Remembering Blackie
Woman in the Middle | September 14, 2017
Blackie passed on peacefully, in his mom’s arms and with the rest of his family by his side, on September 11th, age 18 years, six months, and 22 days. His exact age is known because he was born in the front planter of his eventual family and found the next morning along with his mother and three brothers. Born less than two weeks after the death of a beloved mother and grandmother, the whole kitty family was a gift from heaven at a difficult time.
Blackie was his own cat, looking more puzzled than regal most of the time. His favorite thing in the entire world, by far, was food, any kind of food. His grating meow was made to demand food. In his later years as he became more picky, he became fond of pate cat food (the smoother the better), ice cream, and buttered toast, the latter shared most mornings with Mom in the final year of his life.
Other hobbies included sitting on the arm of the couch to get a scratch on the head from Dad, and getting neck scratches from Mom. (Dad was not allowed to give neck scratches, Mom was not allowed to give head scratches. That was just the way it was.) Other favorite past times were head butting his sisters, sleeping on his oldest sister’s bed, and sleeping in the sun in the dining room or on the window seat.
Blackie was a large cat, made even larger by his love of food. As an all-black cat, he looked like a panther strolling atop the block wall in the back yard of the family’s previous home. His family was always amazed to see their big cat scale a six foot high block wall with ease. As a family pet, Blackie came into his own when his brother Cheeks, who also lived with him and his family, died unexpectedly at the age of six. Blackie turned to his family for the love and affection he had previously received from Cheeks, and a new phase of his life began.
The true nature of Blackie was his laid back personality. Except for very rare accidents and happenstance, Blackie never scratched anyone and never bit anyone, except for the very occasional light nip when you scratched an area he was tired of you scratching. He was such a good cat it was commented on by many veterinarians and vet techs.
Blackie is survived by his two adopted (and unwanted by him) nephews Nox and Lumos as well as his mother, his father, and two sisters. He was predeceased by lifelong doggie companion (who he tried to ignore as much as possible) Honey.
In lieu of flowers Blackie’s family requests you hug and give treats to your cat or donate to a local cat rescue organization. Or, if you really want to go big, adopt a cat of your own. The chaos that will bring will make your life immeasurably brighter.
I’m so sorry you lost such a huge part of the family. Even when we know the time is near, the pain is awful. Blackie hit the jackpot with such a loving family and I know you miss him. I hope he finds lots of good food wherever he is.
We have laughed about how Blackie’s heaven would included an always full food bowl! He was with us so long…it is hard to imagine him not being here. We lost a big piece of cat energy with him not in the house.
I am so sorry. I just marked the two year anniversary of the passing of my bigger-than-life black cat Jake. He is still missed. They leave an indelible mark on you. *hugs*
There is something about black cats, I think….
Awh! God bless you, you black beauty, and that you were. I’m glad I got a chance to pick you up and cuddle you the last time we were there. Now go cross that Rainbow Bridge with all of your friends and be forever happy. I know how your human family misses you, and I know that you know that also, so give them an Angel nudge or two in spirit to let them know that you won’t forget them either and will forever love them. Wish you a happy homecoming…..Aloha ‘oe, Blackie…….
OH NO!! I wasn’t expecting this! :’( I am very sorry to hear it. It’s curious, though, because I just got Youngest Daughter a housewarming gift of a toy cat that looks like Blackie.
May he rest in God’s Peace.
Thank you. He had been going down hill for a while, but it got really bad the last week or so and we finally had to make a decision. It was very hard. Lucky we still have Nox and Lumos to make us smile!
I’m so sorry. It is amazing how cats adopt us, train us and set up shop in our hearts. Big hugs for you.
Thank you. I always mention that George Carlin routine you mentioned when you lost your cat. It is so true!