On January 2, 2007 I went looking for my cat, Belle and couldn't find her. Later that day I found her dead in my pottery studio. She had turned up as a stray in April 2006 and I had her spayed and she got her shots and I tried to let her come in the house, but she just would NOT leave my other two cats alone. Misty and Milo are both almost 14 years old and Belle would stalk them and then attack. So she had to stay outside. She had a nice yard, with lots of trees and a Gazebo to sleep in. When the weather turned cold she had my studio to stay in and when it was REALLY cold I would turn on the kiln to keep her warm. But she did like to travel around the neighborhood and she was somewhat high strung. I felt so very sad when she died and I wrote the following poem.

Bella Luna
Mystery cat from somewhere unknown
You came to my house, I gave you a home
Bell on your collar to play me a tune
Gray Bella Luna, named for the moon
Playful by nature cheerful & sweet
Up with the sun, a new day to greet
Chasing the birds, squirrels and mice
But to my other cats you were not very nice!
So an outside cat you had to be
And this was your downfall as any could see
From April to winter such a true friend
And On a cold New Years night it came to an end
Mighty hunter by the light of the moon
You left this life early and ever too soon
Struck by a car speeding so fast
You made it back home and there breathed your last

Beautiful Belle I loved you so!
And where ever you are I hope that you know
I miss you so much and honor your spirit
I send you this poem and hope that you hear it.


In Memory of my Bella Luna