It was one of the most painful phone calls of my professional life.

I had to call and tell my elderly neighbors, the Pennybakers, that their beloved Beauregard, a beautiful, orange, 2 year old Persian male, was going to die. All three of us loved this cat, who had been the absolute light of their life since he was a kitten. He had major tumor growth all through both lungs and euthanasia was the only kind and proper treatment.

Somehow we all got through the call and soon Beauregard's suffering had come to an end. When I called later to let them know he had gone quite peacefully they were most grateful. Perhaps, I gently suggested, they might give some thought to getting another cat . I would be most happy to help them with the search. " Oh no!" was the very strong response," we could never replace Beauregard!" So I let the matter drop, for the time being.

But as it happened, in our clinic was a lovely white female Persian who was in need of a home. I let a few days go by and then called the Pennybakers to say I was bringing by Mr B's sterling silver collar and ID tag for them.

I set out for their large rambling house which was in the small village of The Plains, VA where I also lived. With me, in a carrier having a clear plastic top, was the white Persian cat. Arriving on their porch I rang the doorbell. When I heard Mr Pennybaker slowly shuffling down the hall to the front door, I set the carrier carefully in front of me. As I handed him Beauregard's collar and tag he glanced down.

"What's that?" said he.

"Oh" I said " it's a nice cat that was going to be put down so I brought it home for the weekend. But now I find Lynda and I must be away for the next two days. Do you think you folks could do me a big favor and take care of her until we get back?" He shook his head and looked doubtful. "Well, come in, come in! We'll ask Evelyn".

We shuffled back down the hall to the living room where Mrs Pennybaker was reclining, Camille-like, very pale and unhappy looking. " Evelyn" he said " Dr Stuart wants a favor." So I repeated the explanation while at the same time carefully placing the cat on the sofa between them. Then I stepped back to let nature take its course.

Needless to say, by the time I made a quiet exit, they were arguing over who was to hold the cat as well as choices of a name. The latter turned out to be Paree which they later told me meant peace in Persian.

And for many peaceful years, until they both passed on, we enjoyed the notes and cards with pictures of Paree in everything from Easter hats to Santa suits. After their passing I received a heartfelt letter from their daughter thanking me for all the joy that Paree had brought to their latter years. My white lie for a white cat had a very happy ending.

J. Bud Stuart DVM
Pet Talk KEYT AM 1250
Santa Barbara, CA