Gidget Nehrenz peacefully crossed the Rainbow Bridge on March 10, 2021 at the age of ?
Gidget was adopted from the Mesquite Animal Shelter in August of 2007 they estimated her age then to be around two to 3 years old. Gidget’s big, beautiful blue eyes won my heart right away; I was happy to get her out of the cage.
Gidget was not an outside cat; the huge world did not hold much excitement for her.
Gidget preferred to spend her time quietly and did so in her own private master bath with a tall gate so she could look out all she wanted but nobody (dogs) could get in.
Gidget was a vocal kitty. You could always count on her for great conversation in a place where you would not normally welcome it. I did mention she lived in the Master bath. When she caught you with your pants down, you had to be careful, she was liable to jump in them. She was always sure to keep up her end of the conversation while doing so. Gidget would look up with those beautiful blue eyes and while it may seem a little weird, was “purrfectly” Gidget; you just had to let her have her way and get used to it.
Gidget always got her way; you could not deny her anything. Her human dad made sure of it and was fiercely protective of her.
Gidget won the heart of Phillip M. Nehrenz and that in of itself was quite the feat. For 40 years the man thought cats were only good “for target practice.” (It was a joke, he would NEVER hurt an animal, even a cat.) Gidget made him love her like he has never loved a cat in his life and never thought would have been possible.
It was heartwarming to come in and find him covering her with the blankets on the bed and rubbing her down. She would come out and meow until he did it again. She even crawled under there herself and meowed for his attention when he diverted it from her. It was their special game. Her human dad was her favorite playmate.
We know you didn’t appreciate company of the non-human kind but were always willing to share your space with injured and helpless animals.
Over the years Gidget tolerated and somewhat fostered kittens, puppies, tortoises a hamster and even a pig. She allowed her space to be turned into a mini vet clinic more often than I’m sure she was overjoyed about, but she was so good with them all. Gidget even litterbox trained the pig all by herself. I believe she figured if he was going to live there with her, he had to keep his end of things clean. Gidget did not like things messy.
I am sure Pork Chop will miss her; she was his first foster mom. I am surprised he does not meow.
In the hot summer months Gidget could always be found laying in the cold tub where she was cool and perfectly content to stay until a pesky human came and turned on the water. Gidget was caught just twice before we decided to check behind the shower curtain if she was not obviously letting her presence be known. Turning the shower on her sort of ticked her off, she’d run and hide in the closet until she felt the need to reenter the real world.
Gidget did not like to be held but in her final three days she allowed me to snuggle, hold and pet her all I wanted/needed to without objection and with a lot of purrs. When she was tired of being held, she peacefully laid beside me with her head in my hand. She let me say goodbye in my own way. I know that was her ultimate final gift to her human mom who loved her very much. She left this world in the arms of the person who loved her most.
We are sure Bella, Baby, Tank, Lexi and Cleveland were at the Rainbow Bridge to greet their girl. May she run free with those who crossed before her. She will be missed.
Rest well sweet girl until we meet again. We love you.
Diana says
Sorry for the loss of your fur baby.
Becky says
So very sorry for your loss! It’s so hard to loss our fur babies!
Miriam Samuels says
So sorry. Always a heartbreaker.
Love the part about Phil. I know another man who supposedly didn’t like cats. It took him one week to befriend Reba, and our second cat (adopted a couple of years later) is referred to as “my son.” Go figure.
Janice R says
What a very heartwarming story, so nice to see.
If Porkchop ever needs help with his tusks or hooves, just let me know…
Pattie Gallo says
So sorry to hear of your loss of Gidget. What a beautiful story of how our fur babies touch and improve our lives. So special that you adopted her and gave her such a wonderful life. In turn, she made a difference in your lives.
Dr. Vern Kilbourn says
We are very sorry for your loss. Cats are very judicious in who they choose to like. Feel honored to know Gidget chose you to live out her life.
Love Doc & Barbara
Nancy Kanwischer says
How lovely, it brought tears to my eyes.
lisa jenereaul says
So heartwarming..now darn it I have tears rolling down my cheeks.