Nancy was a pretty adolescent who become homeless when her family moved on July 1st, 2014 and left her behind. In the deep of winter last January (2015), I let her into my backroom – ostensibly separate from Maris, Jacob, and Gary – my other stray/SPCA cats. It was soon apparent she was pregnant – as Maris had been when she showed up on my balcony soon after July 1st in 2002. (July 1st in Quebec is Moving Day, and horrible people abandon pets all over the city that day, often in much worse ways than just letting them outside.) Maris had her kittens, I found homes for all of them back in 2002.
©2004 Marion Pennell
It was crazy, but fairly inconsequential, adopting Maris for myself and finding homes for the kittens.
This past winter – the rhinovirus started up – Nancy was in the backroom – but my shirts and hands were carriers. as I cared for both groups- remember now there are 4 adult cats and 6 kittens. Maris (now 14) got very sick and lost weight – I took her to the vet, and mentioned the kittens as well. Maris is still fine. Nancy was non plussed over the whole situation. Despite efforts, the five smaller kittens succumbed one after another – which led to the survivor being named Victor. Nancy was a too young mom, as I removed kittens, she barely noticed, never complained. I assume the big robust Victor was all she needed.
Nancy was too young for this litter. She won’t have to worry about that again. (spayed and adopted)
First photo of litter
Victor is the blackest one. He was always biggest too.
Just before the illness, Victor is top center.
Nancy with her last surviving kitten Victor
Victor, the surviving kitten
So, in tribute to Victor, here are some portraits:
©2015 Marion Pennell
below: SOLD
©2015 Marion Pennell
©2015 Marion Pennell
below: SOLD
©2015 Marion Pennell
And this painting is when Victor was lounging with Jacob – Jacob is an SPCA cat that had previously lived with 90 cats in a one-bedroom apartment before being seized. Jacob loves everyone. I know the pose is not the same, but the reaching, the nose-to-paw, and the cloud-like pillows, put me in mind of God Creating Adam. An elder passing it on to a curious youth!
©2015 Marion Pennell
The old grey mare... 