Monte Gustafson

MONTE Gustafson, “Papa’s Boy”

September 5, 2005 to February 22, 2021

October 6, 2005 was a perfect early autumn day in SE Minnesota’s bluff country. We happened upon a wild bird store in the town of Lanesboro. At the front door was a large box with 6 kittens in it. We inquired as to the possibility of adopting maybe a kitten or two. Bob, the store owner, said four of the kittens, born on Labor Day, were spoken for. The only kitties left were the two black ones. This was a very fortunate day for us because the black kitties would have been our first choice! Claimed! The two male kittens were too young to take home right away. So, Bob arranged to drop them off at our home in South Minneapolis on October 15th while on a bird seed delivery run.

October 15th arrived with the addition of our new family members, Monte and Torii. Our little littermates were hard to distinguish from each other. The only exception was a white splotch on Monte’s chest. The boys adapted very well to their new living arrangement and got along well with Charlie, the senior feline resident.

Monte grew to be a much bigger cat than Torii, by about 8 pounds. He would usually win the wrestling matches. Both always came out unscathed though. Monte and Torii loved being in the adjoining fenced-in backyards. We were lucky to have a neighbor that loved our kitties. Often, neighbor June would let Torii in her house to explore and get some treats. Meanwhile, Monte would jump over the chain link fence and do some exploring of his own. He was not too hard to find, usually three houses down under his favorite shrub. Torii never figured out how to get over the fence.

Monte also loved climbing trees. He somehow managed to get down on his own without a call to the Fire Department. When it came to decorating the Christmas tree, Monte despised garland. By the time we got the garland on the tree, Monte had it down on the floor.

About midlife, Monte became “Papa’s Boy” while Torii took in Ellie, our other human occupant. He (Monte) would either be waiting by the back door, or on nice days, next to the back gate for Papa to get home from work. Now was play time with Papa. Monte loved chasing and retrieving the foam glitter balls. Papa would play until he (Papa) was worn out.

One day, Papa opened a bottle of water and gave Monte a lick from the bottlecap. Ever since then any time he twisted open a bottle of anything, Monte would sit up expecting some sips. And when it was pill time, Monte was more than willing to accept his meds knowing Greenies were to follow.

During the Covid 19 pandemic, being home most of the time, we had the opportunity to be with Monte constantly. When, on the rare occasion Monte wasn’t in vicinity, he would come quickly in response to Papa’s special whistle. When he started having neuropathy issues in his hind legs, he would still manage to find his way up the stairs to be with “Papa” as he was reading the newspaper.

Monte was diagnosed with possible early-stage diabetes due to a borderline high glucose level in May of 2020. Shortly thereafter we learned that our veterinarian had left for another pet hospital. We never had a chance to meet and introduce Monte to the new vet. But after having Monte treated for a bladder infection the new Dr. suggested possible insulin treatment for Monte to for his blood sugar. Monte was given a prescription for glipiZIDE, a blood sugar-lowering drug. The evening of Monday, February 22,

which was the first day of Monte’s new medication, he went into a hypoglycemic seizure. By the time we got Monte to the pet hospital he had already suffered severe brain damage due to loss of oxygen. That is when we had to make one of the most difficult decisions of our lives. Because the brain damage was more than likely permanent, and Monte may never recognize us again, we decided to have him euthanized.

Monte was one of a kind and will remain deeply embedded in our hearts forever. We love you and miss you every day.

“Papa” Dave Gustafson

Ellie Jeanson

Your twin brother, Torii