Frannie and Frieda

by Heather

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 that to hang around out side 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 come to terms with her loss when I arrived home on Monday January 14, 2002 to find Frieda in the street. I drove up 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 house keeper came over. I had left strict instructions never to let the cat out. Frieda was not road smart at all. She was 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.

I am having trouble coming to terms with the loss of two, family pets. Both with in the last three months. Both hit by a car on my street.