Simba

We've had Simba for about 15 years. She came to us from my mother-in-law when both of my kids were very small.



Right from the start, she established herself as Lacey's pet, or maybe Lacey as her pet, and that she ruled our home.



She dominated herself over our other cat, Daisy, who was meek and submissive and Simba loved to pick on her. When our boy cat, Misty, came along a couple of years later, Simba was the one who initiated the shunning of him. He was not allowed to follow her, or to join in on her and Daisy's playtime.



As you can see from the photo above, she quickly let Abby know who was boss. She didn't like Abby, either. She had this way of looking at her like she was just a lowly dog. She tolerated Abby for the three short years that we had her, and I'm sorry to say, that Simba has seemed quite happy in the months since Abby passed away. She became so much more lovable towards all of us, and for the first time in all these years, didn't mind being picked up and cuddled by anyone.






If I had a penny for every time in the past 15 years that Lacey called out to me, "Mom, hurry! Come look at Sim!", I'd be a very rich woman. Simba always managed to be in some state of cuteness. Lately, she had taken to hanging out in our clawfoot bathtub. She always loved water, but especially any water that had bubbles in it. During the spring, after heavy rains or melting of snow, we'd see her out in our big driveway going from puddle to puddle watching bubbles.





This is Simba when she's really, really happy. Her tongue out and, sometimes, a big glob of drool on her chin.


She always let us know her mood. Usually it was one of annoyance. Lacey sometimes said, "I wonder if Sim could talk what she would say to us," and I'd say, "I don't think I'd want to know, I'm pretty sure she'd be swearing at us."


She patrolled out yard and made sure to let the neighbor cats know by her look of distaste and disapproval that they were not welcome on our property.





But, her one true love was always Lacey. From the very beginning, Simba would spend almost all of her time with Lace. She had a way of creeping up onto Lace while she was sleeping and stretching out right on top of her. Simba was the last thing Lace saw at night and the very first thing she saw when she woke up, because Simba would sit right beside her, watching and waiting for her. When Lace was sick - Simba was her nursemaid. She would cuddle up and keep her company. Interesting though, if Simba wanted to go out at night, she would let Lace sleep and come into my room and wake me up to let her out. So funny.


I'm so sorry to say that we lost Simba last night. Yesterday morning, she was unable to walk. We took her to the vet and found that she had heart disease and it would just be a matter of time. We brought her home. Lace made a little comfy spot for her on the floor of her room and lay down with her for the next seven hours. Simba seemed content. She mostly slept, while most of the time, purring. At about 9:15pm I went to check on Sim and Lace and Lace just looked exhausted. I told her it was okay to fall asleep - that Sim would let her know if she needed her. I think Sim held on for as long as she did for Lace's sake. As soon as Lace began to drift off to sleep, Sim slipped away.


My daughter's heart is broken. She had such a strong bond with Simba. Please keep her in your prayers. We are all grateful for having had such a wonderful pet. We will never, ever forget her.