Onni 7/5/99 to 5/12/08
The House of Purrfection is quietly in mourning for our beloved Onni.
Always the first one at the door whenever anyone walked into the HOP, including Mom and I, Onni became the official greeter of the HOP. She did her job proudly and happily. Looking up at guests as soon as they entered the house with her olive-green eyes, she seemed to say, “Hello, my name is Onni,” her inimitable face beaming as only hers could, her tail high and curled above her back “And, what’s your name?” She loved greeting everyone and wouldn’t stop rubbing on human legs until she was scratched on the head.
I believe St. Peter’s job just got a lot easier because Onni’s up there helping him. Onni loved everyone. After all who rise to Heaven, then stand before St. Peter, I’m sure that Onni’s very happy greeting all those entering the Pearly Gates and lovingly walking them through. Perhaps that’s why God took her so early from us; He needed her kindness and warmth to help all those entering Heaven. I can’t think of a more perfect job for Onni.
On Mother’s Day, Onni died due to an enlarged heart. She was treated for several hours at our local emergency animal hospital, but in the end her body could no longer go on. Her passing was quick, and she didn’t suffer. I thank God for that. But, Mom and I miss her terribly and our hearts are broken over this sudden loss of an absolutely wonderful cat.
Onni was always happy (her name means happiness in Finnish) and healthy and showed no signs of her enlarged heart until Sunday afternoon. I understand that this is common in cats afflicted with this condition, and cats usually don’t live as long as Onni. She was eight years and ten months old, and we were so lucky to have her in our lives for that time. Cats naturally hide their suffering or illness. They are extremely good at hiding the fact that they don’t feel well. Her happiness kept her going. We always knew she was special.
The HOP is quiet. The cats have been very solemn. Ever since Saturday, the cats have been very quiet, so I think they knew. Michette had been cuddling with Onni for a couple of weeks, licking her face and head, so maybe she knew then as well. With one of them gone, the cats are grieving for her. There have been no squabbles, fights, and not even one hiss has been heard. Even Toby has been unnervingly absent in the living room. Usually he’s running, playing, or trying to get one of the other cats to play with him, but he’s lying around with all the other cats.
I thank God for her. I thank God for the time we had her in our lives. And, I thank God for allowing me to be surrounded by and helping so many cats. We are truly blessed. I know I will see her again as she happily greets me and walks me through to Heaven.
I love you, Onni.
Posted: May 15th, 2008 under Onni.
Comments: none









