Sandman

Born sometime in August of 1999 and thus, entering my life 6 weeks later.

It all began with my first apartment, and my mother knowing it would help it not feel so empty having a companion. She took me to the Humane Society of STLP to buy me a new friend. Upon arriving, we looked around for a while seeing numerous candidates. We happened to notice the large holding pen in the middle of the room seemed empty, until further inspection.

There, in one small corner curled up in a little ball was a grey and black stripped kitten fast asleep by the food dish. I reached in and picked the little guy up, where he proceeded to give a few little meeps and climb up onto my shoulder as if mimicking a new boa. We continued to look at a few more cats before I looked at her fondly and said, “I like this one.”

I was asked if I had a name for him.

I looked at the kitty still across my shoulders sleeping away, like nothing else mattered. “Yes. I will call him Mr. Sandman.” The reasons for the name were fairly clear.

So began a journey that lasted 16+ years, full of adventures, numerous changes (some good, some bad), living in Uptown to SE Minneapolis, and always by my side. Dubbed my North American Apartment Tiger, and lovingly referred to as my fatso-catso, Sandman and I were always together.

Four years into our companionship, and we were joined by my little favorite tuxedo kitty rescued from the elements of a cold November being left outside a PetCo in a box. Mischief became good friends with Sandman, after a short period of time. To me, they became the greatest tag team of all time. Defending each other and I from dangers in the world. Exploring, bathing, eating, sleeping, soaking up the sun, and playing together like they were brothers. My kitties and I were a well-known trio amongst my friends and family.

In early 2015, Sandman became ill and we took him in for being severely constipated. After a short time again, he endured the same and was eventually diagnosed with mega-colon. We did all we could, from treatments to special diets he still began to lose weight and energy. The last major incident happening just before Thanksgiving, he was given little time by the Vets. Still, I held hope that my loved friend would make it to my birthday in January or at the very least Christmas. Sadly, he became sick less than two weeks before the Christmas Holiday. It was the hardest decision I ever had to make, even harder than the same one I made for my first cat Meep who had been stricken with Diabetes.

On Saturday December 19th, 2015 a vet came to our home to help him pass. Held lovingly and tightly in my arms, my cat, my friend, my companion, and my brother left us at 1:38 pm. It was the saddest day in my life.

Sandman is gone now. With him left his wonderful singing, his enormous purr, his playful attitude, his unquenchable curiosity and his steadfast companionship. He’s gone now, and with him a large part of me.

I can say with confidence, that he was so much a part of my life that I will never be as happy or the same without Sandman.

I love and miss you so much, my furry friend.

Ramala

‘I’ll see you soon. But not yet.’

Maximus

Gladiator