Saturday, June 4, 2011

Farewell, Mr. Handsome


Ten years ago my daughter struggled with picking out a name for our new grey kitten. She couldn’t decide between Sparky and Pickles. So our poor little new family member got stuck with Spickles. I maintain his name was actually Edward, because he deserved something with more dignity. But I mostly called him Mr. Handsome or My Sweet Boy, because he was both of those things.

He was an indoor cat, we live on a busy, busy road. But he and our other cat were always angling to get out. He shot out the back door like a rocket yesterday, as he has done before, never venturing farther than the yard. But this time he didn’t come home. My neighbor called me this morning. Mr. Spickles was lying in front of his house. He apparently had been hit by a car.

My heart is aching. He was gentle and affectionate and would climb on me and cling like a baby if he wanted some cuddling. If you rolled up a piece of crackly paper he would gleefully bat it all over the place. He loved to play with our Corgi (read about her here), they would chase each other back and forth through the length of the house. It added a zoo-like atmosphere at times, but was hilarious to watch. By the time Bella the Maniac Shih Tzu came along I think he just wasn’t up to her shenanigans. Or maybe he simply missed his old friend. At any rate, he definitely was slowing down.

I am so grateful to my neighbor and his friends. So kind and compassionate, they gently placed him in a box for me and carried him back to the house. If they hadn’t called, I don’t know when I would have found him. Their thoughtfulness eased the blow a little.

We will bury him behind the garage, next to Corrie, his racing cohort. Goodbye, Mr. Handsome, my sweet boy. Thank you for ten years of unconditional love.


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8 comments:

brokenteepee said...

Ah Marie. I am so very sorry.
It is so hard to lose them.
Goat hugs.

Bibliotekaren said...

So sorry to hear about the loss of your furry pal. They're so important especially when the outside world becomes smaller for us.

Am glad you had ten good years together.

Donna

Jane Turley said...

Oh Marie, I am so very,very sorry that your have lost your pussy - especially in this deadful way. If you don't get a new pussy soon, rest assured one will seek you out - a cat always knows where there is a good home:) Chin up, my friend. X

Webster said...

Marie, I'm sorry for your loss of Your Sweet Boy after such a long time together. We can't always protect our little fur-babies from the dangers in the world - and little kitties do like to get into mischief. He just ran out of lives, I guess.

It's very good that your neighbors found him and returned him to you -- I have had friends who have had a cat go missing, and not knowing is the worst. May "Sprickles" rest in peace in your pet cemetery behind the garage.

Another cat will find its way into your heart one day - if you're open to that.

Muffie said...

Marie, I'm so sorry. Our furbabies become so much a part of our lives that their leavetaking makes our heart ache. Wishing you comfort.
Peace,
Muff

Junk Drawer Kathy said...

Oh, Marie. I'm so sick to read this. I'm so sorry. I can't imagine your pain. Hugs from afar.

Lee-Anne said...

I'm so sorry; from your post it was clear Mr Handsome (Sprickles) was a cherished member of your family. RIP and I'm sure he'll be watching you from puss heaven.

Marie said...

Thank you so much, my dear friends, for your comforting words. I hope you all know how much you mean to me. Your sympathy is truly healing.

These creatures get into our hearts and it really is hard to lose them. While it was heartbreaking to find him, Webster you are so right, not knowing is harder.

Thank you all again for your faithful friendship. xoxo