The Ennis family bid farewell to its beloved, four-legged member, Dixie, today. Methinks she deserves a proper obit. Anyone who's ever said goodbye to a pet will understand the sentiment. Sure, it's sappy, but I'm Irish Catholic and single, so humor me. For anyone who hasn't experienced the pleasure and joys of being a pet owner, or the PETA-friendly term "pet parent," please consider rescuing or adopting an animal. You'll be the better for it.
DIXIE ENNIS, 17 years-old, a 'ghetto kitty' adopted from the ASPCA, named after Bette Middler's character in For The Boys, was put to sleep today. She was a diva to the very end: entitled and sassy. Few knew of her hidden charms, but were well-acquainted with her foul mood in the company of relative strangers. Thus, only to know her was to love her. The rest, frankly, missed out.
Dixie is survived by her primary care-giver and companion, my Mom, Joan Ennis, a fortunate snow bird, off to Florida for the chilly months. Though Joan will escape the miserable Chicago winter, her sun-filled days may well be brushed by sadness for a while. Perhaps she'll continue to speak out loud to Dix, sharing details of the daily grind as though her furry white and grey ass was still there. And that's more than okay. Dixie's de-facto Daddy, my brother M.J., apt to mourn in solace, should take comfort in his fond memories, especially the way he'd step into a smattering of kitty litter upon exiting the shower.
As for myself, I've got to admit that I'm crushed. I was a teenager when I picked Dixie out of a cage. She was all ears and tail, and I sat her on my forearm and watched as she stretched out and fell immediately asleep. It felt like a familiar routine, one that we'd already practiced, perfect and easy. Dixie, like me, could be a real bitch at times. Yet if I was at home sick or feeling droopy, she'd be the first one to crawl up next to me and chill out. She was warm and silent, just what I needed.
There's something about the unconditional love of an animal. It's reciprocal and pure. All you need to do is put a roof over their head and feed 'em, then they give you everything they've got in return. Do well for them and they will do infinitely well for you.
Miss you, Dixie.
