I raise many glasses to my dear friend, Bogart, who succumbed to unknown, unknowable, causes today, February 9, at 1:42 pm. He was, in many ways, a perfect cat: big, strong, gentle, not particularly bright, with a luxurious coat, a lust for petting, and the ability to charm all who walked into his apartment.
It wasn’t supposed to be this way. Three months ago he was in virtually perfect health. Then his sister, of sorts, died: sixteen years old, she was, and it was just her time. But then Bogart did a funny thing. He stopped trying.
Now, Bogart (after the actor) and Eponine (after one of the dead girls in Les Miserables) never seemed to get along. Eponine, a beautiful black shorthair, owned the apartment when her first roommate, a wonderful old Russian Blue-ish cat, Bubba, died a few months after being transplanted from North Carolina. Bogart arrived miraculously a short time later, for all the world a clone of dear Bubba. As a kitten, Bogart always wanted to play; eventually, he outgrew Eponine, and was able to tackle her at will, never to her pleasure. However, sometimes I would catch them resting peacefully near each other — never together, but at least in the same quadrant of the bed.
As Eponine aged, she became more cantankerous, and when Bogart would surprise her or want to play, he usually was met with a sound hissing. He thoroughly dominated her in the apartment, except in the kitchen: both would pad in expectantly in the morning as food bowls were refilled, and invariably Bogart would arrive first, but a nip to the ear later, and Eponine would be first to eat, Bogart waiting patiently.
The past year, Eponine, already getting thinner and less able to move about at will, started her decline, resting almost the entire day, though she retained her voracious appetite. Over Thanksgiving she succumbed to old age. Bogart never understood why she had to go; hell, I never understood.
But it was his cue. Despondent over the loss of his sister, his best friend, maybe not his role model, but certainly a wonderful, sweet old kitty who’d been there his whole life, Bogart stopped eating. He stopped caring. The far-too-quick decline happened and there was nothing I, Bogart, or the veterinarian could do, above and beyond all the measures we attempted. And for a while it seemed he’d pull out of it, as we fed the poor boy through a tube inserted in his neck, as we fed him appetite stimulants, as we lovingly bandaged the hole where his tube exited and petted him and checked his never-improving weight.
After a several weeks of tube-feeding, we removed the tube; he was either going to start eating on his own, or he was going to refuse for whatever reason. He chose the latter. I am only grateful that I did what I could to try to save him. That I kept trying and could not give up even when he wanted to. That in the end, when he decided his fate, rather than wait for a final home visit from his veterinarian, I recognized that, and could make sure he was surrounded by those who loved him as he breathed his last.
I’ve cried a lot today, and much of that is tears of joy, remembering the wonderful cat that graced my life for over thirteen years. I was lucky to have him.
Lkpnyc says
I am so sorry. I lost Mittens the Great just before his 17th birthday, and I still miss him almost 10 years later. It’s always too soon, but it seems especially so for Bogart. I’m so, so sorry.
CheeeeEEEEse says
:'(
I’m so sorry Dave. Despite meeting him only once, I absolutely will say with 100% certainty he was an awesome kitty.
Very nice memorial.
Goats says
RIP Bogart. And hang in there BEERBOOR. Thoughts with ya….
Hungry says
I’m so sorry to hear about your cats. I’m sure they knew you loved them dearly and led happy lives. I’m glad to have met both of them.
kcijones001 says
ughhhhhh, im hysterical. Sitting at my desk with tears streaming down my face…
TT says
you have my sincerest condolences. it is always hard to lose a pet, let alone two in such a short time period.
BlindBakerNYC says
This made me cry. Bogart was truly a sweet, lovely kitty and I know he knew how much you loved him. I’m so sorry for your loss. ((Beer Boor))
ACB says
I am SO sorry for your loss. Our furry friends are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole. Much love –
Margary says
Dave, it is very touching to remember one of your own with such sweet memories. Both cats were extremely lucky to have shared their life with you.
Chris H says
My condolences Dave. Both Bogart and Eponine were awesome little kitties. I was really moved by the eulogy as well – next beer is on me.
T.C. says
Sorry for the loss of your cats, Boor. My sincere condolences. Truly sad. I hope your Eponine and Bogart are at a better place/in your heart forever.
Jen says
I read you guys everyday (out here in San Diego) and I always heart all the reviews and info on food and New York life but have never commented. However, today I want to send my heartfelt condolences. I have an amazing cat, and have lost amazing cats and other pets. Worst feeling in the world. They look like well loved kitties. Also, I know from reading all of the authors here that you would give any pet your full hearts. I too, cried at my desk.
BeerBoor says
Thank you for the heartfelt thoughts, Jen, and thank you everyone for the kind words. Bogart touched a lot of lives, and I’m glad his memory will live on with so many.
John Wozniak says
BeerBoor, I am so sorry for your loss of a good friend/s.
One unfortunate thing about life is that the longer you live it, the more passing you witness (and it often comes in clusters :(. Seems you did what I believe to be the most important thing — to give your beloved (Bogart in this caser) as much grace as is possible in their end days. It is a loss and it is important to reflect on it.
Hang in there and give yourself some time to digest it all.
janieishme says
I’m bawling at my computer. I know this is an old post, but I lost my sweet Genie a few years ago and these holes never truly heal. He was a dearly loved kitty and had a wonderful life. My heart is with you in full.