03 Apr Chump Change 2009-2020

Chump strolled into our lives in a parking lot in downtown Brattleboro one day late in fall. A kitten who had obviously been on the streets for some time, he was nonetheless affectionate and playful. We brought him to the Windham County Humane Society so that if his owners were looking for him they could find him, and he was never claimed. While there they cleaned him up, took care of his vaccines, neutered him and treated him well. Three weeks later we got the call “Do you want to take Forrest home with you?” We did. But his name wasn’t Forrest to us. 

In that chilly parking lot my son had immediately named him Chump Change due to his small stature at the time, but he quickly outgrew the name. Sporting a stylish grey tuxedo and long limbs (that became longer as he grew) he quickly made himself at home in our apartment and in our hearts. 

Chump came into our lives just as another of our beloved cats left and he filled the void in our hearts and home with love and goofiness. Always relaxed and laid back, he loved to snuggle on the couch or in bed, and was welcoming of all guests. Tall enough to stand on his hind legs and just able to reach the countertop, he was able to “help out” whenever we cooked or cleaned up in the kitchen.

He left us very suddenly, and his loss was felt deeply by his cat-friend Indy, as well as his human family. We miss him every day, but the memories of his kind nature, his warm purr, and his generous nature will never leave us. 

Eileen Glover

Chump (left) with Indy