Image of Midnight

Full Name: Image of Midnight

Nicknames & Phrases: You Beast, Old Lover, My Boy

Dates: May 21, 1984 - November 27, 1999

Age: 15

Quirks: Loves belly rubs, talks a lot, loves to be

spoken to in a harsh tone of voice ( found

that one out by goofing around!), loves to dance

with me and likes for people to "get in his face."

History:

I've been taking in stray cats for a long time. I'd just placed the last of 2 litters of kittens

& their mothers in good homes. I really missed having a kitten around! At the time, I had

Beau, Joli and Midnight (see In Loving Memory) and my mom had taken in a pregnant

kitty who'd given birth. One of those kittens looked so much like Midnight, I had to have

him! My sister wanted him, too but her husband wouldn't allow it. She had named him and

I liked it so well, I kept the name.

The day I brought Image home, he was so scared, he urinated on me! He soon found his

place among the others and has been "me old lover" ever since. He got that nickname

because of his unusual "kisses." When Image kisses you, he rubs the tip of your nose from

the front to the corner of his mouth & very gently chews the end of your nose with his molars.

I found out about his love of harsh voices by just talking to him, one day. Just being silly, I

I raised my voice a little and said,"Animal!" He reared up, said, "Meow!" and started curling

his front toes . He was purring so loudly, I didn't have to get anywhere near him to hear that

purr! I raised my voice a little more and said, "Feline!" He answered again and got even

more excited, so I kept it up. The louder & closer I got, the louder he purred & flexed his

toes! Ever since, I've that voice when I want to get him going. A lot of cats don't want you to

get in their faces. Image does! Nothing makes him happier than for someone to put their face

their beside his and talk to him! That's good for an "insta-purr" (See: Dif-"fur"-nitions)!

Image became "you Beast" as a joke. It started long before I found out about his love of

harsh voices! I actually started calling Midnight a beast (See: In Loving Memory). As sweet

and loving as cats are, I couldn't imagine anything less like one's usual idea of a beast.

Midnight didn't mind the silly nickname but Image took to it immediately and inherited it.

Image is something of a talker. The greeting you hear is not an unhappy cat! This is Image

in conversation. I think that maybe he might have a little siamese in his blood. I've never

heard a voice to compare to Image's except from a siamese cat. He talks during belly rubs

and carries on conversations in his labguage and seems to understand mine as well. He also

makes his feelings known during claw trimming and he's not quite as nice about that! :-) He

doesn't fight but, boy he sure tells you what's on his mind!

I also never have to worry about the cats' feeder running empty. I rarely ever miss when it

needs to be refilled. If they clean it up during the night when I'm asleep though, I will be

awakened by Image rubbing his face all over mine and pawing me, purring all the while. He's

persistent, too! He won't quit until I'm out of bed, food bag in hand!

My old lover also likes to dance with me. It doesn't really matter to him whether he's in my I

arms while dance around making a fool of myself or if he's just on the floor marching right

alongside of me. It's one of his favorite past times! I only need to crank the tunes and start

moving for him to join in! He even lets me "dip" him when he's in my arms! :-) For him, this

is great fun! He purrs like a well oiled machine during our dance sessions! Maybe he's just

amused with my ridiculousness but I don't mind! He's well worth a little embarrassment!

Anyway, it's not as though we go to clubs to dance! :-)

His only health problems have been with FUS. Since he's been on Hills Prescription Diet:

Feline C/D, he's not had any reoccurances. Image has also retained his dashing good

looks with age. His only sign of aging is that the white "sock" on his left front paw is

spreading.

If ever you head my direction, stop by and call him, "You big ol' handsome hunk of Beast!"

I guarantee you, he'll be purring, flexing and talking to you in that Siamese-like voice!

Image, me old lover, my precious, sweet beast! I miss you more than words can ever express!!!

I miss the way you loved to be pushed over on your side for a belly rub. I miss that awful

sounding meow that was music to my ears! I miss stomping my way over to you bellowing at

the top of my lungs only to watch you pucker up for a nose kiss! I miss your keeping my legs

warm at night. I so miss dancing with you, Baby! Nobody else dances with me the way you

did. You are one of a kind! My wonderful kitty, you gave me such joy while you were with

me in person and comfort now knowing that I'll see you again, someday. Image, I love you with

all of my heart and I hope that you feel it even still!! You'll always be with me, my wonderful

son! In your own way, you taught me yet another meaning to the word 'love' and I'll always

be grateful! I love you now and throughout eternity, my Image. With a tearful heart,

Mom

Like every other 'beast'.... Image greatly enjoyed filching a tidbit or two! lol

KICKINGBACK

Cats are experts in the fine art of comfort!

To: In Loving Memory To: Keep Their Memories Alive!

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