Celebrating a Life, our Siamese Boukie

In May of 1997 I graduated college.  Paul had to take a last summer class to graduate, so we stayed in Waco and I worked at a vet for the summer while Paul worked through his last class.  We house sat for my traveling Geology professor, which saved us from having to pay rent.

While I was working at the vet one day a lady walked in with a tiny Siamese kitten.  I'd always adored Siamese cats, as my grandparents had one named Snuffy when I was growing up.  The lady said that she'd bought the Siamese, but that her grandson was allergic and she had to find a home for the kitten.  She wanted to know if we knew anyone who would take him.

Yes, I knew someone who would take him.  Me.  We already had two cats (and a hedgehog) but my heart was big (bigger, I'm sure, than my newlywed husband's). 

So Boukie came home with me.

In the beginning, he was sick.  He had giardia, and needed treatment for that.  But once he got better he was rambunctuous and active.

We used to take him and our other two cats for walks on leashes.  They weren't allowed outside otherwise. 

In his younger days, Boukie would try to nurse on your ears.

If you stood up and held out your arms, he'd make a funny sound, and jump from the floor into your waiting arms.

He loved a good snuggle, always.  If you were having a bad day, Boukie was there.

And he never knew a stranger.  Boukie was happy to give attention to anyone who walked through our door.  He was a cat with no reservations.

When we had kids, Boukie was so kind.  When the boys climbed on him and rough housed, he never minded.  He never growled or swatted.  He had more patience than any animal I've ever seen.

Some weeks ago, Boukie got penned behind the water heater.  I've no idea how he managed to get back there.  I almost couldn't get him out.  I ended up lifting him over the top.  I piled the 3 boys in the car and then rushed him to the vet, his eyes full of pus.  He stayed for a couple of days to get back on his feet, then returned home.

But he wasn't the same.  He stopped eating.  He paced, constantly.  He got weak and was wasting away.  We think he may have suffered a head injury when he was behind the water heater.  Even in the end, in his restlessness, he loved nothing more than a good purr on your lap.

This weekend we decided Boukie was suffering and it was time.

Rest in peace, sweet Boukie.  You gave us as much as a cat could give, and we are thankful for our fourteen years with you.  You were loved so much, and we will miss you.

I hope that you are frolicking in fields of catnip, reunited with your old feline friends Lionel and Toulouse.

This post is linked with Show and Tail at WV Treasures.