Back in 1990, when I was stationed in Germany, Sgt. Callahan and his wife gave
me their two cats, Luigi and Luciano. Brothers from the same litter, they'd
gotten them when they were stationed in Italy (hence the Italian names). The
Callahans gave them to me because one of their sons had developed severe
allergies to Luigi (oddly enough, Luciano didn't set off this reaction in the
child), plus, Mrs. Callahan was having problems with cancer (she died of it a
year ago, in fact), so they decided to find the boys a home--preferably
somebody who would take both of them, since they'd never been seperated since
birth.

When I got them, I was told they were about five years old (they were born
anywhere from 1984 to 1986). So as of this writing, they're anywhere from 18 to
20 years old now.

I did end up having to give the boys to my parents (housing situation where I
couldn't take them with me at first--and by the time I'd managed something
where I could, my mom and sister were too attached to them to give them back).

My mom and I just got off the phone....and it's been decided to put Luciano
down. He's arthritic, he's lost control of his bowels, he's having difficulty
walking (the vet told my parents it's neurological, and he won't get better).
So my parents are taking him in tomorrow to end it for him.

My parents and my sister, Jen, are worried about how Luigi will take it.
Granted, the boys aren't as tight with each other as they used to be (Luciano
became my mom's cat, while Luigi became my sister's), but they do figure Luigi
will realize Luciano is gone...and they're worried that Luigi will grieve
himself to death. (Aside from his age, Luigi's health seems to be pretty good.)

I know it's Luciano's time....and yet, there's always the feeling more could
have been done for him. Right now I'm feeling sad that I didn't have him all
this time--I know why, and I at least have the comfort of knowing he was in a
good home and loved.

Magdalene
IWG #1024/Drill Sgt. of Local 35/Soiled Doves of Colorado & IFoRP #57
KC MasterPiece of the KCRF BBQ Wenches
One of Moonie's Naughty Kittens
Red Gemini Ghetto Smurf
"Don't mess with me, I dance with swords."
To email me, remove my bodice