Ralph...RIP

The hubster, Tim, had a pet from his younger days...the cat named Ralph. Tim claimed him as his own. It has been an ongoing discussion as to just whose cat Ralph has been all his life. Apparantly his original name was Shadow and Tim found that too unoriginal so he renamed him....King Ralph. And it has stuck. Ralph was not just any cat. He was a cat with a dog's personality (in my opinion, that is the BEST!). So all the brothers loved this cat, grew up with this cat, neighborhood kids and friends loved this cat. He could speak his own name, he hated homework, and he loved lunch meat. Ralph was getting older but our girls were able to get the opportunity to meet him just before he passed. They were instantly in love with Ralph. All I heard for the few days that he was around them was "where's ralph" , "can I pet ralph", "i want to snuggle with ralph" and my favorite of all "is ralph a cat"...ofcourse she knew the answer to that one. ;-) At first I was suspicious of him because after all he is an animal and the girls are only 2.5 years and 1 year old. I quickly determined he loved them loving on him just as much as they loved doing it. Ralph had some health issues that were ailing him in the end of his days. He was in lots of pain and was unable to eat...his favorite thing to do. Even though he was having a tough go he was so good and gentle with the girls. He certainly made an impression on our girls. We were driving back to Mimi's one day and Caydence busted out with "There was a farmer had a cat and Ralph was his namo...R-A-L-P-H" I had only sang that to her one time. Good memory that girl! And she loves to sing! The Missy Princess and the Boo both enjoyed the few days they spent with him and it is certain he will be missed by our family.