Lucky to have Lucky

Our beautiful cat, Lucky, was attacked by a large animal last Wednesday night and killed. My neighbor saw the animal and thinks it was a mountain lion, which I've read may be returning to NJ. The NJ Wildlife told me it was likely a coyote. "No way!" says my neighbor. Either way, when Don went running to get Lucky, he was already gone. My neighbor's headlights had scared the animal away and it was she and her daughter who recognized Lucky. Very traumatic for them too as they were his prime catsitters. We are grateful to them for spotting Lucky and telling us right away, and also for their concern. (Article on mountain lions in NJ.)

It is so nice that so many people in our neighborhood have said how sorry they are to hear about Lucky. Many have their own Lucky stories as he visited many porches and backyards. Most remember him as sitting on our front step. People would say, "Oh you live in the house with the black cat on the step." Yes, we lived in Lucky's house! We've heard how people on their walks always looked for him as they walked past our house.

He often slept at the foot of our bed or always somewhere where he had a good view of the household comings and goings.

Here he is waiting to be seen and let inside. In fact the hardest thing these last few days is walking past the front door and looking for him, expecting that he's there waiting to come in.

Carolyn and Lucky were very close. He tolerated all kinds of lovin's from her! And spent most of his time in her room. He was born in Maryland around June 1, 1998. We got him just after Carolyn's 6th Birthday. He was the last of his litter - not sure if he started out as the runt, but he grew to be a very healthy 15-1/2 lb cat!

He was definitely an outdoor boy though and quite the hunter taking out many a poor little chipmunk. I've also seen him chase after a racoon and leap at our neighbor's beautiful dog, Buttercup, when she encroached on his territory one day.

Here he is rubbing my legs. He was always rubbing past us. Whenever I was out gardening, he'd get himself in between me and whatever part of the garden I was trying to work on. He ran across our deck last summer before the paint had dried and left cute little Lucky pawprints on the stairs.

Thanks to all of you who have called, emailed, or stopped by to give us your sympathies. I really didn't think it'd be so hard to lose a pet. Our handsome Luckykins, Luckster, Lucks, Lucky.