Sunday, April 25, 2010

I Lost One of the Best Parts of My Life this Week. She was the Sweetest Girl Ever...

One of the great loves of my life, my cat Boozie, died this week. It was so totally unexpected, I still can't believe it happened. I don't even know how it happened. I was out of town and my husband called me. He was crying so hard, I couldn't even understand what he was saying. We had two cats: Boozie and her daughter Sweetie. My husband arrived home from work late. He dashed in the house, put something inside and ran right back out to go to church. As he approached the house on his way back home, he noticed Sweetie acting strangely, standing by the gate. He got out and saw Boozie lying outside the gate, a little off from the house. I asked if she had gotten hit by a car, but he said it didn't appear so. There was no blood or any sign of trauma that he could see.

A little crowd had gathered and someone had laid two sticks across Boozie in the form of a cross. A neighbor said she hadn't noticed anything unusual happening. My husband put Sweetie in the house and buried Boozie in the backyard under a little shelter. He said he didn't want her to get wet. *tears*.

Boozie and I went through a lot together. In 2006, coincidentally, we both became deathly ill and almost died during the same time period, she with lymphoma and me with a virulent strain of bacteria that is associated with meningitis. I couldn't walk or barely move and Boozie was receiving chemo and had a feeding tube . We both lay in bed together, weak and wondering what was to become of us. But God is good and we both pulled through. I still have residual nerve damage and Boozie had to take her pills daily, but we were there for each other and moving forward. My doctor and her vet both said we were lucky to still be alive. I prefer to say we were both blessed.

I was truly surprised at how many people on my job cried when they found out. They've never met her in person, but they certainly know of her. Her picture is posted in my office and everyone knows of her adventures as a squirrel hunter, her love of rotisserie chicken and honey roasted turkey; how she knocks at the door when she wants to come in and her simple love and pleasure of just being near me as she rested and slept. My husband called her my shadow. She followed me everywhere.

Now Sweetie has lost her mother and I've lost a loving and loyal companion. We had Boozie for 12 years. Her first family moved and left her behind, then her next owner died. She had no home when we moved on the block and she made her way over to us. She finally found the love and care she so richly deserved. Life will be a little emptier now. This is a final tribute to her. We love you Boozie. You'll forever be in our hearts. Goodbye...

33 comments:

  1. *hugs*

    It's horrible to lose a pet!

    You have my sympathies, thoughts and hugs

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you Emily. I so appreciate hearing from you. *crying so hard I can barely type*

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh, I'm so sorry, June. Pets are not just animals; they are family members.

    Thinking of you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks Sheri. Those words are so true. She wasn't just a cat, she was like my daughter.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my kitty that I had for 10 years, who was by my side through thick and thin.

    They are precious creatures. :(

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks Michelle. You know of which I speak.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am sorry you lost a part of your family. I know how much my pets mean to me, so I feel your pain.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Your words mean a lot to me Elizabeth. Thanks for stopping in.

    ReplyDelete
  9. So sorry to hear this. The loss of a beloved pet is so hard. *hugs* Thanks for sharing this though. What an awesome way to pay tribute.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks so much for your kind words Megan. It took me a few days to pull myself together to post this. I just wanted people to know she meant something. She really did.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am so sorry to read about this loss June, family pets are family members and it sounds like the close bond you had with this little tabby was very special and you and your husband were the perfect pet parents who gave her all the love and care she deserved. My heart goes out to you because know just how this loss feels as have had my most beloved little Toy Fox Terrier lost to me now for 13 years and it still tears me apart because he is gone!!! My thoughts, my prayers and my tears of sadness over your very sudden and unexpected loss are all sent your way. Take care!!


    jackie b central texas

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks so much Jackie. I know you of all people, know exactly how I feel.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm so sorry. I know how it feels to lose a cat. But just think of all the happy years you had together, and how blessed you were to have her as a companion!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh I do Kelsey. That's what gives me peace. I did all I was able to do for her and she couldn't have been any more loved! Thanks for your support.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am very sorry and understand your loss-my family last year lost our 17 year old Siamese Yoda-we are still blessed to have his 18 year old brother with us-

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks Mel. Wow 17 and 18 years old. I hope Boozie's daughter Sweetie will be with us for at least that long. Thanks for dropping in. I appreciate it.

    ReplyDelete
  17. So sorry to hear about your baby. I have six cats and love them all to pieces. I really feel your pain. Hang in there, my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Well, the tears in my eyes now are making this hard to type. I am really sorry for your loss. My boyfriend recently lost his German Sheppard. He came home from work and she has passed. She was elderly though. But still, he was sobbing so hard when he called me he could hardly talk. It hurts no matter what age they are.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Thanks Debra. She really was my baby. With six cats, I know you understand how I feel. Your empathy truly helps. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thanks Couponmom for sharing your story *crying again* It's a sad part of life, but it's good to know we are not alone in the journey. Thanks for your thoughts and best regards to you and your boyfriend.

    ReplyDelete
  21. So sorry about the loss of your beloved cat. I know how hard it is to go through what you're going through-my thoughts are with you and your family!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thank you Tara. Your words of support mean so much to me. I just want everyone to know how special my girl was.

    ReplyDelete
  23. June, I am so saddened to hear this and I am so so sorry!!! My cats mean the world to me so I know how you must be hurting. They are the best friends and companions anyone can have. She was lucky to have you, and you to have her. I would give you a great big hug if I could. Please know I am thinking of you. If you want to talk about her or share stories or memories, or talk about anything at all, please e-mail me!

    stephaniet117 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Oh Stephanie, your words and offer of support mean the world to me. Words are not enough to express my gratitude. *crying hard right now*

    ReplyDelete
  25. I’m so very sorry. We just recently found out our 13 year old orange tabby has heart issues. My family loves him so much that it kills me to think about when that day will come. They really do become like part of the family. Big ((HUGS)) for you, your hubby, and Sweetie.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thank you Mama. Your words of kindness really help.

    ReplyDelete
  27. June...I am so sorry...she sounded wonderful...and it is so hard to go through this kind of grief...take care and I will think of you...

    ReplyDelete
  28. June...when you are ready...click on this link and read this...it always gives me a bit of comfort.

    http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thanks Patty. I will go and check that out. It's so hard right now...harder than I would have imagined it to be...

    ReplyDelete
  30. So sorry to hear about Boozie, it's always so hard when a beloved pet dies :(

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thank you Kelly. So many words of encouragement and sweet words about Boozie brings a measure of peace and joy to my heart. Thanks for taking the time to comment!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I am so sorry for your loss. I can imagine how much she meant to you. It's always tragic when a fur baby passes on and even more so when we're unsure of the cause. I'm glad you were able to give her the love she needed and I'm glad she was able to give you companionship. May she rest in paradise.

    ReplyDelete
  33. It's so sweet of you Marie to stop by and offer such genuine words of encouragement. My husband and I talk about her everyday. Thanks so much for your support.

    ReplyDelete

I enjoy reading what you have to say. Seriously!