Whiskey and Bootsie

by Kelly Esquivel
(El Segundo, CA)

Whiskey was an orange long hair (1/4 Maine Coon) tabby and Bootsie was a classic black and white tabby (with white belly, chest and boots). They were the most loving, incredibly sweet and smart cats.

We used to call Whiskey "the rock star." He was all about being the star in the crowd. He was not afraid to approach people and say, "look at me! Pet me! Love me!" and everyone did.

Bootsie was a year younger and much more shy. He was all about one-on-one time with me or another family member. Yet he would follow Whiskey to the ends of the earth.

They were not allowed in our new home, but one time they snuck in. Whiskey sprawled out on a table and Bootsie stood gingerly on the arm of the sofa. When I found them, Whiskey's look said, "Look at me! Look where I am! Ha Ha Ha" Bootsie's look said, "It wasn't my idea mom! He (Whiskey) said it would be okay."

Whiskey developed a nasal tumor at 18 years old. He live to be 19 years old. It was the saddest day of my life.

After Whiskey passed, Bootsie's health declined rapidly. There was kidney disease and uncontrollable diabetes. He passed just after his 18th birthday. Another of the saddest days in my life. I wrote a wonderful ode to Bootsie...which I'll post later.

Their memory lives on in my heart and the hearts of many friends and neighbors who still miss them.