Hugs for Sweet Rosie

This past weekend we had to say goodbye to our sweet kitty, Rosie, of almost 17 years.  That crazy, spirited, sassy kitty cat really did serve her nine lives well.  I got Rosie from a family I babysat for when I was 20 years old.  Right from the start she was spunky.  Not your typical curl up in your lap kind of kitten, but she was playful and oh so cute.  She loved a 2 inch tall stuffed teddy bear that we called "bear bear."  Bear bear would show up in the most unusual places and for years, I'd think he was lost and then Rosie would pull him out of nowhere.  One year after I got Rosie, I met Rob.  She wasn't crazy about him at first (or anyone else for that matter).  She was sorta a one person girl. But as wild as she was, the minute you'd start to pet her, she would purr loudly.  Rosie was with me through 2 moves in college and then she made the trip to Savannah with Rob and I.  She moved with us 3 times in Savannah and survived 2 big doggy sisters.  Rosie wasn't ever too crazy about the kids until Clara came along.  She loved Clara because Clara loved her.  And in Clara's day Rosie had slowed down dramatically limiting her habitat to our master bed and bathroom.  Surprisingly crazy Clara was always very gentle and sweet with Rosie.  Clara's our animal lover and she'd seek Rosie out each morning until the very end and kiss and pet her.  Rosie's kidney's were failing and she rapidly declined over the past 4-5 months.  It's very strange when something that's been such a permanent fixture is suddenly gone.  Cade prepared a precious little headstone in our backyard for her.  He adorned it with hydrangeas cut from our front yard.  We're so thankful for the small things like pets that add so much to life.  We love you, Rosie!