Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Around September of 2020 I got a phone call from my son. He told me an elderly man had passed away in a nursing home and there was no one to take his senior cat. The 18-year-old tabby was suddenly homeless.

Having had to say painful goodbyes to two dear pets, I had made up my mind not to get another pet. But my son sold me on taking Oreo into my home. I’m glad I did. Oreo took no time getting comfortable in our house. He also found his favorite perch on my lap. He was a very good-natured cat. I looked forward to coming home because I knew my pal would be waiting to share the recliner. And boy did Oreo love his treats. We became fast friends. Two peas in a pod. A couple of seniors enjoying life. 

I noticed Oreo wasn’t eating and he quickly got sick. I kept him comfortable and brought him over to his water bowl. He was drinking but still not eating.  His illness was swift. Oreo let out his last two meows and passed peacefully on my lap. The place he loved.

It’s pretty lonely around here without Oreo. He was a good old pal. I’ll carefully place his ashes alongside our dog Cosmo and our other cat Oscar.

Will I rescue another cat? It’s too early to tell. Perhaps. But until that time this old house will be filled with memories of a handsome old boy named Oreo.