(Family: Mommy - Betty - Daddy - Tom, Sis - Mel)
In 1991, after the passing of their beloved Cuddles, Tom went secretly to the Humane Society in Edmonton to go pick up a kitten. While in there, one stole his heart immediately, a grey and white fluff ball who was all fur and big eyes.
When he brought him home, the reception from his Wife Betty, and daughter Mel, was not as good as he thought it would be. They were still mourning Cuddles, and thought in a way it was a betrayal, but soon the little grey fluffball captured their hearts as well. The same day that Tom brought him home, he disappeared for a moment when they had their eyes off of him. He had crawled into an opening into the wall downstairs, and Tom ripped the wall off to get to him. Even though this big tough man who lifted and repaired furnaces for a living was all scratched up, he held that little kitty close to his heart and told him everything was going to be okay.
TC is on the Right - here about 3 months old
It was about then that Tom had mentioned to his Wife and daughter, that he had a brother that was still there - the both yelled at him 'go get him'! So off to the Human Society he went again, to rescue TC's brother - who Mel named Fluery.
TC is on the Left, Fluery his brother on the Right
The both were very happy together, playing, catching mice in the country house, and getting into trouble together as boys do, for instance the first time they saw a Christmas tree, almost bringing it down as they tried to climb it to get to the decorations.
TC was closer to Tom and his Wife, and Fluery bonded with Mel. But soon Mel had to move out on her own, and Fluery became Betty's buddy, and TC became Tom's Cat in more than name.
TC and Fluery watching the birdies outside
Years went by, in fact 17, and they fileld the house full of love, joy, and humor. One day they both had to go to the vet, because of the odd weather in Alberta, their fur needed to be shaved. Unfortunately they didn't take them in at the same time. TC went first - and when he came home, Fluery sadly didn't recognize him or his smell (he smelled like the vets office, and the shampoo they used). Even after Fluery had the same treatment - things didn't change. The brothers had to be seperated, and TC literally moved in with Tom in his own side (TC's own side) of the house.
In 2009, they had to sell their home, and moved out futher into the country. TC would sleep with Tom and Betty, and his bond with Tom was more solid than ever. Eventually Betty was 'kicked out of the bed' by TC! Everyone in the family thought this so funny.
Sadly TC started going blind, so he stayed in the room with everything he needed. Although blind, his other senses really picked up, including his hearing and sense of smell, he didn't let this hold him back. Tom would go visit him during the day and have their Tom/TC time. And at night, they would curl up together, as Betty slept in the spare room (Fluery had the run of the rest of the house, and usually slept in the living room).
On June 21st, 2012 - 3 days after Tom and Betty's 57th wedding anniversary, Tom went upstairs for his time with TC, and noticed he was going into convulsions. Betty gathered him up in a blanket, and held him tight as they drove to the vet's office (which is only 5 minutes away). The vet told them the sad news, he was going into shock, perhaps diabetes, perhaps a heart attack - but he was not going to survive the night, he was in pain. TC looked up at Betty as if to say it was okay - and they had to make the horrible decision no one should have to make. So that night, surrounded by love, Tom had to say goodbye to his buddy.
Yes you read this right, TC lived to be almost 21 years old. As I write this - his brother Fluery is thankfully still alive, and we pray for him everyday.
TC taken a month before his passing
Rest in Peace TC, you will be missed so much.
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