Spook
My lovely Spook moved to Florida a few hours ago.
He was part of three litters I saved, back-to-back, in 2008 (I think). 14 kittens, total.
Spook was, above all, an enormously gentle soul. Never aggressive to me, my friends, or all the other kitties. He was also gorgeous. Regal, too, and…no doubt…part lion. He was like the Cary Grant of cats.
Most nights I would venture out to the fenced cat yard several times, stand by the big worktable, and call out: Spoooooook! Spoooooook! Spoooooook!
With alacrity, he would come from nowhere, hop up to the table, lean against me, and rub his head on my arm. This, of course, demanded pet pets from me, and his purrmeter would rev right up.
This nightly call…Spoooooook! Spoooooook! Spoooooook!…also alerted all the other cats that pet pets were now available, and the table would quickly be awash with fur and tails and purrs.
As the years passed, the table became ever-more emptied and now there is only about a 1/4 of what was a decade ago. But as long as there are fur and tails and purrs I will continue calling out: Spoooooook! Spoooooook! Spoooooook!
Spook has been ailing for some time, as you can see in the image, but I’m confident the sun and sand will do wonders for him.
From last month.
Young Spook. His most endearing quality was laughing at my jokes.
Very young Spook. With friends.
I’ll miss him.
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I’m so sorry. The hardest part of loving a pet is when they leave us.
<3
I’m sorry Ross, it’s so hard to lose a pet. Each one is so special. He’ll enjoy Florida.
Spook is undoubtedly luxuriating in the Florida sunshine!
Dearest Ross you are such a gentle soul and so kind to others—human or feline.
You will have a special place in the afterlife and our Creator will reward you for your good deeds and kindness in this life:-)
I believe in God and Heaven and angels—but I don’t thing you share those beliefs any longer. I wanted to be respectful of your beliefs:-)
I pray for peace and health for you! I also pray for solace as Spook and things like this are hard for you. Be blessed.
A cat is an anchor and a balloon, a constant and a variable, a paperweight and an avalanche, a god and a devil. It is hard to endure the loss of so many vital things all at once.
My lovely wife suggested that Spook was the Maurice Chevalier of cats. In any case, Florida is all the better for his arrival there.
Bless his little heart.
Mustachioed Spook will be dearly remembered.
My condolences for your loss. Spook has left a legacy. While he has traveled on to sunnier and warmer climes, he has left a call for pets to his fellow felines. When you call Spoooooook and those remaining answer the clarion call and line up for some affection, you will not only attend to them but also remember your beloved Spook, as you remember all of your precious kitties.
You have given them refuge, sustenance, affection, safety and peace. They have given you the same in return.
To paraphrase: “It came to me that every time I lose a cat they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new cat who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough all the components of my heart will be cat, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.”
I’m so sorry – sending a hug. 🙂
It is typically harder to lose an animal friend than a human as an animal’s love is truly unconditional. I wish you peace and comfort at this sad time, and hope that soon another cat (or cats) in need will benefit from your generous love and care.
Many virtual hugs. <3
I just saw this. Sending you hugs.