8.06.2010

rest in peace

little bear

I've mentioned at least once over the past year and a half that we've been feeding a stray cat. I named her Little Bear because we do have black bears here, and she looked like a miniature version of one. My husband called her Waddles because she did get kind of fat after a while. What was I going to do—let her starve?

She showed up one day last spring and decided to stay. I patiently picked ticks out of her coat and we nursed her through a bad bite that got infected. For the winter we made her a shelter because we couldn't let her inside the house. Let's just say that my two cats don't take kindly to strangers. We did the best we could for her.

She died last night and we found her along the side of the road this morning. She was always so good about crossing the road—I don't know what happened this time. Trucks and cars fly along our road, even though it's posted at 40 mph—I'm sure it was someone going too fast.

So rest in peace, Little Bear. I'm going to miss your funny face looking in the window at me every morning while you patiently waited to be fed.

15 comments:

Deb said...

its always nice to save an outdoor kitty and have them as a friend in your garden I remember when you posted about him.
I am sorry for your loss but Little bear had it made considering his circumstances...
Your kitty love will be remembered.

Rita said...

I'm sorry that Little Bear has passed on. People tend to drop off cats in our subdivision if they don't want them. This usually happens in the Spring. Black Cat came to my door so thin and frail. He would stay close all winter in a shelter I made for him and then be gone for a few weeks off and on in the summer. He was I think 4 years old. He left in the Spring and didn't come back. I miss him. Now I have Gray Cat. She was so thin and feral now looks great just like Black Cat did. We do our best to help them. It is a good thing. :)

giddy99 said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. :(

Affi'enia said...

Oh I'm so sorry for your loss. Sound like you made Little Bear's last 18 months great ones though

Unknown said...

I am glad you were able to make Little Bear's final months happy ones.

We once took in a stray (not feral) cat that crawled into the fender of our car during an ice storm. We lost Maxwell to diabetes after two happy years with our family. He was a wonderful companion while he was with us.

Stacey said...

I'm so sorry. All my cats have been the kind that just show up one way or another. I miss all mine too that are now gone.

SuzyMcQ said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your Little Bear, Janet.

We had our found kitty too, Mr. Kitty. He just showed up one day. Also, as black as night as your Bear. Mr. K. had to be outside, but sometimes he'd come in for some warmth and came to enjoy the time he spent inside with us. I was pregnant with my first child and had terrible nausea. My K. would sit on my belly to warm it and would knead his paws. His way of relieving my discomfort. He was special like that.

Found out years later that a sibling of his was dumped in our neighborhood as well and spent many years living just down the street.

These kitties who just appear are so special and each takes a tiny piece of our hearts when they leave.

Suzy

Lisa said...

Our Wombat came to us in similar circumstances, he cost us a fortune in vet's fees getting rid of his ear mites. He was a skinny scraggy thing but now he's fatterned up and so loving. So sorry about your Little Bear - and I love the name. I wish I could take in more strays - but I'm sure our original cat would pack her bags and move out!

Cindy said...

What a sad story....I'm so sorry about poor Little Bear. You were so kind to care for him as you did though, he must have really appreciated all of the TLC you gave him.
Cindy
www.sweetbeadstudio.com

Unknown said...

Oh Janet..I'm so sorry. I know exactly how you're feeling.

Jeanne said...

I'm very sorry to hear about Little Bear. You gave him a wonderful home and I'm sure he felt loved. Sending hugs.

Carrie Jamrogowicz said...

"These kitties who just appear are so special and each takes a tiny piece of our hearts when they leave."

Ain't that the truth....

Lynn said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your Little Bear passing. I too have had lots of "outside" cats. I'm now feeding and caring for a feral colony which includes Momma Cat and 4 kittens. Momma has been trapped and taken for spaying and shots. The 4 kittens are next. I love them so much and am doing my best to help them out.

Nanci said...

I am so sorry to hear about your loss of Little Bear. I have a kitten from just such a stray called Sasha and I swear they could be doubles. Thanks for taking her in and taking such good care of her this past year and a half, I know how hard it is to get attached and then lose them.

Cheryl said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your outdoor friend. Bless you for taking such good care of her while you could.