Trash Tuesday #50: Where Getting it Cheap is Part of the Esthetic
by Pasadena Adjacent
The moment you confess your love, you know that this day awaits. 11/02/09
In my world cats mark the passing of time. I can tell you what was happening when they came into my life and what was happening when they left. Ti Ling was a young Siamese cat who showed up at the Lacy Street Shelter back in September of 1988. The newly built shelter replaced the Anne Street Shelter which had been destroyed in the Whittier earthquake. This site also marked my first public art commission (now destroyed) as well as my artistic partnership with Mr V. An interesting career beginning and I have the stories to back it up; more on that in a bit. I walked into the shelter that morning, caught site of Ti Ling and immediately laid claim to her. That afternoon I surprised Ramona with her new birthday gift. Ramona was none to happy. I also knew it would pass. Looking for something asian sounding, mom made up the name Ti Ling. It was a good call since it turns out that Ling means “compassion and understanding” in Chinese. Ti Ling was a lover. Extremely adaptable, she never fought with other cats and moved into the niche that my father left with his passing.
What does this have to do with Trash Tuesday? The baby blanket. I found it curbside on a walk through South Pasadena. It seemed a good choice.
About those shelter stories…Anyone remember the “Great Burmese Give Away” fiasco? A little German woman (one time cat breeder of Siamese and Burmese cats) had 50 plus descendants from her original breeding stock holed up in her east Hollywood apartment. The cats were confiscated and brought to the shelter. They were “old style” and the most beautiful cats I’d ever seen. Every day the little German woman would come to visit her cats (they were in quarantine). Afterwards she’d come out and yell at me over and over again “get me a cab!!”while I painted. The situation was eventually plastered all over the local news and people were lined up the next day to adopt them. That “next day” the shelter pulled up the red carpet when the younger cats started breaking out in sniffles. Outside a few of the older cats, they euthanized the entire lot. I managed to use my newly acquired power to get two of the older cats into the hands of a friend. They would later come down with the same “said” sniffles. It was nothing more then a upper respitory illness easily treated with antibiotics.
Feeling kind of bummed out? come sit next to me.
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Pasadena Adjacent 
For the locals
http://www.foothillvet.com/
Call ahead and they’ll tell you the best time to come in. They put you through a side door, have the room ready, fill out your check for you, have the first available doctor on it and allow you to leave by the back door. Reasonable too
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I talked to Mom last night. She was VERY grateful for all that you did–especially with cleaning up all evidence of the kitty–food dish, litter box, blanket, etc. You are definitely the good daughter. I really appreciate all that you do for Mother, too. I know that it was hard on you, but thank you for taking care of Ti Ling.
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I’m sad for Ramona. I just mailed a letter to her this morning, if I had know I would have expressed my condolences. Anyone who loves and loses a pet will relate. Interesting career connection, where the story began, it’s path and where will the unwritten end will lead you. That’s how life is. This John Lenon quote comes to mind: Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.
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Oh, I’m sorry. It’s so hard. And yes, you did bring back just a flood of memories.
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what a gift for you to give Ti Ling and Ramona.
I have often wished I could know that someone would do the same for me, end things at the right time with my nature and best interests at heart.
You are brave to capture that photo. Thank you for letting us participate–
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“The moment that you confess your love, you know this day awaits.”
Sigh. So true.
I’m sorry for you and Ramona.
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Losing a pet is so complicated, like losing a companion, friend, true love, sleep mate, and child. So sorry for your family. I’m sure the burial was done very tenderly.
We’re having one of our cats put down soon, I’m so distraught about it. DH and I had a huge fight about everything else yesterday, neither of us wants to make the call. This helps a lot.
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When my very special cat Missy was killed by coyotes a few months ago, I vowed never to get another cat. She loved hunting and would sneak out of any small window crack or door whenever she could, and I’d often be in the middle of our road in my nightie at 3 am calling her. She was 12.
I shouldn’t have done it, but one day, I looked at the cats waiting to be adopted at the shelter and there was a 12 year old who had just come in as a stray that seemd to call out to me. I went to see him right away, but hesitated, remembering those coyotes. The next day, he was sneezing. Two weeks later, the shelter needed the cage and….I couldn’t bear to have him die. After antiiotics for his respiratory infection, his ear infection, and his tooth infection, plus lots and lots of food and TLC, he’s a different and very loving kitty who likes to stay indoors. I still remember my Missy fondly, but I’ve given new life to another cat in her memory.
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……….
D: I believe shortly after the mural was finished I made my first visit to Peoria for Cindy’s wedding. Mom loves hearing from you condolences or not.
AH: It was my intent to get you all to “come sit next to me” Misery loves company
Mary: It’s so true. You need a pragmatist who can cut through the thick of it. Oh yes, stirring the pot, hanging my ass out in the wind. It’s what I do.
Susan: Isn’t it? Every time I allow an animal to get under my skin I start dreading the day. Tova turns 14 this month….tick tick
PJ: I know your in the same position and I know the stress your under. If I recall you have two very old cats as my mom did (hers…21 and 23). This was one very long weekend. Fighting? yes. I wanted to make the call Saturday. They go into that place and you just know.
Bellis: Welcome and thank you for telling us your story. My mother won’t outlive another cat but we have discussed the cats for senior programs offered at our shelters. If mom should find life without a cat unbearable we may consider this option (12 sounds like a good age to me)
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You’ve got me in tears – it love the line ‘moved into the niche’… The blanket is so cute & tiny – perfect shroud (if you are allowed to call them that for cats.)
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I am sitting next to you.
I do know how hard it is, having lost several dearly beloveds. My Beau kitty is from the Pasadena Humane Society. I was “pulled in” by strange forces, Jim said, and tearfully found this tiny sick little thing. They were reluctant to let us adopt him but we succeeded and he has grown into a fine, healthy guy. A re-incarnation maybe for another.
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Tash: After my father died I stayed with my mother for a month (sharing her bed) and then when I left Ti-Ling moved in. That empty bed thing is a real issue for my mom.
Shanna: Maybe nine lives refers to how many cats we humans can have (lined up tail to tail) within our own lives.
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I’m on number ten. I hope I haven’t exceeded my limit and get a penalty.
It’s quite touching what you did for your mum, there’s nothing else I can think of to say that could even begin to express how I feel about it.
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