Ode to Beauie
August 6, 2008
Our beloved Beauie is leaving us today. He’s served a wonderful 16 years with us as a faithful, loving and mainly placid cat.
As a kitten he would race up the back of the couch or up the curtains and we would scold him. He’d run up and down teatrees with baby possums, playing with them. As an adult they became something he hunted and again we’d scold him.
As he grew older he became a faithful companion, a good friend, always keeping company with any member of the family who was unwell or down. He would curl up beside them or on their laps - he loves laps!
It was Beauie who helped me on my blogging journey. Readers might remember this photo from December 2005. Beauie had disappeared for 4 days in the sweltering 40+C heat and when he came back home on Boxing Day, he was hungry, thirsty and injured. We found a Vet that was open in that holiday season and he was patched back up again and I posted this photo - that was when I got my very first blog comments and I got hooked!
As an aged cat he did not like the younger cats jumping all over him and he would soon let them know about it - he was quite vocal when he chose to be. Graham’s lap was always his favourite and it was not unusual for Beauie to come into the office at night and demand Graham’s lap, or even push Graham aside so he could curl up to sleep in Graham’s office chair. We’d put a pillow there just for Beauie!
As he got a lot older he would curl up under Graham’s office desk so he was near the heating vent and the computer hard drive to draw warmth. Sometimes he liked to be on top of the desk too and would find a place in Graham’s filing tray. He’s always been Graham’s cat but is loved by every member of the family.
Last night three of our girls were here at home to say their farewells to him and he got lots of pats and cuddles and ear rubs - which he loves.
It is with sadness we have to let him go. He has contracted a kidney disease and after a couple of weeks of medication, special diet and two hospital stays and an intravenous drip, the vetinerary staff advise there is nothing else they can do for him and he is just wasting away in front of our eyes. Poor Beauie with those beautiful round golden orb shaped eyes who looks at you like he is speaking just to you. We love you Beauie and will never forget you.
Posted in Pet News
August 6th, 2008 at 9:27 am
My condolences to you Kathie, Graham and your family. What a beautiful soul and your beautiful boy Beauie loves you all too.
August 6th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Kathie,
Your story of Beauie was classic Kathie - strong, articulate, and meaningful. What a wonderful tribute to your beloved cat, and your family in general.
I understand how hard it is to lose a member of the family, and I am so sorry. I do know that your wonderful cat is in a beautiful place, and continues to love you.
When you are ready, he will not mind a new kitten in the family. He wants you to be happy.
Blessings to all in your family,
Sally
August 6th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Oh Kathie … it’s always so sad to say goodbye to our beloved pets. They become family throughout the years, and it’s very hard to let them go. Bravo to you for not allowing him to suffer any longer. I dread the day that my dog finally gets so old and tired we have to let her go. My best wishes to you.
August 6th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Kathie, if we could be there, I’d give you a hug, and Aspen would lick the tears away from your cheeks.
I’m so sorry, there’s not words to say it as deeply as it’s felt.
(((Hugs))),
Claudia (& Aspen)
August 6th, 2008 at 11:21 am
My sympathies are with you Kathie. Two of our dogs passed last year (one had kidney failure) and it is sad to lose a beloved pet. Take care.
August 6th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Kathie,
Not many pets have owners who honor them with a lovely tribute on a blog. I’m so sorry to hear of you loss of Beauie. We’ve been comforting our daughter all week, because the vet said she had aggressive bladder cancer. We got good news yesterday that it is an infection. I dread when we have to part with her, whenever that is. Pets are family members.
August 6th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Kathie,
I hope today wasn’t too painful for you and you’ve been able to find some peace.
A couple of months ago we lost our budgie who had been with us for 12 years ago. He died quietly at home from old age. He was my pet; I got him the year after I arrived in Australia from England when I was going through a tough time. I was devastated and said I would not get another bird even though I missed his regular chatter but then something amazing happened.
A few weeks after Murray died, my husband called me out to the front and there was a budgie on the lawn being attacked by Noisy Minors. We brought him in and nursed him back to health. Attempts to find his owners went unanswered so now he is one of the family. I like to think Murray sent him to us from across the Rainbow Bridge.
Your page is a beautiful tribute.
Lorraine
August 6th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Kathie…so sorry to hear that you have to say goodbye to a good friend and a member of the family. I’m sure Beauie will be remembered well with love and laughter..
Deb
August 6th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
It seems Beauie was an honored family member who has left you and your family with many fond memories. I’m so thankful he no longer suffers, but rests in a much better place, full of tasty treats to hunt!
So glad the girls got the chance to say, ‘goodbye’. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jeannine
August 8th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
[...] 40 of them) and comments on my family site this week after the loss of our beloved 16 year old cat, Beauie. He’s been a faithful and loving member of our family, and one that our daughters grew up [...]
August 9th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Kathie,
I have never owned a pet so I can’t identify with what you’re going through in that respect. However, I know many people whose pets are a part of their families and grieve over their loss. One of my former co-workers had an elaborate funeral and invited us all to come (at her home) and then she took two days off from work because she was so grief-stricken.
16 years is a LONG time to have a pet and its quite obvious how much you all loved him.
August 11th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Hi Kathie, my heart aches for you and your family. It is so hard to let a beloved pet go, even when they are old and frail. Our cat Chloe passed away 3 years ago, she was 15 and had been with us since we were newlyweds - in a sense, she was our “firstborn”! We still miss her, although these days Tigger has brought new joy to our lives. However nobody will ever replace our sweet girl kitty. Hugs to you and all and I know that your memories of Beau will bring you many a smile (and a tear!).