Barepaws the American Shorthair Cat

Published on Jan 28th, 2010

By Oogendune (Pennsylvania)

I wrote about you when I first met you, Barepaws. You didn't get along with our other cats and you had FIV. The vet told us that the best option was for you to be put to sleep. I didn't want to listen to that crap and I never did.
   
You lived with us for about four years before you left me. Although I see a lot of stray and feral cats around my backyard because of the woods, you where different Barepaws, you found your way under our cars, in our garage, and made a home under a tarp covering the bench from the winter snow. You were a stay, but the most beautiful stray I had ever seen. You had the most beautiful green eyes. Those eyes told me that you needed someone to take care of you. Even though I already had two cats, I knew that God had lead you to my house because he knew that you needed me and I needed you. I could never take euthanasia as an excuse to get rid of you, just because you had FIV. I knew that the day would come when we would loose you but I never imagined it would be so soon.
   
Barepaws, over the years you became a part of my family, even though you didn't get a long with my other cats.. we loved you. You poor baby, you had fleas and didn't know how to take care of yourself. Clearly someone dumped you on the side of the road before you had a chance in the world. Unfortunately for you, you had it rough. You got sick all the time. You puked just about every day and had trouble going to the bathroom. Eventually, we just accepted it as normal "Barepaws" problems and helped you feel better. You were afraid of other people at first, but just as soon, you were able to be a real kitten for once and play, be curious, and cause trouble. My mother called you "Big T" "Trouble" or "Big Trouble" you loved us and you loved to rub and bump into our legs.
   
You passed away yesterday after you stopped eating and drinking. All you did was lay on the couch, you seemed peaceful and died in a place where you were loved.A long time ago, I named you Barepaws because you had white paws that contrasted to your gray fur...since you were a stray, I assumed you had no shoes! And instead of being barefoot, you were barepaws. I hope you found shoes in my home and I will always remember you because you made me happy. You were so much fun to tease and you were my friend. I hope you lived a fulfilling life and I am glad that I got to keep you safe.