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Frannie and Frieda

Older cat laying in cat bed

My story is of two very loved family pets, Frannie and Frieda. Two very missed cats. Both hit by a vehicle on our street. First Frannie, a very affectionate six-year-old grey tabby she loved nothing more than to hang around outside with her cat buddies.

I am an airline employee/web coordinator. The week of the tragic events in New York City, I was working frantically to keep up with events, making sure information provided through our website was not only current but also sensitive to the situation. On Friday, September 14, 2001 I thought the worst was over. It had been an emotionally and physically draining week. I arrived home only to have my neighbor come to my door with Frannie in a box. She had been run over by a car.

I was still trying to come to terms with her loss when I arrived home on Monday, January 14, 2002, to find Frieda in the street. I drove up to my street and there she was. In the center of the road. When I left the house she was inside; after the loss of Frannie, I vowed never to leave the house again and leave her out.

She had gotten out on when my housekeeper came over. I had left strict instructions never to let the cat out. Frieda was not road smart at all. She was a wonderful cat. She was not even two years old.

I think one of the problems is our house is at the bottom of a large hill. There is a great lack of regard for the posted speed limit. Drivers seem to think they are immune to animals or worse, children, stepping out from the curb. I have contacted my local police department to see if they are not willing to at least increase police visibility in this area.

My husband and I are now going to sell this house; we just cannot stay here.

My husband would like to get another cat right away. I however do not agree with this. I think we should wait until the move is completed. Nothing will bring back Frannie or Frieda.

If I can say anything at all it is to give your pet everything it needs. Just keep them safe or if outside on a lead. I know there is deeper tragedy than the loss of two cats, but for me, it is the issue at hand that I must find a way to deal with right now.