I cannot believe that you are gone. When I wake in the morning, I open my eyes and expect to see you there. I still say “Gizmo, bedtime” and expect to have you snuggle up next to me and have our little kitty talk before we go to sleep as we have done each night for the past eleven years. I am so lonely without my little snuggy-buggy.
You came into my life eleven years ago when your first Mom was looking for a good home for you. She really did love you so much but was misguided in her decisions. First, she had you declawed- all four paws!! After she got married, her mother-in-law moved in and could not live in a house with a cat due to her health. She had to find a new home for you. You don’t have to guess who I would have gotten rid of and it’s not you!! She loved you dearly but if she had not given you up, I would have never met my little snuggy-buggy. When your first Mom brought you to me that night, it was love at first sight. You were so frightened and so sad. First couple weeks were rough for us. You had gone from being an only child to now living with a new mom, 2 dobermans, a cockapoo and 15 other cats. Eventually, all was well between you and your new family.
You were a very special baby – one of those kitties that you want to and need to protect. I was your Protector, rescuing you from the mishaps you managed to get into. You were always such an enthusiastic and happy boy. I swear I could actually see you smile. You had one vivid blue eye and the other was green. You were small for a male cat – 9 pounds at your highest weight. Your little legs were so short that you would bounce across the floor when you ran. You were so cute!! Despite lack of claws, you were a scrappy cat, often initiating encounters with the other boys, some that were 2.5 times your weight as well as size.
You had a wanderlust tendency, always wanting to explore what was on the other side of that six-foot fence. You became a whiz at darting out the door. Usually I caught you but you did escape several times. It’s a wonder I didn’t get shot as I tracked you down by flashlight in the neighbor’s yards and shrubs in the middle of the night. Even after you went blind, you still scaled that fence when I wasn’t watching closely. Your excursions by then were to the front door where you sat patiently and waited for me. Every time I rescued you, you would puff up and hiss, protesting my capture. I really think it became a game to you. How you loved to go out in the back yard and spent as much time there as I would allow. After you lost his sense of smell, you didn’t want to go out anymore. When I saw that you were not going to get better, I took you out Sunday and sat in the grass with you. I somehow knew that was going to be your last time in the yard you so loved. Every time I go out I picture you sitting out there reigning over your kingdom.
You had been blind for the last four years. That never impeded your sense of adventure or jest for life. In no time you were zipping around the house and outside in the same manner as before. If you got lost, you just screeched until I found you. You definitely knew the way to the food! You loved to eat and let me know if you didn’t get your favorites. You could always con me to give you what you wanted. You had me well trained!!
One of the saddest days of my life was last July when I learned you had a brain mass. There was nothing I do except try to slow down its progression. You lost your smell and taste senses and would not eat. How great you did with the feeding tube and later the syringe feedings! If you were hungry or I was late with chow, you came looking for me yelling for your food. Nothing changed for you. You were still that happy, adventuresome kitty until the last three days.
You were my snuggy-buggy, every night snuggled tightly in my arm with only your head peeking out from under the blanket. I’m going to miss that. It was our special time in a house filled with other cats. Before you went to sleep you would always talk to me. You never meowed, but had quite a repertoire of sounds.
You were so brave and fought a valiant battle to stay with me for the last six months. I cherish each day that I was able to be with you. You took a piece of my heart and soul with you.
I miss my precious baby so much.
Lil’One and the other kitties miss you.
You have now earned your wings and joined the angel brigade with my Boo Boo and all my other precious angels. You are able to see again!! Go play with the other angel kitties in gigantic meadows of catnip. Wait patiently and one day you will look up and see me there beside you. Until that day, remember that I will always love you so very much and will always remember my sweet snuggy-buggy.