Monday, July 16, 2007

Hobbes -- 1989-2007



My oldest friend is gone.

I know many people don't get very attached to animals. I am not one of them. The loss is far more difficult to deal with than I imagined it would be.

He was one of those wonderful characters whose personality was apparent even to people who didn't much like cats. He had the gift of sensing my moods: staying close when I was unhappy, ready to play when I was happy.

He was a good judge of character, too. He'd hang out with good people and ignore those who weren't.

He was always there for me, always alert when I came in the front door.

He shared four residences with me, met several women I have been involved with -- the only one he really liked was R.B., who was the best of them; when she was staying with us, he'd follow her around like a puppy.

Despite past health problems, he was in good shape until the last few days. It seemed he was simply tired, and the end, mercifully, came quickly.

I've had an on-and-off relationship with the concept of a God, and have never believed in an afterlife. Nonetheless, if there is any justice in the universe, the animals we love, who asked nothing more than food and affection, never caused pain and gave their own kind of love and loyalty to us, deserve to end up in a place where they can meet their departed friends and play in green meadows forever.

I cannot describe how devastating this is. I feel truly alone now, and it's the worst feeling there is.

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry Scrib! How heartbreaking! I do believe that animals go to heaven. They get to lay in the sun all day and eat as much as they want and they are happy forever.

He was a good friend to you. He knows you were a good friend to him too. Animals just know stuff.

I am so sorry my friend. I wish there was more I could do for you.

John0 Juanderlust said...

Oh man, I know how you can miss a pet that knows you better than you know yourself. My Miami cat knew my mood before I did. I'm sorry to hear this.

You have my sympathy.

Doug said...

Scribbs, I'm sorry. I know how you feel about him, I cried my eyes out when I had to give our dog away, and he got to carry on with someone else.

Hobbes, may your new journey include friends of the female persuasion, and plenty of catnip.

R.I.P.

Anonymous said...

Farewell Hobbes.

I am very sorry for your loss. The ones who are with us for such a long time leave an especially large hole in their place. I had Ralph for 21 of his 22 years--none of the cats I have now come close to replacing him. You have written a wonderful tribute to Hobbes, he'll live in your heart forever.

Anonymous said...

ohhhhhhh Ray, I'm sooo sorry! *hugs*

Anonymous said...

Farewell Hobbes. I wish you good times in the meadows of the heavens.
Please Hobbes, watch over Scribbs, he is going to miss you terribly.

My heart sank immediately for you when I read the title. I am sorry Scribbs. *hugs*

Anonymous said...

I know what it's like to lose a pet as I've lost several dogs. I'd gladly offer you R's cat, and I REALLY mean that. Say the word and he can be shipped.

It will take time, as with anything, but you will be ok. Hang in there.

(((HUGS)))

~A

Anonymous said...

Awwww....this is a sad one to read. I am so sorry, Scrib. What a loss in your life.

Take good care. My rascal will join him soon.

Dorrie said...

I haven't had Shila that long, but I can really understand the attachment you get! I know how much you loved Hobbes, heck, you even canceled a "date" with me because of him being sick! ;-) I wish I could have had the chance to meet him......

Big hugs to you... remember that he no longer suffers any pain...

Anonymous said...

Aw, I am so sorry Scrib. I definitely understand how much this is affecting you. I recently lost my cat Sara and miss her so much.

I do believe in God and heaven and I'm sure Hobbes is there climbing weeping willows and napping in the grass.

My sympathies to you Scrib.

Anonymous said...

well damn...I know how truly devastating this is.Hobbes is napping in sunny meadows and chasing slow mice now. If there is any right in this world, you'll meet him again some day. I am so sorry for your loss

Anonymous said...

As you said, Scribbs, those who are are not animal lovers will never understand how close we can become to our beloved pets. They are much more than just "critters", they are best friends. They are TRUE friends, asking nothing more that our love and affection, and a bit of food and water. And maybe a treat now and then. They don't care where we live, our financial status, our mode of transportation, or our social circle. They love us just for being "us". For your part, I know you were the kind of friend Hobbes deserved, too. While there can never be another Mr. Hobbes, someday, somewhere I hope you can find another "best friend", be it 2 or 4-legged, who is worthy of such a wonderful person as you. I'm sorry for your loss. :(

Anonymous said...

Oh, ....
you know how I feel...
no words.

Anonymous said...

oh MrS...I am so very sorry at your loss- I read about it in lowandslow's journal and as I have been so busy hitting and missing with having company I hadn't read any of my favorites yesterday. Hope you are ok...Lou

Anonymous said...

Losing a pet is as devastating as losing a friend or family member.

I'm so sorry MrScribbler....and yes, I believe animals go to heaven too.

Rest in Peace, Hobbes.

Anonymous said...

I'm with everyone else - so sorry to hear the loss of your beloved cat.
bb

Wizardress said...

Oh Scribby, I"m so sorry to hear this. Being an animal lover myself, and knowing how pets can become a part of our family, I understand what you are feeling right now.

*big hugs* to you. YOu are in my thoughts and prayers. Hobbes loved you and you him.

Anonymous said...

I have been thinking about you and Hobbes all day,
Hobbes was your "Biggie Bud."
I was a great fan of Lewis Grizzard, and he loved his dog Catfish so much.
Catfish died just before Lewis had his last surgery...
I will post the tribute which Mike Lukovich drew after Lewis died.
No correlation of course, but it shows the love between pets and their owners better than anything I have seen. Betty and I were just talking about it the other night and I pulled the pic up...I have a framed copy in my home.
That is where Hobbes is, I am sure, inside the pearly gates!
I wish I had made this a pm, just delete as you wish...
paula

Anonymous said...

(((((((((Scribbs)))))))))) I am so sorry your loss. I know how terribly hard it is to lose a pet friend. Hobbes was an awesome kitty cat.

Anonymous said...

Im really sorry for your loss. I know how devistating it is to lose a pet you love so much. I hope you find comfort in remembering all the good years together.

Anonymous said...

Sending you a big hug. I know exactly how you feel Mr Scribs.. I lost Annie when she was 18 yrs old and it was like losing a loved one.It took me 3 years before i could get another kitten but she will forever be in my heart. I beleive that God treasures these precious ones as much as we did here on eart. So be encouraged, she is well again and running around happy. You did such a good job looking after her and loving her.You are in my prayers.

becomingkate said...

I'm so sorry to read this! I would be devastated to lose Tokyo.
I know he'll live on in your heart.
*hugs*

Anonymous said...

OH MY GOD....
Scribbler, i am SO SORRY i missed this!!!!

My heart POURS out to you & i know how painful this is!! There are no words for this...

All i can say is how sorry i am for your loss, and how deeply i know your pain.

They say that those who take on pets & love them are those with the biggest hearts of all humankind - Because we know that we will always (almost always) sadly & inevitably out-live them, and have to suffer the loss of our dear little friend.

Warm Hawaiian (((HUGS))) to you, my friend!! Until you and Hobbes meet again...

Love & Aloha....