My beloved cat Mookie died last night at the ripe old age of 19. He was an amazing animal and while I’m heartbroken at the moment, I’m also flooded with love and gratitude for him and the time we had together. It was his time to go, but Jesus, it really sucks.
I used to jokingly refer to Mookie as the “Keith Richards of cats,” as he was just an incredible survivor. He had been hospitalized three times over the past two and a half years, surviving (and thriving) after kidney failure, smoke inhalation from a fire (he survived, my girlfriend’s apartment didn’t) and a heart episode this past May. Each time, the vets told me that the chances of his survival were iffy at best, but Mookie had a spirit that would not quit and he came back each time, a little banged up perhaps, but with body and spirit very much intact. He lived defiantly, and he was going to go out when he decided he was good and ready. Yesterday, he was good and ready.
I couldn’t sleep for a good portion of last night, so I sat at the computer, writing him a personal letter and listening to music. Of course, I listened to soul, specifically Sam & Dave and Ray Charles. “Hold On, I’m Comin,’” one of the greatest songs about friendship, a song I’ve listened to thousands of times in my life, made me weep, which it had never done before. I could feel the ten years of love, friendship, joy, worry - all of it collapse upon me in an instant as I listened.
Mookie, wherever you are, I hope there’s a lot of sun and tuna fish for you. Thank you so much for being you and being who you were for me. I love you to pieces - you were one of the greatest blessings of my life.
Download: Sam & Dave - "Hold On, I'm Comin'" 5/2/67, Stockholm, Sweden
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Mookie The Cat: 1988-2007
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19 comments:
Condolences, Ben. I'm going through a similar thing with my 15 year old cattle dog, Bongo.
I've had two girlfriends who've told me "You love your dog more than you love me" and ya know what? They were right.
I'm very sorry for your loss.
Hey Ben,
I am so sorry for your loss...
I will be sending you some Reiki.
love,
Rachel (Schroeder)
Sorry to hear that. He looked a like a good one.
He was a GREAT one. Tough day.
Ben -
Your post was you: authentic, intense, raw, and passionate.
I feelyour pain and I miss mookie too.
cats rule.
:(
Ben,
I am sincerely sorry to hear about the loss of Mookie. But, I'm glad you've got such a great perspective in terms of the gift that he was and the impact he had on your life. The great thing is: that gift is something that you will never lose.
- Kevin
As a cat person myself, I've been there. Sorry for your loss (and thanks for your blog).
WOW....The Mookster is gone. I'll raise a glass tonight in his honor.
I'm sorry to hear it. I feel your pain. There's hardly a day that goes by that I don't think about Ringo, and I don't see him because i didn't get custody of him. (but i do know he's in good hands)
Hey Ben,
Sorry to hear about Mookie. Melissa and I went through a very similar thing with our cat Maneki a few months ago. From what I heard you guys really did a lot to prolong Mookie's life, a lot of hands on treatment that not many people would do. Our journey with Maneki's illness really brought Melissa and I close together. It sounds like you are remembering the good things in a sad time. Best wishes to the both of you from the both of us.
So sorry to read this, Ben. We lost our first cat of 15 + years last December. I found that writing a post in her honor helped me a lot. I'm sure it helped you too.
I've heard it said that dogs go to heaven but cats go to Hawaii. May the surf be up and the mice be fat.
It is hard when our furry friends leave, isn't it? The Texas Gal and lost one of our ratboys last summer, and the other one has a date with the vet Monday, so we know a little of what you're going through. But nineteen years! Wow! We wish you good memories and consolation.
So sorry to read about your loss. Glad Sam, Dave and Ray got you through the night.
Just discovered your wonderful blog a few days ago, I'm so sorry to read about your loss. I lost my 13 year old cat Smoky in January so I know what you're going through. It's so beautiful to read where you've described Mookie as one of your greatest blessings, that will definitely sustain you, you were lucky to have each other.
Take care.
condolences for your loss.
Hey Ben,
Long time! Sorry to hear about your loss. I am fresh from losing my cat Spaz a couple of months ago and it was the hardest thing I have ever been thru - so I know what you are feeling. Mookie was definitely a cat with an attitude and personality. Hang in there and remember the time you had with him.
Robynn
Sorry for your loss.
I can't keep another pet after the one I had for years died right after I left him with my mum to look after for a few months.
And I so agree with 95% of your posts . :)
Sorry for your loss. I just lost my car Mookie last night He looked just like Sylvester from the cartoon. He was a rescue cat from the Las Vegas pound. They were going to end his life on a Saturday nite after 5 days in kitty jail I was in L.A and was interested in adopting him and had all his info. Something mane me call the pound and they told me they were just closing bistilaand it was his last day. I told them to save him and Monday a.m. I was there to get him. We spent at least 16 years together and he died Oct 25 2013 at 10.30 at nite. He looked like he was going at 9.30 but he spent an extra hour with me before passing I am originally from Long Island
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