Lizard 1990 - 2006

16 years ago a friend's mother had a bunch of kittens she rescued which were abandoned. I happened to visit one day and fell in love with the runt of the litter...a scrawny black cat with the longest legs I'd ever seen. Kath, my friend's mom, had temporarily named him Needles because he kneaded constantly. At the time I was reading "No One Here Gets Out Alive" based on the life of Jim Morrison. I thought about naming my new kitty after Jim Morrison but hated the obvious, "Mojo." I liked the nickname "The Lizard King" and remembered a picture of a young skinny Morrison in all black leather. "Lizard!" A cat named Lizard. It was just alternative enough to be a perfect fit.

Lizard was a true people person. If you visited my place and sat down it was a sure thing that Lizard would attempt numerous times to sit in your lap. He would regularly wander into my neighbor's apartments if given the opportunity and I often said that he could live forever on lovin' alone.

Over the past few years he has suffered from chronic constipation. At first it was kinda funny. "Gotta go take Lizard to the vet for an enema." Then it evolved into giving him medication on a daily basis and drastically altering his diet. For the most part it was a success. The enema trips became much less frequent. He would do great and then every once in a while have a little setback but he always came out of it in a few days. Recently though that wasn't the case. This past episode was the longest and the most difficult for all involved. I was forced to make the most difficult decision of my life. I was with him this morning as he quietly went to sleep and was put out of his misery.

Last evening after work I sat outside my apartment with Lizard enjoying the summer evening as my neighbors said their goodbyes. And last night I slept on my living room floor with Lizard curled up next to me like old times. I took some pictures of our final evening together; forgive me for going a little overboard. He was my old man and I'll miss him greatly.

x

Comments

[Lisa]

So sorry for your loss. Lizard was such a sweet cat and it's apparent how much you loved him and cared for him. He will always be remembered. xoxo

[Joe Valdez]

16 years and a name as cool as "Lizard" is more than any feline could ask for. He had a good time on earth with you as his caretaker I'm sure.

I'm really enjoying your web log, Sha. I hope to move to L.A. next year and your posts deliver excellent insight into the fun that is to be had in the city. I could think of living nowhere else.

You may not realize how much of your personality shines through in each of your posts. I like how seriously you took the Dragon Boat Race, getting mentally and physically pumped up (I think I hear Survivor playing) and then steering your boat into your opponent to screw with them! That says a lot, and I like it.

[Laura]

After reading this post I had to go and hug my kitties. I'm so sorry Shannon, I know how you feel. You obviously were a good mom to Lizard, 16 years is a long friendship. Lot's of love to Lizard and to you.

[shannon]

thank you everyone for your support. it really means a lot to me.

x

[Rick]

So sorry about your loss, my dear. I knnow how hard it is. You're in our thoughts.--xo

[:: jozjozjoz ::]

Sorry I'm late, but I'm sorry to hear of your loss.