Even before Thomas, we had Dazzle, a little floofy tuxy girl, who came to us in 1984 as a kitten, and left for the Bridge in April of 1998. The only pictures I have of Dazzle are hard copies in my photo albums. Facially, she looked quite a bit like Domino, except that she was slightly larger and longhaired. She was very gentle and unassuming. Once Thomas came along, he tormented her relentlessly (he liked to jump on her back) -- shades of Domino and Dylan!!!
Thomas is what I would describe as the perfect kitty -- or as close to perfect as a kitty can come. He was extremely loving and affectionate, and quite laid back, but also still playful. Actually, I could hold him in my arms like a baby, and he would go limp and dangle over my arm, head back, completely relaxed. He would even do this in the vet's office! He was an extremely good patient -- I think because he had so much patience himself.
Even at the end when he was going through treatments for lymphoma, all the vets and techs, just loved him and remarked on what a "gentleman" he was. He cooperated fully and went along with whatever was necessary. There will never be another one like him, and I'll love him always.
Here's Thomas. We actually called him Tommy most of the time. He was such a dear.
Actually, Tommy is probably the reason why I have Dante right now. Tommy went to the bridge on January 7, 2002 and Dante was born on January 15, 2002.
I was so distraught about Tommy and felt his absence so greatly. I couldn't live without that flash of orange fur around. I was intrigued by Maine Coons and found one of the closest catteries on the internet. Just a few days after my initial call asking if they had any red male kittens, Dante was born. It's like it was intended. Of course, I didn't actually bring Dante home until the end of March in 2002.
Dante is no replacement for Thomas. They are each so unique and lovable in their own ways. Dante isn't as cuddly, but then I have never met another cat who could equal Tommy's snuggliness. You could hold Tommy for hours. Don't get me wrong, Dante still will allow holding and cuddling, but not to the same extent.
Anyway, I thought I'd post one last picture -- this time of Domino as a tiny kitten. This is a rare photo because at that time, Domino was not mine. She originally belonged to my son's roommate, who had just left her for several days to go home for Thanksgiving -- this was in 2001. So, instead of leaving her in his house alone, Ryan brought Domino over to visit us. She has always loved riding in the car, and I think this is because she was used it to from the time she was so small.
Ryan's roommate ultimately abandoned Domino when she was about a year old. He moved out and left her behind without telling my son. He only found Domino in the garage a few days later and she was flea-ridden and hungry. I told Ryan to bring her to me, and the rest is history!
Baby Domino making goo-goo eyes!
Domino was very wild as a kitten. Some people were even afraid of her because she would attack! She had this strange sideways bounce as she would approach you, and you knew she would pounce with claws extended once she was within range.
Now, Domino is very gentle but still feisty. As you know, she rules the roost!
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