El Guapo

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Guapie, Guaps, Sir Guaps-a-lot, Fatty Boom-battie, Fatty Booms, Stinky, Big Lump. I think everyone had a nickname for you, because everyone loved El Guapo.

How did he get his name? It’s a story I love to tell.

Our baby Norman really needed a companion and I was determined to find the perfect match. After many disappointing adoption attempts, I thought maybe it wasn’t meant to be. On my way out of the Humane Society something compelled me to check the “adult cat room” on my way out. At the end of a narrow corridor of cages I saw this scrawny, little, crusty, white cat. One of the volunteers told me, “This is Hugo, one of the sweetest cats around.” After snuggling him for a bit and hearing more stories about how well behaved he is with other cats and children, I ask why he’s been left for so long. “Because everyone says he’s too ugly,” is what she told me.

Well F that, I demanded the paperwork immediately. Much to Dave’s surprise I came home with not a kitten, but this boney little guy we blessed with the name El Guapo, the handsome one.

The day we brought you home...

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My matchmaking skills were spot-on. Norman and Guapo became immediate best friends. Well, more than that, really if you saw them. They were brothers, a true bonded pair.

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This was all part of Guapo’s extreme charm. He made you love him.

Even as he ballooned up to some pretty fatty proportions, he had this way of sneaking up into your lap, thrusting his butt into your face and demanding a good long snuggle.

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And your unforgettable toothless "smile."

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And you were an amazing "big brudder," as Lucy called you.

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There is no denying Guapo you were pure love. You loved to be loved, you loved to give love.

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When Norman got sick you were with him until the end. I know that the reunion you two had at the rainbow bridge was a site to be seen. More snuggles and purrs than all the colors in that rainbow could handle.

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We love you so much Pappa. Rest in peace, and please give Norman a kiss for me.

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