Turtle

Turtle cat came to us during a time of beginnings and endings, in the spring of 2006. My grandfather had just passed and it seemed that we would lose Turtle too, only weeks after we’d adopted her from the Oregon Humane Society, seriously sick as she was with a respiratory infection. However, she pulled through her illness and embodied the best characteristics of a cat: independent, finicky and devoted to her food, but also fiercely loyal to her humans (especially her favorite, Harley) and strangely fond of the parade of dogs that existed in her life over a 14-year period. She’s pictured with Barkley, another Humane Society rescue, with whom she was fond of cuddling.

Turtle loved bath time and any chance to dip into the sink, or the dog’s water bowl, earning her name Turtle not just because of her mixed tortoiseshell breed (although we wondered if she had a touch of Maine coon in her genes) but also her love of water. All of us were accustomated, as well, to her tongue baths, especially when we were watching movies. She tolerated the newest addition to our household, a kitten named Jasmine, with an air of resigned acceptance, and before she passed due to kidney disease, the two had engineered a cautious yet amicable truce.

Turtle was an excellent mouser, and a true companion. Our household hasn’t been the same without her. We’re glad that she is finally free of suffering, and hope that she rests easy under the camelia with the rest of our dearly departed pets.

A donation was made in Turtle's memory and the memorial was created on March 12, 2020.