Photo taken August, 2012.
She has an origin story and it goes something like this — my mom and her sister were at a Mexican restaurant in Fargo, ND (later we would learn this was actually Moorhead, MN), over Labor Day weekend in 1992. There were margaritas involved. Some would say multiple margaritas. And there was a pet store next to the Mexican restaurant. Can you see where this is going?
Needless to say, my mom bought (for $5, I think) a cute black and white kitten, intending to bring it home for me as a present. The next day, clearer heads prevailed and the kitten went back. Later that same day, my mom and her sister went to re-get the cat from the pet store. In some versions, the returning and re-procuring of the kitten happens one more time, but I’m not sure that’s true. In all versions though, my mom made my aunt go back in the store and do the actual cat re-getting while she hid in the car. I think that’s true.
Chelsea
June 1992 – February 10, 2013
She was a well-traveled feline and lived in Chicago, IL, Muncie, IN, Flagstaff, AZ, Menlo Park, CA and finally Portland, OR. She was sweet, grumpy, usually hungry, funny and the occasional frenemy to Spencer. Chelsea was a cuddler and a big fan of laps. She loved to try and sneak tortilla chips from the bag when no one was looking and take leisurely naps in her little “house.” This summer she would have been 21 years old — that’s 100 in people years!
In her last year, she had taken on the nickname “her Ladyship” (we were going through a Downton Abbey phase), which was eventually shortened to Lady. Whatever we called her, she was very loved and now she’s very, very missed. She made our lives just a bit sweeter and funnier while she was with us.
Let’s all go sneak some tortilla chips in her honor.
Good night, sweet Lady.
She’s beautiful and sounds like a she led a wonderful, well-traveled life filled with love.
Sweet little Chelsea, you will be missed.
She’s a beautiful cat and does seem very much the lady. It seems like she had a full, wonderful life; I’m sure she’ll be greatly missed.
Oh, what a gorgeous companion for so many years…I know your furry friend will be greatly missed 🙁
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. We are still getting used to our little kitten addition and have turned into utter cat fanatics. The dogs our questioning our love as we now come home and look for our precious kitty (we do pet the dogs too 🙂 The amount of affection that is shared between owner and pet is a special thing. Twenty years of this with that amazing story on how you got her – wow. My thoughts are with you —-
Sneaking chips and sending happy ear and chin skritches out into the universe for her Ladyship. (virtual hugs for the loss of your pal)
Oh Chelsea, bless you. She looks just like one we had too, named Angel. Oh the footprints on our hearts, oh the love they give us unconditionally….sigh…..
I’m so sorry to hear that you lost your furry friend. She’s a beautiful cat, very similar colorings actually to my little furball, who I lost last year. Your post is a lovely send off, I know that she will be missed.
I’m sorry for the loss of your lovely cat. She seems like she had a big, beautiful personality.
Sorry for the loss of your little lady. Cats certainly are regal in their way, aren’t they?
What a beautiful girl! And what a fun life she lived. Sorry That she’s not there to sneak more chips.
Oh gosh – as a cat mommy to 2, I am SO sorry for your loss. How wonderful to get to share your life w/Chelsea. Sounds like you have wonderful memories (and great pictures) of her. She’ll always be ‘her ladyship’ of your ‘Downton CATbbey’!
jwa: 🙂
Shannon: Thank you!
Edie: She definitely will be!
Sara: Thank you!
Liz: Very missed!
Tricia: Thank you! And enjoy your new cat friend (as well as the dogs, of course! 😉
Melanie: Thank you! Chips for everyone!
pamkaren: they are always such a big part of the family, aren’t they? I’m sure Angel was a joy to you as well.
Rose: Thank you. And very sorry for your loss last year 🙁
Teresa: Thank you!
Cher: They certainly are! 🙂
Candy: Yes, thanks! 🙂
Candy: Thank you!
I have had Phineus for just over a year, a pretty tuxedo as well.!! Can’t imagine life without him right now, wishing you all the best
Hi Gail: Thanks! We do miss her so much but are so happy for all the years we had with her 🙂
So sorry for your loss, we’re going through much of the same right now (we just found out a couple of days ago that our beautiful 12-year old cat Frankie has incurable cancer), so we’re trying to spend what little time we have left with him making enough memories to last us a lifetime. I’m sure your life is better for having her in it – your eulogy of her is very moving, and paints a beautiful picture of how awesome a pet Chelsea was.
Hi Becke: Thank you for your kind words about Chelsea. And I’m so sorry to hear about your cat Frankie. I hope you create some wonderful new memories to go along with all the fun you’ve had together so far. Cats are such wonderful companions and really (like all pets) do become part of the family. 🙂