This is one of the few pictures that we have of both of our cats, Scooter and Smokey, together. They were appropriately named -- Smokey had a very quiet, ready to burst-into-flames type of personality, and Scooter simply "scooted" all over our house, usually chasing Smokey. That is, until Smokey had had enough, and started chasing Scooter all over the house!

Unfortunately, Smokey had developed breast cancer when we were in Watsonville. When we moved up to Vancouver, it took a lot out of her. She passed away February 26, 1999. She is now chasing all the butterflies and mice she wants, and never has to worry about being hurt again.

Scooter has lived with us since we lived in Eugene, OR and survived three moves and his "best friend's" passing, but about July 2002 it became obvious that his health was deteriorating as well. He passed away October 11, 2002 after battling with a serious case of diabetes. He is now playing tag again with Smokey, and waiting for the time when we will all be together once again.

These two tried to convince us that they didn't get along, but we never really bought their act. We reminded them that we had pictures of the two of them together.

They were pretty talented cats. Smokey knew how to open drawers and cupboards, and almost had doors figured out. During the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989 in San Jose, Smokey found an excellent place to hide - behind a drawer in the base of our waterbed: it was safe from falling objects, fairly stable (because of the weight of the water) and quiet. It took me a several hours after I got home to finally find her.

Scooter, on the other hand, was our confused cat. He didn't seem to know if he was a dog, cat, or mouse, as he barked (woof!), meowed, and squeaked. He also fetched his toys when we threw them, and dropped them at our feet so that he could chase them down, pick them up, and carry them back to us again.

There are those who think that animals are "dumb," and that they get jealous when human kids enter the scene. This was the farthest from the truth about Smokey and Scooter. Although Scooter did like to "play rough" with Kelly and I, he never did anything to seriously hurt our kids, although he would gently nip at the kids after he'd had enough abuse by them -- nothing hard, just enough to get their attention (and ours), and get away to hide.

After Geordi was born, both Smokey and Scooter took to Geordi like a couple of older siblings. One night when Geordi was being a bit fussy and then got very quiet, I went up to check on him. When I got to Geordi's room, both Smokey and Scooter were laying on the floor of Geordi's room looking at me as if to say, "if there was anything wrong, we would have come to get you." Geordi was fine that night, but there were times when Geordi was fussing too much and one of the cats would come to find out when we were going to take care of Geordi.

When Tori was born, we only had Scooter, but we would often find him in Tori's room at naptime, watching over her. Her attempts to pet him were met by incredible patience, even by a toddler whose natural instict was to grab the tail and pull.

After watching the care they gave our kids, I have to wonder whether they weren't angels sent to watch over the kids until they were old enough.

Smokey - July 1987-February 26, 1999. May you enjoy your time until we meet again.

Scooter - April 1993-October 11, 2002. We will see you again, and we can again play fetch.

I found this on another web site, and really felt drawn to share it here. Heaven just would not be the same without all of our friends.

Rainbow Bridge Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown