Deja
It is with great sadness that we received news that one of our precious adopted babies, Deja, has passed away from illness. Her adopted brother Linky, is going to miss her as much as her family. Be at Peace now, Pretty Deja....

Diva
Right after the Iraq war started my partner Holly got an urgent call from MISR, Michigan Siamese Rescue. Someone who had fostered some cats for them had been called up to the front, and the cats would all be euthanized the next day. Holly said she would take two of them. That night she called me in New York. "You're going to take one of these cats, she's just the type you like." I had lost my beloved Burmese kitty some years before and didn't want another cat. But when I flew to Michigan that weekend it turned out that Holly was right. I had grown up with Siamese cats and I love them reflexively. I picked Diva up, turned her on her back and cradled her. Her whiskers were broken, her coat was ruffled, and she started to purr as soon as I touched her. Diva flew back to New York with me. Within weeks her whiskers grew back, her coat was glossy, and she was my cat, always preferring my lap and my bed to any other. From what MISR knew, Diva had turned up on the doorstep of a man in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was tame, spayed and declawed; obviously she had been someone's beloved cat. He didn't like cats and wouldn't let her into his house, but he fed her off and on for six months. In the depths of winter he took pity on her and called MISR, who placed her with the foster home. She was in good health except for some rotten teeth, a common problem with "oriental" cats. Until the last year of her life she had no other health issues. Diva was bold and adaptable. Our dogs didn't faze her, even when they jumped on her back or barked in her face. She wanted to do whatever the rest of us were doing. When I started RVing she became my co-pilot, traveling with me to Florida and to dog agility trials all over the east and midwest. She loved to sun herself on the huge dashboard and I put a small bed up there for her to curl up in. At night she crept under the covers next to me whether I wanted her to or not, or curled herself around my neck. Although I knew she wasn't feeling well this past year, she enjoyed life up two a couple of weeks ago. Just two weeks ago she took up her co-pilot role when we traveled up to Traverse City for a trial. Then last week she took a turn for the worse and the vet confirmed my fears. I choose to end her suffering. Her ashes will come back to me and be mingled with mine at the end. Esther Newton

Djembe
I am writing with a heavy heart today. Last Wed. I had to put down my very special buddy, Djembe.....a MISR cat I adored. A djembe is a type of African drum. I am a composer and was working on a piece of music with African percussion in it when I adopted him. He was found as a kitten in Detroit in 2003, turned into the Michigan Humane Society and subsequently, brought to MISR. I had him for almost 11 years and was so bonded to that guy. I’ve never known another cat like him. His beauty inspired me. His clever ways made me laugh and his love for me was obvious. His life with me was very happy, if not long enough for me. He developed a fast-growing cancer and declined so quickly it hardly seems real Even as he got weaker he was affectionate and close. The tumors grew alarmingly fast. I didn't wait for him to get bad. I loved him too much to let him suffer. My girlfriend is a vet, and he passed away peacefully in my arms at our house. It was the hardest goodbye yet for me. My other cat, a snow-shoe-type female, is getting by, but is still lost without him. I got him to keep her company years ago. Soon I shall be looking for a kitten. Though I know no other cat will ever be the same as my Djembe, I definitely want another Siamese. He was the second MISR cat I adopted and both were spectacular cats with strong, warm personalities. Thanks to you and MISR for rescuing these wonderful cats. I had years of companionship and enjoyment with Djembe because you cared. I so appreciate that! Julie