Cat: Paulie (Domestic Shorthair) – Dauberville, PA (May 30, 2002 – Jan 2, 2017)
Paulie was a kitten who was the last of his litter to be adopted. He lived outside an apartment building, where he would go from apartment to apartment trying to get someone to let him inside. I received a phone call from someone who lived there. I wasn’t really looking for a cat at the time, but I could not let the 4-month-old kitten out in the cold. So he came home with me, where he stayed for the next 14+ years.
He quickly became best friends with my dog. Paulie had an extremely dominant personality, and would let you know when he wanted attention. But he also had a softer side. Whenever I was sick or upset, Paulie would lay by my side and purr to help soothe me.
Later, I adopted other animals. He was their friend, but he had to be the “boss.” Every now and then, he would “bully” them to let them know who was in charge. When my old dog passed away, Paulie went into mourning. He hid in the corner and moped. When I brought a new dog home, Paulie was the first one to greet her. He went up to her and touched his nose to hers, as if to say “welcome home.” He loved to play and roughhouse with that dog.
Paulie died after a brief illness, at the age of 14. He was my buddy, and there will never be another one like him. I hope he is running free and enjoying his time, until we meet again on the other side.
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