Pet Stories Blog

Linda FortuneAuthor of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent Feline

The best laid plans……Pam calls for assistance.

One morning Pam called with a request for help. With Margie in Hospice care at her brother’s home in Montana and with no hope of returning to her home or her felines, Margie and Pam felt it was time to move Millie and Tux to their new homes. As you will remember, Millie was to go with nephew, Jim, and Tux was to be moved to the animal sanctuary. Pam was calling to round up a cadre of friends to help with the move, or should I say ‘to catch Tux’.

Millie’s move would be simple. She was always around and available for touches. Getting her into a cat carrier would be easy. Tux on the other hand would be the challenge. We developed a plan. Since Margie was the only person that Tux would let approach without running, Pam and I decided that it would be best to have the house sitter gradually shut the doors to the basement and all other rooms except the living room, kitchen, and upstairs bedroom. With this more limited territory, we felt that a number of us would be able to corner Tux and eventually get her into the cat carrier.

Then an immediate thought arose in my mind. I did not want to traumatize Tux. So, I suggested to Pam that I spend the next week visiting with Millie and Tux each morning and afternoon and try to establish rapport with Tux. Hopefully, I would eventually be able to catch her and place her in the cat carrier without trauma. Besides, Pam was doing so much for Margie that I wanted to lighten her load a bit too. Pam was relieved with this suggestion and so our new plan was set.

To help me with my task, I decided to call upon Jasmine Indra, the animal communicator who had previously worked with Regal and me. I wanted her to talk with Tux, prepare her for the upcoming events, and send her the healing Yuen energy. One phone call later, Jasmine responded to my request for help. She immediately took the time to connect with Tux telepathically and shared her findings.

P.S. Now, I’m sure, that you are probably wondering “What does Tux looks like? Who is this elusive cat?” While I did not take this photograph during this time in the story, I thought your curiosity was on the rise and felt that you must be wondering. So, here you are….Tux, the elusive cat.

Next entry: Tux is approached telepathically.

Blessings, Linda

Linda Fortune
Author of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent FelineA confession.

I do have to own up to a conflict that arose in my own mind and heart regarding Tux. When the magnitude of Margie’s health issue started to sink in and its reality became clear, I knew that the living arrangements for Margie’s cats would have to be dealt with. I knew this was going to be a tough call.

Sorry to say, I wasn’t up to helping with this tough call directly. I did not volunteer to take Tux. In fact, I clearly remember putting my hands over my eyes and thinking with some panicked emotion “I hope Margie doesn’t ask me to take Tux.”

The reality that I was facing, and which was true, was that I have oriental carpets, hardwood floors, and do short trips in my Roadtrek. I was concerned about potential damage to house and could not visualize an older cat adjusting to the circumstances of traveling with me in my RV. Regal had done that easily but we had started when she was 5 months old. To complicate matters, I was also just recovering from a respiratory virus and my energy level was very low. I did not have the strength to muster up a solution.

The other side of the coin was that I did not have any kind of a relationship with Tux and really did want to take on an animal that appeared to have so many problems. I felt no inner connection and could not see this as being a good match. Unlike Margie whose heart was always open, no matter who or what came on the scene, I tend to be a little bit more guarded and assess things especially where it comes to something that would affect the course of my life as an animal does. I just wasn’t up for what I perceived as a potential big problem, a sacrifice if you will.

I listened to my feelings and did not volunteer. If I hadn’t, I know that I would be doing something that I really did not want to do and would have felt upset about it. I’m sure you can imagine the sadness, conflict, and guilt that I felt with my thoughts and subsequent decision. Margie was a wonderful friend, was in need, but I just wasn’t up to taking on Tux. When I discussed the matter with Pam, it took all I had to refrain from volunteering for I did hear the unspoken need. As it was, Pam rose to the occasion and took up the torch, reassured Margie, and started the email campaign that ended with success. Tux would have a home and everyone was relieved.

Next entry: The best laid plans……..

With blessings, Linda

Linda Fortune
Author of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent FelineA first new home is found for Tux.

To Pam’s credit and to her golden nature which would not give up easily or allow Tux’s life to be snuffed out, the search for a home began. Word went out immediately via emails. Friends talked with friends and the internet highway was used to serve this high purpose. Amazingly within a short time of this outpouring, a request of a home for Tux, the arms of a wonderful animal sanctuary owner opened, welcoming Tux into her abode. Even the upfront revelation of Tux’s problems was not a deterrent. She didn’t flinch. With open heart, the doors to her sanctuary were open, welcoming, and plans were made!

