Jane’s Last Day

April 12th, 2023

iPhone 15 Pro Camera

I took this photo on the day before my dear baby Mary Jane Vandeginste’s passing. No edits were made as none were needed; Jane was a perfect being. Born in Arizona in 2014, she was the oldest kitten the shelter had, at five months old. I was told she had been found alone on the street, riddled with fleas and matted fur, and that she was still taking some time to adjust. She didn’t really play or interact with the other kittens, and didn’t come right away when I called her by her dead name (which was Flutter) but eventually with enough catnip and coaxing convinced her I could be trusted. After making sure with the staff that I was allowed to pick her up, I gently took her into my arms to see if she would accept me. She went right for my dangling earring, lightly scratching my neck, but forgivable since it was the first time she initiated play. I don’t know what it was about that action, but I knew immediately then that she would be coming home with me.

She was there for me through my first marriage, then divorce. For our move from Phoenix to New York City, and all our moves in between once we arrived. She was there for me during the pandemic, when we spent days in isolation together in my tiny studio in Union Square. There to comfort me when my mom died, two months after the pandemic was declared. There for me when we ran away together to San Diego, to escape the pain and in search of the sun. And she was there for me when we eventually moved back to New York City.

Talking about her death is so difficult because of how premature it was. In her case, curiosity really did kill the cat, as she died by accident. At least it happened quickly, and she didn’t have to suffer too long. Although in some ways there was no chance I could have prevented her from passing, simply because I wasn’t aware at the time of the threat that was present, I often still feel guilty as she was mine to take care of, my responsibility. I take small comfort from the fact that I gave her the best life I could while she was still here.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from minting this NFT will go to the NYC Cat Coalition, a no-kill shelter focused on rescuing and rehoming cats in New York City. Every subsequent sale will be split 50-50 with the seller and the foundation. You must be 18 years or older (or whichever is the legal age in your area) and possess a valid credit card tied to your name, or if purchasing with crypto you automatically attest that you are of legal majority age within your jurisdiction to be making such a transaction.