Bob

Over seven years ago in a different life , a tiny kitten was left in a box , at the vets office. He was dirty , cold and broken . But Dr. Donna worked her magic and he survived and thrived. He was neutered and adopted out to a good family who promptly brought him back without giving a reason. We thought it odd because Bob was such a friendly little guy that everyone he met liked him at once. He went out again and came back again. He had no teeth left from his abuse and his back end was out of whack but he was a lover so I didn`t understand any of that.
I have a soft spot for orange male cats and asked if I could adopt him for my dog Ozzie. Dr. Donna said `Take him home and love him`. I did. So did Oz , Maggie, Tobey, Jack and my other male kitty Pekoe.
I did my best to keep Bob inside where he would be safe from the country creatures but he still got out on occasion and wandered over to see Oz when he was in the yard. Bob would help take out the garbage and meet visitors at their vehicles to say hi. He trusted the whole world , including dogs and other cats. And that turned out to be a bad thing.
Last Monday, Bob went out when the dogs did at six a.m. like always, but he never came back in.
The one foster dog I have here seemed to think Bob was fair game once he was outside.
I guess I can be thankful that dog broke his neck but I`m not. I couldn`t do anything but crate the dogs and take Bob to the vet for cremation. I think it took me quite some time to get out the door with him as I remember crying hard enough to make me sick. I kept telling myself that it was my fault because I had taught Bob to trust all dogs.
Well, the vet called Christmas Eve day to say that Bob was back . I picked up his remains and placed them on the mantle so he could share Christmas with me one more time. He`s still there in his little cedar box . Then again , he really isn`t. I have to believe that I will see him again . I have to believe that he is waiting for me at The Bridge with Maggie Dog, Pekoe, Kane and his dog Oz, who died last spring of a heart attack. When I have the courage, I`ll place his remains inside the china cabinet with the others to be buried with me when its my time.
I have no anger in me about Bob`s death. I do have an empty spot , a hole, a dark place and it will remain there until I`m finished grieving for my orange friend. Don`t know how long that will be .
Keep your fur friends safe . At least give it your best shot.

later