To say the least, everyone gave a sigh of relief and felt gratitude for this development. No one wanted Margie, at this final stage of her life, to have to make the decision to have Tux put to sleep nor did we want Tux’s life ended so prematurely. Margie rested in this solution and, I’m sure, felt deep relief.

Do know that Margie’s basic manner was to take care of what needed to be taken care of regardless of what it was. Margie was always up to making the tough call if necessary. I’ve seen her in the past bury the kitten that got hit by the car. I’ve heard stories of her coming to the rescue of someone in need. And, I’ve seen her make the ethical and moral choice in a tough situation at work. She always rose to the occasion, to the highest. And, we all knew, that Margie would have followed through with the tough call where Tux was concerned if need be. Thanks to Pam’s insistence, persistence, and ability to act, we were all spared the pain of a bad ending to this segment of the story.

Next entry: A confession.

With blessings, Linda

Linda Fortune Author of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent FelineMargie’s two felines, Millie and Tux.

Regarding her precious felines, Margie wanted her nephew Jim to take Millie. He had enjoyed cats in the past, was without one at the present moment, and he liked Millie. Margie was aware of Millie’s needs and wanted her to be in a place where she would be touched and loved. In recent years, she had played second fiddle where Tux was concerned, and Margie wanted Millie to get her due. She was an easy cat to be with and would offer much love herself. The Millie decision was the easy one to make.

Now Tux was another matter. Considering Margie’s situation and need, Margie rose again to the highest. She remained thoughtful of the people in her life. She did not want any of her friends to take Tux. She knew what a pill Tux could be. Considering the urinating problem, Margie did not want Tux to destroy anyone’s carpets and furniture. She did not want anyone to take on Tux and be regretful about it later.

Holding the situation in her awareness, Margie leaned toward the very tough decision of having Tux put to sleep. In a conversation with Margie, Pam, a very dear and close friend, insisted that another solution would be found. She was very firm on this even if it meant that she herself would take Tux home until some other arrangement would be found.

Pam’s offer was beyond the beyond and so typical of her. I was utterly amazed that she made this offer. Let it suffice for me to say that this would have created a most difficult scene and it most likely would not have been the most pleasant. Pam and Dale have a canine named Annie, a border collie, who by nature takes charge. Between her desire to herd and with Tux with her fear of all that walks…..well, I’m sure that you can imagine what it would have been like. I can—bedlam might be close! My heart goes out and gives the utmost credit to Pam, the depth of love she contains in her heart, and her willingness to help with whatever it takes!

You can get the picture of what extraordinary human beings both Margie and Pam were/are—Margie with her concern for her friends even at this time of great need and Pam with her clear, unquestioning intention to serve her dear friend in her time of need. Love at the very core!

Next entry: A first new home is found for Tux.

With blessings, Linda

Linda Fortune
Author of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent FelineFriends helped and duties were lovingly performed.

Let me continue sharing Margie’s part of the story while recognizing the inherent difficulty and sadness that filled all of our hearts.

Margie did pass, three months to the day of her diagnosis, peacefully and modeling tremendous grace and dignity. She remained true to form throughout her illness. While angry at first that this was all happening to her, she rose to the occasion. She tended to what needed to be done. She took care of the things in her life, handled her discomfort graciously, and remained particularly attentive to friends. She stayed engaged by making calls, sending thank you cards, and tending to others.

Having been totally caught off guard with the onset of Margie’s illness, I’m sure you can appreciate the disbelief and incredible sadness that we, all her myriad of friends, were filled with. During her last months, we did what we could to help Margie and her family as they dealt with her medical issues and as she made her decisions and plans for the material things in her life.

Margie took charge of everything and gave directives. And, directives she had! Thankfully they often brought some laughter which helped ease the pain of the moment. Friends gathered around her in Montana. Margie wishes and directives were fulfilled. Broasted chicken was served one night while a full turkey dinner was had the next. Go for a drive in her beloved Montana? Yes! Have a sip of wine with dinner? Yes! Ice cream? Of course! What Margie wanted, Margie got. And her orders brought chuckles and delight in being able to help fulfill her wishes.

