While on a walk in November 2002, I heard a meow in the woods at the entrance of our subdivision. I walked home and returned with food and milk to entice a small calico kitten to come near me. I was able to catch her and take her home.
I named her Willow after the Disney (R) movie "Willow", in which a baby princess was found abandoned in the woods and because the markings on her head resembled a W. She was afraid of every thing at first. After two weeks, we knew she was 'home' when she climbed up on our bed and slept on my husband's face.
She remained afraid of company for many years and was called "the lump" as she would quickly hide (and stay) under bedspreads anytime company was in the house. Over time, she lost her fear of family visitors and accepted other rescue cats/kittens that we adopted.
She would often climb on our bed in the early hours of the morning, then would touch me on my face or pat my head to see if I would pet her or get up and feed her an early breakfast. Every evening, she would nap on the couch and periodically wake up and insist on a little petting then go back to her nap. Every year, she would climb and hide in our Christmas tree so we learned to anchor the tree top to nearby door frames using fishing line.
In June 2021, her vet suspected that she had a tumor in her bladder. We were crushed after the diagnosis was confirmed. Surgery and chemotherapy were not an option. She only lasted 8 weeks post diagnosis, but through it all she loved getting attention and treats. We are heart broken to have lost her, but are so glad we found her. She gave us years of joyful memories.
I miss her early morning wake up calls and her evening naps/petting. She will always be our precious princess, Willow.
Alabama, AL
