Two weeks ago, when I posted, I discussed how the film “Black Swan” challenged
me to incorporate my feelings into my photography and, to a certain extent, this blog. Little in life challenges personal feelings as much as the death of a member of the family. This week, my husband and I decided to put down our 17 year old cat, a beloved Siamese named FETU: the right thing to do -- and the right time -- but incredibly painful nonetheless.
Many have asked over the years why we chose such an odd name...FETU. I was on active duty in Biloxi when we were hit by Hurricane Elena. We found a Siamese cat wandering around in the debris and thought FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Administration) was a very Asian sounding name for a Siamese. Seven years later, FEMA succumbed to a relapsing anemia. Our son was devastated. We wanted to get him another cat, but our lease clearly stated we could only have two cats, one named Schlitz and one named FEMA. So we honored the letter of the law, if not its spirit; Andrew chose his new kitten and we named him FETU (FEMA the 2nd)
As a kitten, FETU was initially snow white...with only a hint of color on his nose. He had HUGE ears. At times, I wondered if the wind might lift him away like the Flying Nun and carry him into the James River! FETU was definitely not a show cat, he even had a snaggletooth, but what he lacked in looks, he trumped with personality! The best compliment, and one he received frequently, is that even those who claimed they were confirmed cat haters, loved this cat!! (He once disappeared for three days in Williamsburg...because the workers renovating a home nearby loved him so much that they were feeding him and letting him stay in the home overnight!)
FETU had some wonderful idiosyncracies. While he certainly loved chicken (and in later years we would treat him to fresh roasted chickens from the deli), his favorite delicacy was canteloupe! He didn’t eat canteloupe, but if we made the mistake of putting the slices out on the table too early, we would come into the dining room... only to discover that he had licked everyone’s serving of melon completely dry!
FETU was not a big fan of toys except at Easter time. He would ferret out the plastic Easter eggs from the baskets and chase them round and round on the floor and then bat them at our feet!
Finally, while we certainly gave him fresh water throughout the day, he far preferred drinking water from flower vases (and usually knocking over the vases to flood our rugs -- NOT an endearing habit!).
He loved the heat...even in the midst of summer... and since he was cross-eyed, and did not have the greatest balance in the world, he would give us some very nervous moments when he ventured out on the roof to sunbathe!
Despite the fact our son eventually headed off for college, FETU loved it when Andrew would come home and help him perform Richard Simmons' exercise routines or Steve Martin’s “King Tut”. In the picture below, you may note a dogbone nametag...FETU lived with an Irish Setter and frankly behaved more like a dog at times, than like a cat! He wore his Milkbone collar with true grace!
He accompanied my husband at the computer, frequently adding his own #$%^&* comments to the English papers being graded. When FETU didn’t type his criticisms, he voiced them...and loudly...for Siamese are real talkers!! He was a champion cuddler and would,no doubt, be on my lap at this very minute if he could.
The house is silent and empty indeed - how we love and miss you!
Rest in peace.
The house is silent and empty indeed - how we love and miss you!
Rest in peace.
"King Tut"