Margie thoughtfully gave gifts of her accumulated treasures to those who she felt would appreciate each thing the most. There was meaning behind each of her remembrances. Bonnie, Pam, and Dale worked diligently to fulfill her wishes to the ‘T’. Some things were gathered for the family, things for friends were dispersed, clothing was donated to the Women’s Shelter, and other things were sent to the dump. Margie’s wishes were realized. A garden party was even initiated to care for the huge yard that Margie had filled with flowers, lawn, and vegetables. Margie had given so much of herself to many during her life that people were ready and willing to see what they could do to help. The gardeners gathered! The fruit of all Margie’s wonderful actions and love for others was coming home.

Next entry: Margie’s two felines, Millie and Tux.

With blessings, Linda

Linda Fortune
Author of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent FelineA significant circumstance changes the picture.

Welcome,

As I continue writing the story of Tux, I find that I must also share the next part of the story. While I intend to do so, I plan on sharing the story only briefly. As I touch upon the emerging reality, I pray I do so with the utmost respect and sensitivity. My intention is to hold honor for Margie and portray the events as honestly and as simply as I can. With humility, Linda

Margie was a gatherer of both animals and people. She took care of the stray cats that showed up at her door, the crows that dove for food, and the deer that came up from the gulch to feed off of her flowers. You know the flowers, those delicate roses that are so enticing. No matter what the deer wanted to eat, Margie gave full permission for them to be in her yard and take what they needed. Margie was just that kind of person—open, accepting, and inclusive of all, and I mean all! Margie responded to a human being or animal need without question. She was there offering whatever she had to fulfill what was needed.

As for we humans, she was inclusive too! With her attention and frequent invitation, her home was a gathering spot where we all came together and were enriched by the experience. We were kind of like the deer, coming and munching, and enjoying one another. On the many occasions that we gathered, we were a wonderful conglomerate of humanity. One reality is that many of us would have never known one another if it hadn’t been for Margie. She seemed to pull people out of the woodwork from all walks of her life experience. And, let me tell you, each of us is consciously, gratefully aware of the gift she was to us and for what she brought into our lives by her gatherings.

In the spring of 2008, our dear friend Margie was unexpectedly diagnosed with an unusual form of cancer that had already pervaded the lining of her body’s internal organs. By diagnosis time, the cancer was already pervasive throughout her system. It had spread without detection or outward symptoms. Her initial treatments proved to be ineffective, very fatiguing, and with a gloomy prognosis, Margie chose to go into Hospice Care. Shock and grief filled the hearts of Margie’s family and all of her friends. Our rare emotion was pervasive. Tears flowed and we did the best to comfort one another. All of our hearts were aching with grief.

Next entry: Friends helped and duties were lovingly performed.

With blessings, Linda

Linda Fortune
Author of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent Feline

A hypothesis for Tux’s behavior
Tip 4: Animal behavior is, in part, a reflection of their feelings.

Welcome,

From stories that I have heard from Margie and from other friends, many of them saw the softer side of Tux especially early on. Tux would sit in their laps and loved the attention. Over time, she significantly reduced her lap sitting with others and became more single focused on Margie. She would sit on Margie’s lap, rest with her on the bed (usually dozing on Margie’s hip), and established a no-Millie zone in the house. Along with the disappearing act, she took over when all the company was gone. Maybe she had about enough when she was in hiding and so came out and took charge when all was quiet. She ruled the house where Millie was concerned.

Another problem that started early on and persisted for many years was urinating outside of the litter box. There may have been a urinary track problem of some sort because I do know that the vet was consulted and a particular food was recommended. This urinary tract issue may have started the problem of urinating but the remedy did not cure the problem. Possibly, once the odors were established, the pattern was set. Anyway, this problem persisted to some degree for years.

Margie and most friends theorize and feel pretty certain that there was some irritation on Tux’s part with Millie’s presence. Whether she was jealous of all the attention Millie got or was just one of those territorial cats, we will never know for sure. What we do know is that Tux seemed to take charge once the house was quiet. She would boss Millie around by not letting her come upstairs at night time and insisting that she move off Margie’s lap so that she could curl up there instead. The general consensus became that Tux was one of those cats that just needed be the only cat. She seemed to be a one person cat.

While we will never know for sure the cause of Tux’s change in demeanor, we do know that for whatever reason, Tux’s inner state and behavior seemed to change over the years. As for us, we became increasingly reluctant to engage with Tux even if an opportunity did arise and she became known as a ‘pistol’. Millie became the favorite because she was easy to be with and Tux was treated with caution and hesitation.

Next entry: Tip 5 and a significant circumstance changes the picture.

