A PURR-FECT STRANGER WIDOW'S DIABETIC CAT HAS BENEFACTOR.

Byline: Amy Raisin Darvish Staff Writer

CANYON COUNTRY - A widow for nearly 30 years, Norma Laskoske doesn't leave her apartment too often and relies on the company of her tabby cat, Missy, to keep from getting too lonely.

But when Laskoske took a thin and unwell Missy for a checkup recently and was told her kitty had diabetes, the 80-year-old fretted over how she would pay for the cat's daily medical needs, including insulin and syringes.

``I didn't have any money to pay for her medication,'' Laskoske said. ``I'm a widow, I'm alone. I didn't want to have to put her to sleep. She's a lot of company and she's the best cat I ever had. She's just so affectionate.''

Desperate for help, Laskoske placed a free ad in the local classifieds, writing the words as if it was Missy addressing the readers: ``I am Missy, an 8-year-old kitty, my owner has really spoiled me cause I am so loveable. But we have a problem. I am diabetic, my owner can't afford my insulin. Can somebody help us?''

Laskoske said she didn't really expect anyone to call, but was surprised when a local woman called and asked to meet with her and Missy.

The woman, who asked not to be named, is a Canyon Country resident in her 40s, a self-described animal lover. She visited Laskoske and brought a case of cat food and money for Missy's insulin, syringes and blood tests.

Laskoske, a great-grandmother, was surprised, grateful and extremely touched.

``I just didn't know there were people like that out there,'' she said Saturday in her small apartment, decorated with little ceramic pumpkins and toy scarecrows for Halloween. ``I had a cat before but I had to put her down. I waited a while before I got another cat because it took me some time to get over (losing) Nips.''

The woman who came to Missy's aid - and who insisted that Laskoske accept some money each month to keep Missy current on her twice-a-day insulin shots - said she lost a beloved cat to coyotes about five months ago and didn't want someone else to have to go through the same heartache.

``I saw that ad and it just jumped out at me,'' the woman said. ``I thought it was important to do this and not just think about myself. I'm really only (talking about) this because maybe it will get other people to do something for someone who needs a little help.''

Laskoske talks to Missy and showers her with lots of love. The cat sleeps on her owner's bed and, like clockwork, wakes Laskoske every morning at about 4 a.m. with purrs and licks.

``I get a bath about twice a day,'' Laskoske said of the kitty licks. ``It would be too lonely around her without her. She's just such a nice kitty. Very loving.''

Amy Raisin Darvish, [phone]

amy.raisin(at)dailynews.com

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Norma Laskoske, 80, of Canyon Country is thankful that a stranger came forward to pay her cat Missy's vet bills.

Joel P. Lugavere/Special to the Daily News