BEA'S BOOK NOOK "I can't imagine a man really enjoying a book and reading it only once." C. S. Lewis “If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all.” ― Oscar Wilde

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Cat Thursday: Goodbye Goof, Rest In Peace


 Welcome to the weekly meme hosted by The True Book Addict that celebrates cats; their foibles and humorousness and the joy they bring. You can join in by posting a favorite LOL cat pic you made or came across, cat art or share with us pics of your own felines, then post your link up at The True Book Addict.

My sweet boy Goof died earlier this week. He'd been sick for several weeks, going up and down. Over the weekend he went downhill and died during the day on Monday.


Goof came to live with me 10 years ago this past August. His owners, a long-time couple, split up, moved out of their house, and left behind all of their cats, about a dozen. A mutual friend caught some of them and took all but two to a shelter. She took the two to her house but one, Goof, couldn't adjust to living with 2 dogs and a toddler. I was between pets so he came to live with me. When he first came, he was a wreck; too many changes in too short a time. He literally wouldn't eat if I wasn't home. Moreover, it wasn't enough that I be home; I had to stand right next to him. If I moved away, even a few feet, he'd stop eating and come herd me back to his food dish. After a couple of years, he gradually started eating without me so close until he could eat no matter where I was or whether I was home. He also, at first, was my second shadow; I couldn't move a step without him being rightthere. As with eating, that faded with time as he felt secure.

Goof loved bread, he was a carbaholic.I learned to put away my loaf of bread as soon as I got home from shopping or he'd claw open the bag and start eating. He even would break into bags of pretzels and chips if I left them where he could reach them.

I live in an apartment style condo that has no direct access to the outside. Goof would sit in the windows, until his arthritis got too bad, and look out. The first time he escaped the condo, he got a few steps outside the door and found himself in the building hallway. He looked so confused. I could practically see him thinking, "Wait, where are the trees? The cars? I see them when I look out the window, where are they?" He stopped right outside my door so all I had to do was pick him up and carry him back inside.

Goof  was my canary cat, my early warning system for when I was getting sick. Whether it was a cold, stomach bug, pneumonia, or impending asthma flare up, he always knew when I was getting sick. He'd stick to me like glue and wouldn't leave me until I started feeling better. I used to joke that I was going to call work and say I couldn't come in because my cat said I was getting sick. They didn't appreciate that. :D

Goof was a sweet boy, very affectionate, who gave me lots of love over the years. I hope he knew how loved he was.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

11 comments:

  1. Going to miss Canary Cat Nephew. Hugs!

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  2. Such a beauty - heart and soul. Sorry for your loss.

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  3. So sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is very hard.

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  4. He was a beautiful boy, and much the reader, too, from the looks. :)
    Sorry for your loss, but I'm sure if there's a heaven it's where beloved pets go.

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  5. I am so sorry to hear about Goof's passing. I am sure that he knew how much you loved him.

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  6. I'm so very sorry for your loss.

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  7. I'm so very sorry to hear about Goof. I know how much you will miss him. Hugs

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  8. I'm sorry to hear about Goof, Bea. What a wonderful cat. And thank you for sharing some of your memories. All my sympathy and best wishes.

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  9. I'm so sorry about Goof. I haven't yet experienced losing a pet, but I know it's going to be the worst. Sending many hugs your way. I'm glad you were able to give him such a good home! I'm sure he knew how loved he was!

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  10. I'm so sorry to hear about Goof...He definitely knew how much he was loved and it's obvious how much he loved you.

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  11. What a beautiful tribute to your friend Goof. My condolences--I have loved and lost many a pet myself. You were both lucky to have each other. <3

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