Dexter

Early yesterday morning, my cat Dexter died suddenly. He was healthy for the most part, only 7 years old. My parents heard him crying in the middle of the night and went to see what was wrong, and in only a matter of minutes he had passed. It really sucks that it was so sudden and we had no idea it was going to happen, but at the same time, I'm glad it was fast and Dex Mex didn't have to suffer.

I guess I really can't call Dex "my" cat anymore, he is really my parents cat mostly. I got Dexter during my third year in college, and I used to bring him home with me on weekends and during breaks from school. And my dad (the non-cat lover that he is) got attached to Dex so when we got Dublin I decided that Dex would probably be happier staying at Mom and Dads full time... seeing as how he and my dad had formed a very nice bond. Dexter was a good kitty. He loved to talk to the birds, lay in the sun, and play with toys. He was not a lap cat by any means, and has been known to hiss and bite when picked up and not put down in a timely fashion. He was crazy spoiled and enjoyed ice cubes in his water dish, sitting on my dad's recliner (something my brother and I couldn't even do), and treats as soon as my dad got home every night. There are a lot of good memories I have with Dex in them, and he is going to be very very much missed. I know my parents will miss him most of all though. My dad will miss him greeting him at the door for his treat each evening when he got home from work, and hanging out with him in the backyard as he starred down the neighborhood squirrels.

It's funny how animals become part of your family so quickly and part of your daily routine. I talked to my Mom last night and she said that she was even having a hard time unplugging his water dish in the kitchen. She also said that the house was too quiet... Dex usually whines at night because he wants more food :) I know it will take much getting used to on my parents part not having Dexter around each evening lounging around and chasing the moths that somehow always make it in the house in the summer time, but I know that we're all happy he didn't have to suffer with being sick for a long time.

Dexter cat, we will all miss your silly little quirks, unique personality, and your cute furry presence in the house. You were truly a loved cat. May you rest peacefully in kitty heaven.