May 6, 2019 by Maria Morelli

Apache (nick named Patchy) was a kitten that took me 3 1/2 days to capture (he was crying out one night when I was sitting on my patio). He got his name because I lived in an apt complex that had the name Apache in it and also because he came through a grate in the wall behind my bldg from Star Nursery. He fit in the palm of my hand when I rescued him and it wasn’t easy. With the help of God, I had to lure him out with treats and when he got close enough to me, I had to grab him and not let go for fear if I did I would never get the chance again to catch him. And believe me, he bit and scratched and screamed leaving me bloody on both hands and wrists as I walked with him back to my apartment where I could keep him safe and sound for the rest of his life! We bonded immediately. And for 7 1/2 years we had the most loving relationship that I ever experienced with a furry family member (I tear up just thinking about him). I lost a piece of my heart when I lost him. We would go on walks quite often and he had his favorite rock as you can see, that we always had to stop by so he could lay on it and just watch as people would walk by; even with their dogs. He was with me all the time since I don’t work, I can’t even explain how much love we had for each other….the stories are endless! Unfortunately, he had a neurological problem all those years called Feline Hyperesthesia, which caused him so many health problems through the years, especially towards the end when I had to make the decision (saddest one ever) to let him cross over the Rainbow Bridge on October 22, 2018. But through it all, he still always wanted to snuggle up to my face with his and get kisses, his love was never ending towards me! He is forever in my heart and is missed so very much! Someday we will meet again……..