*******MOVED TO "DEATH AND DYING" FOR BETTER READERSHIP AND REPLIES********

Three years ago next week a stray cat showed up in my backyard. For two days he was under the shed. I would go out and talk to him and then when he didn't leave I started taking a little food and water out to him. With 3 cats already there was just no way I could take in another. The third day I came home from work and he was at my back door. When I opened the door he walked in as if he had always lived in this house. He immediately found a soft place and fell asleep. I named him Boo because he came just before Halloween and was a black and white tuxedo. I have always given my pets human names but figured he wouldn't be around long so he was just Boo.

A month later my very troubled marriage ended in a sudden and traumatic way. The very first night I had to sleep alone Boo decided that his place was by my side and slept with me every night - always right beside me, sometimes even with his head on my pillow! He would be in the same place all night every night and in the morning I would wake and spend a few minutes petting him awake and loving him.

Within 6 months I lost my job and went through 6 months of unbearable unemployment. The hours I spent at the computer at my job search were spent with Boo on my lap and sometimes on my keyboard.

This very special creature was more than a cat. He would let me pick him up and hug him without trying to get away. I could talk to him and he would maintain eye contact and answer me with meows at the end of my sentences. When I got it out of my system he would put his head on my lap and fall asleep.

I love my cats (four now) so much and often say that I want to come back as a cat owned by me. But Boo was somehow so much more. I knew so soon after he chose me that he was my animal soul mate and every day I told him how much I loved him and how lucky I was that he came into my life. I think he understood. I know he did.

In July I ruptured both Achilles tendons and had surgery and was in a wheelchair on short term disability for 7 weeks. Boo was thrilled as it meant he could get on my lap and I wouldn't have to get up. I would roll around the house all day and he would just stay there going room to room with me. My mother had to come to town to take care of me and kept telling me that all the cats were special but Boo was my very best cat and there was just something different about him.

A couple of weeks ago Boo (very smart boy) learned how to unlatch the back screen door. This was such a new trick that I wasn't used to it. Wednesday was a warm day here in GA and when I got home from work I latched the screen door and left the main door open. Within 20 minutes I heard the door unlatch but by the time I got there he was in the backyard. I went after him but he was determined to be outside so I decided to let him for a little while. 20 minutes later I was in the kitchen starting dinner when I heard a horrible howl at the back door. Boo was just lying there. I picked him up and brought him in and he was in a bad way. In a panic I grabbed my keys and started out for the emergency clinic we are so fortunate to have about 10 miles away. My sweet precious boy died in my lap on the way to the clinic.

I turned around and brought him home. As my legs are still weak from the surgery and it was dark and the GA clay is so hard I had trouble digging a sufficient grave for my boy. I called in to work Thursday (of course I think so few had the fortune of really understanding my need to stay home) and spent the day in sobbing grief. Thursday night my dear friend Widdi called to check on me. I was still sobbing and told her I couldn't live with the very poor grave I put my boy in. I told her I wished I had had him cremated. It was raining a little and I couldn't bear the thought so I planned the next day to start calling shelters to see if they knew someone who would volunteer to come out and do what I wasn't physically able to do.

Yesterday morning I managed to drag myself in to work. Not long after I arrived my phone rang. It was my friend Widdi. She had taken upon herself to come to my house and remove my best buddy from his very poor resting place and take him to a pet cremation service. I know she treated him with dignity and respect and I am overwhelmed by this amazing act of friendship and compassion. Even after his death my Boo was the vehicle of kindness.

I am still grieving more than I could imagine. It hurts so much. I keep thinking I see him and this morning it occurred to me that he is still here watching over me even though I wasn't able to save him.
This magnificent stray was only in my life 3 short years but will live with me forever as the most compelling example of unconditional love.

I will be able to pick up his remains early next week and somehow feel comfort that I will be able to touch "him" if I need to.

This remarkable little man was just a stray - unwanted by his original owners and originally unwanted by me. Never ever write off a stray. Sometimes God sends us what we need when we need it even if we think we have no room in our hearts or home. I will be forever changed by my Boo and the love he provided when I so needed it.

Thank you so very much, Boo's mommy, for sharing this wonderful story/tribute......

I read it out loud to my husband and my mom, who were sitting in the living room.........

Wasn't a dry eye in the room...............

What a beautiful and loving furbaby you had in your beloved Boo!!!

Please know that your beloved Boo is at Rainbow's Bridge............along with all of our other "babies" who have crossed over..............
Little Boo's body is perfect...............He is in no pain......And, he is among all of our furkids at Rainbow's Bridge....
Running through the grassy meadows, chasing leaves and butterflies......
He is at peace...........

And, please know that when it's your time to go to Heaven, you will be reunited with your very special son, Boo,
and together you will walk into eternity, forever..........

God Bless you, and thank you again, for sharing your story.......
You are in my thoughts and prayers...

Love, Denise

That’s a beautiful story and I am so sorry for your loss.

When you think of those poor people who will never know the love of a pet in their life those short three years must seem like a million treasures.

God bless you
Love Sue

What a precious and very moving story, and a very precious kitty. I know you must be SO devastated, beyond words. You thought you had many many years ahead to spend together, and Boo's earthly life ended so quickly. For some reason it was his time, but it seems so unfair!!

He is in complete bliss now, in the realm he's in---no emotional or physical pain. And there's no concept of time or space, either, so he actually is right with you; you just can't see him. Boo wants you to be okay.

As you said, you and he are soulmates. Remember that love is stronger than the death of the body. Nothing can separate you, and when it's your time, you'll be fully reunited. In the meantime, Boo knows you have more earthly life to live, and he wants you to have as much joy in your life as you possibly can. When you feel love and joy, it will be in honor of Boo.

Please let us know how you are doing.

Sending you love and prayers,

Kathy

HI!

It was brought to my attention that your post should be moved to this part of the boards for much better readership and responses......
My prayers are with you at this very difficult time.

God Bless You....

Love, Denise

I think that you are correct. He was your "soul mate". He was also sent to you just when you truly needed a little angel. And now, he will be waiting for you to join him - either at the Rainbow Bridge or in your next lives...

what a beautifully written tribute!! a guardian angel to be certain!