R.I.P. Squeak

When we moved to the country 14yrs ago I guess it was inevitable that we would be owned by a cat. Yes, I said "owned by the cat".  Anyone who's ever had a cat knows they do what they please and you just go along for the ride.  I found Squeak on a cold November night at our Church.  She was begging French fries from us gals who were going home after a meeting.  It was raining and I felt bad for this skinny cat out in the elements...obviously hungry.   I'd never had a cat before,  I was a newbie in the cat house!  Squeak was never a cuddly, crawl in your lap, sweet cat. She was more of the "hey, just feed me and leave me alone!" type of cat.  My Grandkiddos learned the hard way..even after being warned, that she wouldn't tolerate much petting.  But they soon learned and so did I and everything progressed from there.  After 14yrs with us she passed quietly away early this morning.  We buried her up in the woods where I know she liked to roam.  I wasn't always thrilled to be her caretaker...like the litter box thing and the hairball thing.  But life's like that...the good and the bad. She was an awesome mouser in her day and even this Summer I saw her with a chipmonk in her mouth.  We haven't had chipmonks since she came here.  (Haven't seen one since that day!) Her strange meow earned her the name "Squeak".  Here's my tribute to my one and only cat:

She would go in and out constantly when the weather turned warm.  But if the snow was flying you'd find her here:

Under my desk near the kitchen fireplace...she knew the good spots!

She would keep watch out on the deck railing.  She didn't tolerate any other cats coming in her territory!

She was curious as all cats are.

Her eyes were as green as the grass.

When Eddy showed up she had to move over and let him have his space.  It was a love/hate relationship...he wanted to love her but she hated him! Well, hate is a strong word. Let's just say she learned to give a little here and there.

Like when Ed would take her bed! 

This Summer she was doing more and more napping. 

This was one of her favorite spots to spend the day.  I've blogged about her over the years and had some funny stories that will be in our memories.  My favorite photo of her has to be this one...it truly shows her feisty personality.

Rest in peace Squeakers...you've earned it.