions, but he eventually warmed up to them, and the three became inseparable.
As I look back on the 16 incredible years I had with Sam, I am filled with gratitude and love. He may be gone, but his memory lives on in my heart, and in the countless photos and mementos that fill my home.
Today, Tygrr and Gracee continue to bring joy and fulfillment to my life. They are my stand-in children, my furry family, and my constant companions. As I care for them, I am reminded of the importance of love, compassion, and connection in our lives.
In a world that often values productivity and achievement over relationships and emotional connection, my cats remind me of what truly matters. They teach me to slow down, to appreciate the simple things, and to cherish the time I have with those I love.
As I look to the future, I know that my cats will continue to be a source of inspiration, comfort, and joy. They may not be of my flesh, nor of my bone, but they are unmistakably mine, heart and soul.
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