With blessings, Linda

Linda Fortune
Author of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent Feline

Tux, the pistol.
Tip 3: Animals have personalities too.

Welcome,

As I said, over the course of years, Tux’s behavior changed and it seemed her personality did as well. From what I have heard, she shifted from being a friendly and engaging cat to becoming very cautious when others were around. Mostly, Tux would immediately disappear when I or any of Margie’s other friends would come to visit. She always kept her distance or would simply vanish.

I mostly remember Tux as a flash in awareness as she would run for cover either upstairs or down to her abode in the basement. If I saw her at all, it was only momentary. She seemed scared of all other people except for Margie and I felt sadness for her—for being so scared and for, what I would think of as, being lonely or alone so much of the time.

If I were taking care of Millie and Tux for a few days while Margie was out of town, I would always be able to pet Millie and sit with her. Tux on occasion might remain next to the heat register when I entered the house. She enjoyed the heat coming from the register and wasn’t totally willing to give it up upon my arrival. She would watch me carefully from a distance. If I attempted an approach, she would immediately dart in the direction of one of her secure hiding spots. Even at those times, I was never able to get near her.

I do remember two or three occasions over the years when Tux did come out when we were all sitting around the table having dinner. When she approached and moved her body in such a way that I felt she wanted me to scratch her back, I would happily touch her. She would receive the touch for a moment and then would end the session abruptly with a sharp swat of her claws. It was like she was conflicted. She wanted to be touched but then fear would rise up and she would become defensive once again.

Next entry: Tip 4 and a hypothesis for Tux’s behavior.

With blessings, Linda

Linda Fortune
Author of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent Feline

More on the journey. It takes a turn!
Tip 2: An unexpected happening can often turn into a sea of joy.

Welcome!

An unexpected happening has recently occurred in my life and, because of its importance and wonder, I am going to shift gears away from my personal transformative journey due to my Regal adventure, which I started in my first blog entry, and begin to write about the recent arrival and transformative journey of Tux. Tux is a 13 ½ year old calico cat, a ‘pistol’, and the surprise of the summer.

You might wonder why the arrival of a new feline into my home would be so unexpected, my being a cat lover and all. But, let me tell you, Tux’s arrival has been the surprise of a lifetime to all of us who have known her over the years. The transformation that has also occurred both within her and within our relationship since her entrance into my home—which, I might add, is now our home—has also been amazing and filled with delight. Let me set the foundation for this story and the magnificence of it all will be revealed in subsequent blogs as I tell you the story of Tux.

Tux and her sister, Millie, were originally adopted from the Tacoma Humane Society when they were six months old by Margie, a feline lover to be sure. Margie enjoyed these two cats immensely over the years and each evolved manifesting different personalities. Millie tended to be laid back, always welcomed love and touches, and remained present when company (that’s us, Margie’s multitude of friends) came to visit. While I don’t remember very much about Tux in her early years, I have heard that she, too, was warm, welcomed touches, and sat on laps.

Over the course of their lives, Millie remained generally as she was throughout her life— easy to be with, friendly, and always ready for loves. Tux, on the other hand, began to change and became known as a ‘pistol’. Her popularity diminished with time.

Next entry: Tip 3 and Tux, the ‘pistol’.

With blessings, Linda

Linda Fortune
Author of Regal: An Intimate View of One Magnificent Feline

Welcome and Purpose

Welcome,

As I have been writing Regal, my cat’s heartwarming and wonderful biography, I have moved from a place of grief with her passing into an expansive state of love. This evolution of experience has been going on for over a period of two years and has been quite an unexpected happening in my life. Not only has a beautiful book about a magnificent cat, her feelings, and her spiritual nature come into being but, also, I have experienced an expanded state of learning, healing, and personal transformation.

I had no intention of ever writing a book and I had no concept of what could come out of such an adventure. Never having spoken in depth with anyone who had written a book, I had no knowledge as to the possibilities of what could come out of such an experience. To say the least, it has been fascinating for me to watch the evolution, the unfolding of my experience, and to see the areas of my life that have been touched and transformed.

As I contemplate the various facets of my process and with the book now published, I thought it would be good to continue writing about what I have gained and share the wonder of it with anyone who cares to read about it. Besides, I want to continue improving my writing skills, stimulating my brain’s synapses, and having the fun of writing and remembering.

Please feel free to join in every ten days or so and my intention is to share something that will be interesting, useful, or fun for you. And, for me too!

Next entry: Tip 2 and more on the journey.

With blessings, Linda