If we do meet again, why, we shall smile;
If not, why, then this parting was well made. (Julius Caesar)
This Sunday we had to say goodbye to our dear Barney, the most sweet-natured and dignified of elderly gentlemen cats. I knew our time together might not be very long, but he seemed so alert, so lively, that we had hoped to get a few years at least. Sadly, it was not to be.
He was diagnosed with diabetes in August, and didn’t seem to mind the injections I was giving him twice daily. But then he stopped eating, his fur started getting scraggly, his urinary tract infection just wouldn’t go away. I was taking him to the vet every few days, adjusting his dosage, having him checked out, but towards the end of last week he barely had the energy to do anything other than sit under his favourite bush in the garden. Even Zoe, who has not been his greatest fan, was gentle towards him in his last few days.
It only takes a few seconds to fall in love, they say, and I fell in love with Barney’s sweet expression as soon as I saw it on Twitter. But it takes months and years to get to really know someone – and I wish we’d had that time to get to know each other fully. However, this is what we found out about him during the six months we had together.
He was a Zen master. Every couple of days, Zoe would make a run at him, and he never retaliated, merely lifted his paw on occasion in the gesture of a benign and wise Buddha.
He was a great helper for any cook. He would follow my every move in the kitchen with bright, intelligent eyes, as if asking: ‘What else can I do?’ (He would also search the floor very thoroughly for any fallen pieces of food.)
He didn’t come upstairs at all until the very last week before he got really ill. He had a deep miaow which he learnt to use most expressively when he wanted to be let out or some attention.
He was one of life’s natural philosophers. He loved sitting in the garden, breathing in the fresh air, stretching out in the shade.
He was a gentle giant, tall and thin, with big, manly back legs. He had a loping gait and was extremely agile for his age.
His favourite spots were: just in front of the fridge door or on the back of the sofa when we were all watching TV. Or sleeping on the sofa when we all wanted to sit on it.
He was extremely good at guilting you into giving him extra treats (although we desisted because of his health problems).
He had his favourite human: my younger son, who was 15, just like him.
He was not a lap cat, which made it all the more special when he honoured me with his presence.
He had the most beautiful, profound eyes, a gaze that you could just drown in.
The house is just not the same without his quiet presence.
What a beautiful tribute to a special cat – it brought a tear to my eye. Hugs to you all.
What a beautiful boy and what a lovely tribute. I can tell how much you’ll miss him, but at least you gave him lots of love and happy days…. :’-(
A gorgeous cat and a lovely post x
So sorry to hear this, Marina Sofia! Barney was lucky to have you and your children as his human servants, and I know you gave him a good life. It hurts to say goodbye to a furry family member… Thinking of you…
I’m so sorry Marina. What a gorgeous boy and what a lovely life you gave him just when he needed it most xx
What a lovely tribute to a much loved member of the family.
Oh dear, so sad. But you gave him a lovely life.
What an old beauty he was and what a lovely tribute.
Always enjoyed seeing Barney on my Twitter timeline, obviously a special soul and I’m glad he had such a loving home these last few months.
So sorry your time with Barney was cut short. He was clearly a sweetie.
I am so sorry about Barney. What lovely photos of Barney, especially with your son and stretched out on the couch — he was obviously very happy with you! And fortunate to have you taking such good care of him during his final months.
Pets (and for us that’s mainly cats) fill a big hole in one’s life, and often we’re not totally aware of that space until it’s no longer filled. I can only commiserate, Marina.
A lovely tribute. So sorry you have lost your beautiful boy, I can tell how special he was.
So sorry to hear this Marina x
Oh, love, I am sorry for this loss of a dear little life. And also grateful that Barney’s last days were spent with you and your boys. He could not have been in better company. xxx
Barney was very lucky to have you and your family for the last few months of his life.
I’m so sorry that Barney has passed on. Sending you a hug through the ether. One more furry angel to watch over you . . .
I’m so sorry for you loss, Marina. A beautiful tribute to a much-loved member of the family. Wishing you and the rest of the family all the very best, J Xx
Such a lovely tribute. I’ve got tears in my eyes. And now finally I got confirmation. I had a feeling I’d seen that lovely face before when you posted his first picture. He’d immediately caught my eye on Twitter. Such a special cat. So sad he had to get so ill and went so quickly. I’m so sorry for your son too. Must be hard on him.
Thank you for sharing these lovely pictures.
I’m sorry for your loss. I hope your memories of your time together provide you some comfort.
Such a lovely tribute Marina. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
I recall the loss of my cat when I read this, and feel for you. He had very soulful eyes, and you will always have that memory of him.
I’m so sorry to read about Barney! He looks quite the character and I’m sure you’ll all miss him terribly 😿😿😿
I’m sorry to hear this sad news. He clearly was a sweet cat and will be missed. ((hugs and bises))
Ode to Barney.
What a love post about the sweet cat. You and your sons were lucky to have him and he was lucky to have such a good family during the end stage of his life.
Barney obviously had a wonderful, if short, time with you. I’m so sorry you didn’t have longer together. Such a lovely post, Marina. Big virtual hugs. 😿
I am sorry Marina. You gave him an excellent retirement home. I hope you, the boys and Zoe are adjusting to your loss.
I am so sorry. How wonderful that you were able to share these precious moments with him. A lovely tribute post.