On December 9, 2015 I said goodbye to my beloved Sami after sharing 15-1/2 years of unconditional love. He was @ a year old when I adopted him from Mighty Mutts of Brooklyn, NY making him 16-1/2 when he passed on. Sami hailed from Mermaid Lane in Coney Island. He definitely had a beach personality – laid back and chill and he loved to splash in his water bowl!
Sami was not your ordinary cat. He quickly won over non-cat people with his dog-like behavior. He’d greet you at the door and roll over to have his belly rubbed. No joke – just ask my parents.
When first moving home from New York we lived with my parents for a few months. I was so nervous because neither of my parents were “cat people.” I found the best scratching post in the world to insure that Sami would use IT and not my mother’s brand new sofa from Bloomies! But in no time Sami worked his magic – scoring milk from the bottom of dad’s cereal bowl and giving mom “belly” whenever she requested it – just like a dog.
He made dog friends easily too. In the early days in Brooklyn Donna my neighbor would come over to take care of Sami when I was out of town and she would bring along her two big dogs. First they would eat Sami’s food and then they would clean his ears. Sami would just relax and enjoy the animal version of a spa treatment. He was easy-going that way.
Sami was clearly very social and he always made it his business to greet anyone who came to our home – including me. That’s something I will sorely miss.
Sami taught me how to appreciate the simple pleasures of life: a comfy nap spot, the sun streaming in from the sky light, a brand new catnip toy, food – for him that was greenies, tuna flakes, chicken – he loved chicken!
Sami showed me how to slooooow down and just be. He was not only the best cat friend ever he was also my therapist – just petting him immediately soothed my soul. And he was a great listener. I joke that Sami was my longest “relationship,” but in fact it’s true. If that makes me a “crazy cat lady” then so be it.
Sami passed peacefully at his home on a favorite pillow. He made sure to let me know, thru my dear friend and animal communicator Barbara, how much he appreciated our life together. He also had her tell me that he was not in pain and that he would let me know if he needed anything during his last days.
I am so grateful that Sami came into my life. I will always treasure the time we shared. Sami Cat – you’re a girl’s best friend forever.
Love you Sami Cat!
A.H. Rockville, MD
