Friday, February 24, 2017

Memento Mori

Three years ago today, my friend Bear-Bear died. I don’t mention the BB as much as I do Tungsten, who died about a year later. Tungsten was my first cat, someone with whom I had a special connection. But Bear-Bear was special, too, and I miss him.


He was a foster-cat, whom I should have adopted at the end. He died of what I believe was cancer. He became more and more sick, eventually refused his food, and died at the veterinary hospital. He was with me for ten months.

The things that impressed me most about the BB was that he was hostile to no one. I can’t recall hearing him hiss. Tungsten disliked any feline who did not do as she wanted; that was her prerogative as a top-cat. Even Tucker and Renn hiss at other cats from time to time. But Bear-Bear was accepting to all, and wanted to be accepted by all in return.


He spoke almost conversationally, usually with a “raa”, though occasionally, he would give a “rao” with the tone of mild astonishment. It was difficult to believe that he was ever frightened or upset when he talked like that.

Bear-Bear came and went, passing through my life relatively swiftly. But he left behind memories of a pleasant, cheerful cat who merely wanted to be everyone’s friend. Whether or not he achieved that, he became my friend. I miss him.

18 comments:

  1. My goodness, is it three years already since he's passed? :-(

    Thinking of you as you remember Bear-Bear; the boys send soft purrs of comfort. ♥

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  2. we think the ones that make you think "What if?" are the ones that sometimes touch us the most....he was a handsome boy

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  3. Bear Bear was such a handsome boy. What sweet memories you hold of him, and the feelings they always stay with us and we cherish them always.

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  4. bear bear; itz veree nice two meet ewe .....ewe ree mind uz oh tuna ~~ could ewe pleez say hi two dude & sauce for uz...

    we understand bout yur dad missin ewe ...we send big hugz ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

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  5. After reading this, I would too. He sounds like a dear boy whose personality was perfect.

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  6. What wonderful memories you have of Bear-Bear. He was indeed a beautiful cat. It seems that we never quite get over the loss of an animal. No matter how many years go by they always remain in our hearts.

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  7. What a good friend and we are sorry that your time together was short, but sounds like you found each other at a perfect time.

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  8. Bear-Bear didn't need adoption papers to know he was yours. The love you gave him and that he gave you sealed that familial bond.
    What a dear boy with his sweet face and sensitive eyes. I'm sure he there was a lifetime of love of joy compresses into those few months you shared.

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  9. I cried that day when I heard about BB.It's so hard to think three years have passed.He was such a handsome & sweet boy. So grateful that he had you, John. BB had someone in his life who really cared for him, physically & emotionally.
    Sorry I haven't commented in a while, but I do read every entry. Have a great weekend with your fur family!

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  10. It's hard to believe it has been three years. I can imagine you miss him as I recall he was a sweet boy.

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  11. Over the years, I've taken in several older cats, who were only with me a relatively short time before they passed on. Somehow, the brevity of their time in my life makes the memories of them all the more vivid and poignant.

    I think I had only just started reading your blog when you lost Bear-Bear, but I remember him well. He must have been a great cat to know.

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  12. We're sorry fur your loss. He sounds like an angel. Big hugs

    Luv ya'

    Dezi and Raena

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  13. I understand your feeling about BB. We have had a few rescues who were hostile to none also - very very sweet.

    Thank you for your post expressing sympathy to us for the loss of our dear Tabby.

    I really appreciate you taking the time to be supportive in this way!

    Debby in Arizona
    http://RescuesAndMore.blogspot.com

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  14. Bear Bear was a handsome boy.

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  15. We miss you too sweet Bear Bear. John, you gave Bear Bear love and a good home. As far as he was concerned he was adopted.

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