RIP Coach Rainy

 
"A grand lady"

I made a passing reference to Rainy in my last post, but unfortunately since then, she went down hill pretty quickly.  We got her from Forgotten Felines in November 2007, shortly after Charlie died and she's always had health issues, mostly minor, but a couple major.  Thankfully, due to the wonders of modern veterinary medicine (and with special thanks to Dr. Tracy LaMorte of Fairfield Veterinary Hospital), we were able to give her the best life possible.

 
We enjoyed her for almost four wonderful years.  For whatever reason, she "adopted" me and we became very attached.  She not only kept me company during winter's long indoor training hours, but she became the unofficial mascot of our Thursday Night New Haven Railroad Photo Library Archive working group.  She clearly preferred guys, though I know she loved Mrs. SOC despite her unenviable role of "pill giver."

 
Her most lasting legacy, other than the place she'll forever hold in our hearts, is the annual Pedal for Paws charity ride that benefits the shelter that rescued her on that dark and rainy night in October 2007.  Forgotten Felines gave her her name and it suited her to a T (and not just because she was a Tortie).

I'm sure these kind of posts are just as much fun to read as they are to write, which is to say "not very."  But she's been a regular presence on this blog and many of you, if you weren't able to meet her in person, know her through here.  So I thought you'd like to know.

Chapeau to the best coach I ever had.

 

I wish my kisses were sponges so that with each one I could soak up just a little more of your essence.

Comments

[Asher]

Sorry to hear about your loss :( It's tough to lose a beloved family member, whether that family member has two legs or four.

Rainy sounds like a really great cat -- one of the ones who really stand out in the memory, even though we cat people tend to have lots of fond cat memories.

Assuming there's an afterlife for cats (I like to think so), I'm sure she'll be cheering you on from there.

[Dorothy W.]

I'm sorry for your loss, and hope you and Debby are doing okay. It's wonderful that you had that time with Rainy, even though it had to come to an end. She had a good life and I'm sure was grateful for everything you two did for her!

[suitcaseofcourage]

Thanks so much - I wouldnt have traded that time for anything, but must admitwe coulduse an emotional break.Having so many great friends like you is a greatconsolation.

[suitcaseofcourage]

Thanks so much for your kind words Asher - theyre a real help. I read your comment shortly before I raced Tuesday night. It broughtsometears, butalso some renewed motivation. Thanks for that. I guess I couldve expected as much from somebody from my old hometown of Luvull!

[il Bruce]

I am not very good at condolences but I am pretty good at empathy. As a cat person I feel for you and your family. T

hanks for all you did for Rainy and FF. I look forward to riding Pedal for Paws again this year. It was a highlight of last autumn.

[suitcaseofcourage]

Thanks so much for your comment - it is a comfort to have the empathy and understandingof friends. And your kinds words are a great salve during what continues to be a tough time. But we are looking forward to doing the Pedal for Paws ride again in Rainys honor. Itsall for her shelter after all - and Im glad youre planning on joining us again. Looking forward to seeing you!

Chris