River Song Jones

River Song Jones We met River Song in February 2012 and instantly knew she was the perfect little cat for us. River seemed to know we were right for her too. She made herself at home on Patricia’s lap as soon as she sat down at the foster home and when Kevin came the next day she nuzzled around his feet and climbed on to his chest to stare sweetly into his eyes. She was adorable and so trusting, despite clearly having had a tough life, that we decided on the spot to adopt her into our lives. River had recently been rescued by a member of a documentary film crew who was reporting about an animal shelter in upstate New York. The shelter was focused on caring for injured animals and providing them with a final place to be before they passed on. River was however perfectly healthy but still a woman wanted to drop her off at the shelter. When the shelter refused to take River, the woman got crazy and threatened to drop her outside the shelter and feed her to the dogs unless the shelter took her. When asked not to do that, the woman then turned around to her car and went to toss River back into her car. Fortunately at that point, a member of the film crew stepped up and took River from the woman and decided to foster her until a permanent home could be found. River certainly had an Angel looking out for her that day and in turn, we were extremely lucky to be the ones to adopt River Song. River settled into our home and our hearts immediately. She was the perfect cat, always a good girl and very forgiving of her new and novice kitty parents as they learnt how to best care for her. River was very social and loved to be around people, whether sleeping or occasionally playing with her balls and little fishes. She loved to spend time sleeping up close with her family and on the laps of anyone who came to visit. River gave her love unconditionally and enjoyed being snuggled and stroked, although she only let her kitty daddy stroke her whole back. River was warm hearted and kind, it was like she always knew when someone needed her presence and a paw-stroke or comforting snuggle. River was low key, she enjoyed watching the Golden Girls with her kitty mummy in the morning and sitting alongside her kitty Daddy when he watch his soccer or old Law and Order shows. Naturally, River Song loved to watch Doctor Who, keeping her eye on the Doctor and her namesake. River was independent at times and loved to explore especially the corridor outside the apartment – although she also loved to return for her tasty fish flakes. River was not a fussy eater but unfortunately her allergies did cause her some trouble at times – she was so happy once her kitty parents figured out the problem and switched her diet to kangaroo and squash…we could swear it gave her an extra bounce as she was soon leaping up to the window ledges to look out across the kingdom of Brooklyn, some 24 floors below. Her kingdom, of course. River loved the morning sun and to bath in its warmth. She loved to snuggle up in her blankets in the corner of the living room and to sit on her special ‘soap box’ by the front door to welcome her pet human’s home from work. River always loved to sleep between her kitty mummy and daddy at night, keeping them safe while they slept – that is, when she was not in the land of nod herself. She loved to be snuggled up tight to her mummy’s chest or to lay across her daddy’s outstretched arm. And when her kitty parents were away and she was being looked after by friends, River showed them the same love and often snuggled with them in bed. We often wondered about River’s past life. No-one knew how old River Song was but guessed she was between ten and twelve when she came to live with us. It was clear she had an eventful life before we met her. She had seen some good times and unfortunately, from the cuts on her eyes, some tough times too. Being declawed she would have had a difficult time out in the wild but fortunately she had the tenacity to survive. We were so blessed that that River came to live with us for her final 2 years and 8 months. River Song was a rare and precious gift from God. River was a well-loved and loving member of our family. River was a calming influence on those around her, especially her kitty daddy who was always so happy to be with her and she was always happy to be with him. He misses her so very much and will never ever forget her. River was truly his ‘fuzzy valentine’. River's kitty mummy found in River the same love she has experienced with Nysa, her beloved dog and companion of many years. We know that River and Nysa are soul mates and no doubt are already enjoying one another's company over the rainbow bridge. River Song, you were never ‘just a cat’… Never "Just a Cat” Some people tell me it's 'just a cat'. They really do not understand. Some of my fondest memories have been with 'just a cat' Some of my saddest moments have been with 'just a cat' In the darkest days, it was the gentle touch of 'just a cat' that gave me the courage to carry on. 'Just a cat' brought me joy, friendship and love into my life. 'Just a cat' brought out the compassion and patience that made me a better person. For me, 'just a cat' was and will never be just a cat. 'Just a cat' was family, friend, confidant and comrade that offered unconditional love and filled my heart with joy every day. 'Just a cat' is what made me 'just the person' I am today. And that makes 'just a cat' a wonderful cat indeed. I was so blessed to have 'just a cat' in my life. And I thank the very special person in my life who knew 'just a cat' would never be just a cat. With many ‘just a cat’ abandoned out there, I truly hope that every ‘just a cat’ finds a safe and loving home and that every home gets to have their own wonderful and precious 'just a cat'. Rest in peace now, River Song, our little purrfect princess who was so much more than ‘just a cat’. You were so very brave at the end and so very beautiful always. We will cherish our memories and we will miss you so very much. You were, and are, the best kitty ever. Sweet dreams our little fuzzy princess. Love always, your kitty parents, Kevin & Patricia xoxoxox

River Song Jones

September 16, 2014