Well, I never thought I would be writing about the Rainbow Bridge so soon. This is a "testimonial" of a cat who changed so many peoples lives. A cat that was so intelligent, yet silly, he could make you laugh, and wonder why you were doing it! A cat that would bring home lizard presents. He always brought me a tail and looked up at me as if to say: See? I got him, I got him! This story starts off in San Diego. When I lived in San Diego - I would make frequent trips to Mexico and back. My friends and I would "shop" and eat and drink our way - up and down the coast. On one of our trips - we stopped at a "roadside" shop. While shopping, I saw a "black blur" dash past me. I noticed it was a very "sickly" looking black kitten. One of my friends "grabbed" this little kitten and handed it to me. He was black, rust, and grey, in color. The rust and grey, were from malnutrition. I asked the shop keeper "how much for the cat"? He said: Take it - we will just make tacos out of him anyways. That was good enough for me. I smuggled him across the border (and NO, I didn't realize it was illegal what I was doing....I swear....) and brought him home to my husband (who incidentally said he would NEVER have a cat). Well, that lasted all of the first 2 minutes, and then it was "kitty love" at first sight. My husband and I spent the better part of 5 months, nursing him back to health. The vet's didn't think he would live, as he was so malnourished. My "mean ole" husband, became a marshmellow around him. He insisted the kitten sleep with us (in case something happened). That would have been fine, except he gave him MY side of the bed! As Sinbad became healthier, he became my constant shadow. As time passed - he grew into a beautiful long haired, solid black cat. The signs of his "earlier" life, began to disapear. He became a very VOCAL cat and honestly, I have never seen a cat "talk" so much. Every night when I would get home from work, he would be waiting at the door, vocalizing his displeasure at being kept waiting for his "num-nums" (whiska's treats). If I didn't move fast enough, he would wind hmself around my ankles, until I would either trip over him, or injure myself trying NOT to trip over him. He grew to be 17 pounds, and NO he wasn't fat - he was just large in stature (thats what I tell people about me too..). His other "favorite food" - was Alaskan King Crab. NOONE had better get in his way, when there is crab out!! He would maul, maime, and kill anyone who tried to "snatch" his portion (no I am NOT rich - just have a love for crab). Ok, I admit it... I accidentally, spoiled him rotten. But he deserved it - given his earlier life history. He truly was the best damn cat I ever shared my life with. Even the ferrets loved him. They claimed him as their "bus' - as he would allow them to "pounce" on his back and go for a ride. He had such a wonderful disposition. When we first got Artemus (ferret from hell) - Sinbad was the ONLY one who would let the little monster around him. Artemus spent alot of time, chewing on Sinbad's tail. My husband, who never wanted cats, fell totally for this guy. It was comical to watch him with the cat. He tried to convince us all that he taught Sinbad to "talk". I remember one day - he called us all in to the bedroom to show us the "trick" he taught him. We stood there and listened to him say: Now Sinbad, if you love daddy, blink once. SEE?!!! he would exclaim? He understands me! Of course, WE didn't understand him, but if it made him happy to be "blinked" at by the cat, who are we to take that away? He cried harder than my kids did, when we found him yesterday. Sinbad was a good testimonial for people who think cats are "aloof" - that is one thing he never was. My stepson - when letting the dog out the day before yesterday - accidentally let the cat out as well. This is tougher on him, as he keeps blaming himself. I have been trying to convince him, that it isn't his fault - if Sinbad wanted out bad enough, he would find a way. We couldn't find him that night, but I was pretty sure he would be home by morning. Well, no such luck. After work, I ran to the store and bought some king crab - in hopes of "luring" him back. I sent the kids, door to door. They finally came upon a lady who said she saw a black cat on the side of the busy street, that is close to our house. Well, as much as I wanted a happy ending to this - I didn't get it. It was him. It appeared that someone at least cared enough to move him over - and they removed his collar. I am sure I will be hearing from them today. Sorry to go on and on folks. My heart is damn near broken. Sandee - I know you help the ferts along their way, but please, help my Sinbad? I know he is not a fert, but he sure loved his fertty buddies. They seem to be as lost as I feel - over him being gone. There goes their free taxi! I am sure that the way he died, he didn't linger - but I know he is probably bewildered and lost and needs help. If you can help him find Mammy, his brother in fur, I would be most grateful. Tell him that Mom and Dad, Artemus,Helena, Romulous, Chris, Geoff, Zach - all miss him and will see him as soon as we are through with our jobs down here? Will you hug him for me and tell him how much I love him, and how sorry I am that he had to leave us so soon? I won't use the past tense of that word, because I firmly believe, that although his "vessel" which stored his spirit is gone, that he lives on - in our hearts, and our minds. No funny stories from me for a while here. I need to heal. Thanks everyone. Kimberly Gorman Regional Translations Engineer Cricket Communications A Leap Company Albuquerque NM 87107 Office: 505-872-7773 Fax: 505-872-7790 Cell: 505-228-4130 Cricket cell: 489-2470 [Posted in FML issue 3912]