Happy Kyuko Day!

Four years ago this Valentine's Day, a little nine-pound black kitty came fortuitously into our lives. She was a stray, but obviously quite socialized — she jumped into the front seat of our friend Jill's pickup truck in a Taco Bell parking lot, and gave her a look like, "Let's get the fuck out of here." She then proceeded to eat half of Jill's burrito.

Jill had dogs, so she couldn't keep this little creature for more than a night. We already had three cats at the time, a number which had proved to be substantially more of a hassle than the two we started out with, and I was leery about adding a fourth to the mix. But Shadow, our third cat, was clearly the odd man out in the household, and was truly lonely for a friend; and this black kitty was so mellow and good-natured, we decided to take a chance. I thank the universe every day that we did.

We called her Kyuko, an impromptu mixture of "Kyoko" (because of her vaguely Asian features) and "cute" (because, well, she was). I'm not sure what the Japanese word for "magical" is, but we could have called her that, as well. She not only became fast friends with Shadow and totally brought him out of his shell — you can see the lovebirds below — but she brought a whole new level of joy into our lives, as well. To this day, she remains the smartest, most playful and best-behaved cat we've ever had, as sweet and soft and pliable as a big bowl of chocolate pudding. When I worked at home, Kyuko would spend part of the afternoon on my desk, making sure I got my work done; she would also bring me toys to cheer me up. Now that I work in an office, I miss her inscrutable presence terribly during the day — but every night, she brings toys to my bedside, just in case I might need them.

Our sweet black angel is undoubtedly the best Valentine's Day gift Carole or I (or Shadow) have ever received, which is why this special day is now known as Kyuko Day around these parts. I urge all of you to celebrate Kyuko Day by lavishing some extra love and attention upon your pets, or by making a donation to your local animal shelter or animal welfare organization — or maybe even adding a new pet to your family. Kyuko may be one of a kind, but there are so many wonderful, loving animals out there who need a good home (and maybe half a burrito, as well), and who will expand your heart and soul in ways you never thought were possible. Please spread the love, if you can.

Comments

[John]

I'll chase kitties today, as a salute to your good fortune.

[Vinnie Park]

So sweet! I love - and completely identify with - your love for the feline race. Happy Valentine's to you and yours, from Polly, Vito and Vinnie Park.

[stu]

that is sweet...happy days to all of you.

[Laura]

OhMy GOD! That is sweet stuff. You two are so good with the turn too. I totally gave the kitties a good rub this morning to honor the good thing we got.

[trendinista]

you are by far the best cat dad on the planet. i'm so glad kyuko jumped into my truck right about the time shadow was sending smoke signals :)

[Kyuko's Cat Faerie Godmother]

She's just lovely! I'm so glad you adopted her and she got hitched to Shadow. Post pix of the two of them!

xo
Gail