My Charlie

Yesterday’s blog prompt was about what someone has done to comfort you. My reaction was that just being there is sufficient most times.

I have a friend who always knows when I’m down and insists on being close to me when I’m unhappy.

Well, he’s down now, and it’s got me down.

My sweetest Charlie.

My kitty.

He’s been my buddy for 13 years now. He was about two years old then. He purred into my life at about the same time my (now) husband did, although their nearly simultaneous appearance is purely coincidental.

He’s at the vet right now. He hasn’t been able to eat for a couple of days. The good news is that it’s just rotten teeth. (Just rotten teeth, she says. This is not a trivial problem!) They’re taking out his remaining teeth, so he can eat in relative comfort now.

It’s soft food until the end, but that’s ok. It’s been soft food for years. Charlie’s diabetic too, and suffering from kidney failure. And he’s essentially blind. He’s just an old man.

And I loves him so much.

Hopefully he’ll be home, right as rain, in the morning. Hoping they don’t find additional problems.

For fun, a photo essay on Charlie:

When we first got Charlie at about two years old. Chillin' in Florida.
When we first got Charlie at about two years old. Chillin’ in Florida.
He's a couch potato, too.
He’s a couch potato, too.
Charlie got lonely when the husband and I worked long hours, so we adopted little Toby (who's not so little now!)
Charlie got lonely when the husband and I worked long hours, so we adopted little Toby (who’s not so little now!)
Charlie is frequently a topic of notebook sketches.
Charlie is frequently a topic of notebook sketches.
Another sketch. Charlie is always begging.
Another sketch. Charlie is always begging.
But he's part of the family. He always keeps a watchful eye on my son.
But he’s part of the family. He always keeps a watchful eye on my son.
And offers suggestions when they're needed.
And offers suggestions when they’re needed.
He and Toby are still the best of friends.
He and Toby are still the best of friends.
Sharing a quiet moment in the cat tree.
Sharing a quiet moment with Toby in the cat tree.
He never lets an opportunity pass in which he can remind me how to chill out.
He never lets an opportunity pass in which he can remind me how to chill out.
And reminds us all that resting is the most important thing.
And reminds us all that resting is the most important thing.
No matter how uncomfortable it may look.
No matter how uncomfortable it may look.

For 5-15-13

Unknown's avatar

Published by paleololigo

Scientist (Paleontology, Geochemistry, Geology); Writer (Speculative and Science Fiction, plus technical and non-technical Science); Mom to great boy on the Autism spectrum; possessor of too many hobbies.

6 Comments

  1. Gillian B's avatar Gillian B says:
    May 15, 2013 at 7:06 am

    Awwwwww!

    There’s a cat who knows he’s loved. No wonder he gives so much love back.

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  2. Linda Wyatt's avatar Linda Wyatt says:
    May 15, 2013 at 8:21 am

    Your story reminds me of my Jack, who I lost last year. I’ve had many cats throughout my life, but Jack was special. My soul mate, in cat form.
    I wish you and Charlie a long time together. I’m glad he has you to take care of him, and you have him to take care of you.
    Great pictures! I especially like the one with baby-Toby.

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  3. Molly Jo at Frankly, My Dear...'s avatar Molly Jo at Frankly, My Dear... says:
    May 15, 2013 at 9:17 am

    This is lovely! I’m a cat lover, too. Your photos of Charlie are a treasure.
    Found you through BlogHer’s NaBloPoMo.

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  4. paleololigo's avatar Penny says:
    May 15, 2013 at 12:38 pm

    An update:
    Charlie is home and doing well. I’m delighted!

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    1. Dave H's avatar Dave H says:
      May 15, 2013 at 2:00 pm

      Yay! A house just isn’t a home without the proper complement of cats. (I have two.)

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      Reply
  5. Audrey's avatar Audrey says:
    May 15, 2013 at 3:16 pm

    I had to cover my mouth to keep from laughing too loud at the You’re doing it wrong picture.

    Glad Charlie is back home with the family.

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