Obituary of Annie Birmingham
Excerpts from Annie’s life, as told to her biographer.
“The Luckiest Cat in the World"
I was starving as I walked the cold January streets of West Philadelphia. Lonely, scared, and hungry, I had to settle on an empty bag of sugar to lick. Fortunately, a local cat-rescue trapper spotted me and set up her cat trap. I was wary, but the delicious smelly cat food tempted my empty belly, and I scampered into the trap.
The trapper took me to a foster lady, and I waited with them until they could find my perfect family. They kept telling me my family was out there, and we just had to wait. Cats are not good at waiting!
Finally, I got the news a couple had just helped their cat across the Rainbow Bridge and wanted a new fur baby. They were interested in meeting me! The day I dreamt of finally came - my mom and dad found me. It was love at first sight - and they fell in love with me too! I went home with them that afternoon. I couldn't stop purring! I now had a new name and family! My real life started then.
Mom and Dad were easy to train. Mom instinctively knew that I loved belly rubs and stretching in the morning. That fun time ended when I heard my Dad opening a can of food. That was my cue to rub against his legs while he made my breakfast. Once I had a full belly, it was time for a long nap on our bed.
We had a nice long glass storm door so that I could sit and watch the world outside, but I was safe with my family. Every day around 4 pm. I’d watch a parade of the local neighborhood dogs on their early evening walks.
After dinner, I’d steal the majority of Mom’s lap blanket while we snuggled watching TV, but I didn’t mind sharing with her.
My paw-ents would take me out for car rides. I’d sit in my IKEA laundry basket and have the whole backseat to myself. The basket allowed me to have a great unobstructed view of where we were going. Dad has a good sense of direction, he never needed help with directions, but I was always willing.
When friends and family would visit me, I’d always get plenty of attention and pets. If I felt that someone was lacking in pets I’d tap their leg to get their attention, and they would then shower me with love.
My paw-ents are attuned to all my needs. They figured out that Fancy Feast trout flavor is my favorite cat food. No cheap cat food for me!! I don’t like loud noises at all. I hide under Mom & Dad’s bed when a noise scares me. I have trouble jumping up on places. I was hurt in my prior life, which limited my jumping ability. Mom and Dad made steps for me to easily climb up on our bed.
I love how my paw-rents constantly tell me a I’m their good girl, their pretty girl, I’m their Annie. My heart bursts when they tell me that they love me. This is what I prayed for while waiting to be found. I found my loving, fur-ever family. I’ll love them furever just as much as they love me!
