Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Bye Buddy



There he is or was, Sir Rocky in his favourite spot on our bed — my side of course. His malformed paw is prominent. Once upon a time I had thought that the pain in that paw would become so bad that life for him would be problematic beyond ten years. But it never happened. He fooled us; despite much limping about, he never seemed to worry at it. Always seemed content with his lot.

After he came to stay with us when he was about five years old, he kept his distance from me for about a half year. He wasn't cowering or hightailing it, but he wasn't particularly friendly either. One fine summer day in the garden, that all changed, and I seemed to become his favourite human. In turn, he became my favourite cat — ever!







In eleven years together, we had a lot of good lap talks, The Rocks and I. In these last few years, in deference to his age, I frequently told him what a good cat he had been. He always seemed to agree.



But he had become sick this past month or more, throwing up almost every day, sometimes more than once. It was time to speak our last words.

He will be missed. Missed: helping me read and do puzzles. Missed: purring on my lap. Missed: helping with my computer tasks. Missed: his insistent pleas for his morning tuna — human tuna, if you please, Sir. Missed: his frequent calls for cat milk. Missed: his pesterings for human snacks — chips, cheesies, toast, and even bran muffins if you please.

He loved a good rump rub. After he had passed quietly this morning, the vet turned him on his side and left us alone for to say my final words. His eyes were open, and he looked as though he were positioned for another rump rub. He loved those rump rubs, but through my tears I was unable to comply.



His passing was pretty easy for him, but it was hard for me. So very hard. My final words weren't much more than sobs.

Bye Buddy. Thanks for listening through those eleven years. Right now, I wish we could have at least one more quiet talk. You and I.

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh A/C I am so sorry to hear that. He was beautiful. The picture of the two of you facing each other is my favorite. I am sure the little ones will miss him too.
QMM

Ruth said...

So sad for you... losing a pet is heartbreaking. Their affection is unconditional.

JunieRose2005 said...

OH,AC!

You've got me crying-and I didn't need another reason to cry!

I'm sorry... but the pictures are precious. I'm happy you had Rocky in your life!

Junie

Judy said...

I am soooo sorry.

Anonymous said...

So sorry.

Unknown said...

So very sorry, AC. Having said goodbye to Moca in a similar way 2 weeks ago, the pain of seeing a pet die is still very fresh. I keep expecting to spot her as I round the corners where her favorite sitting spots were.

Your photos of you and Rocky are wonderful.

Murr Brewster said...

Yup. (Sound of heartstrings ripping.)

Mara said...

How sad to read this and I am sorry for you.

Gina said...

AC, a sad day to be sure. I am so sorry.

Diana said...

Oh AC it is so hard losing a beloved pet. I have lost many, my favorite cat just a few years back and I still often think and miss her. They love us so unconditionally. I am so sorry for your loss. Love Di ♥

Mary said...

I'm so sorry, Juncle.

Make sure you and Sauntie give each other lots of hugs.

Thinking about you.

Donna said...

I'm with the rest of them...hard to type this while bawling...
Giving you a (((HUG)))) sweetheart...that's the HARDEST thing to do....
love to you and Cuppa.....

Garnetrose said...

I am so sorry. He looks just like our Phoebe. I have on now that is is 13 and each day I hope she is around the next day. I really do feel saddened by your loss. Some I have lost years ago, are ones I still think of. Not much else to say at this time. God bless you and your wife a this time.

Tossing Pebbles in the Stream said...

I hope someone cares as much when it is my time to be put down. I doubt it but it is a nice thought.

I hope you soon get over grieving and remember your feline companion fondly and enjoy sharing stories of him with family and friends.

Lorna said...

Beautifully done

Doris said...

I'm so sorry to hear this news. But be assured that you have given him the best we, as humans, can offer: a good life with lots of love and when the time was right, a good death.
And this is a lovely memorial for him. The pictures are wonderful because they depict your relationship.
I am so sorry for the pain you and Cuppa are going through. We love these animals so much. Even through our tears, in our hearts we cherish how they have enriched our lives.

MARY G said...

Been there - got the tearstains. You've written a fine memorial, however, and one that I am sure he would have enjoyed.
Sending virtual hugs, accompanied by some stray cat hair.

Bernie said...

A/C I just couldn't leave a comment yesterday, I felt so bad for you and cuppa.
I just want you to know I am thinking of you both, pets are family aren't they....:-) Hugs

karla said...

Oh AC, the tears have welled. Thinking of you, Cuppa, the family and dear old Rocky.

Anonymous said...

Oh A/C... I am so very sorry to read of Rocky and your loss. I hope you don't mind that I leave you this quote. It once gave me comfort during a similar time.

"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own, live within a fragile circle; easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps,we would still live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan."
— Irving Townsend

Anvilcloud said...

Thanks everybody. Great quote, Coll.