For those who have faithfully read this weekly column, on many occasions I would reference our kitty Willie. Many of his antics and quirkiness made for interesting topics over the years.
He was adopted from the Central Aroostook Humane Society, a brown and white tiger kitty that came into our home and hearts 18 years ago. Because of his age and ongoing health issues that worsened recently, we sadly made the tough decision to say goodbye.
Being an inside cat, he lived a safe, happy and well-pampered life. On occasion we would supervise outside little jaunts around our yard and we were always guaranteed a showdown with Willie and the resident squirrels and chipmunks. They were brazen little fellas, sitting right there under the bird feeders, allowing Willie to creep within inches of them. A valiant attempt was made every time, but poor Willie was sadly inept at even coming close to catching one of these little critters. I doubt that he would even have a clue what to do, if he did indeed “catch” one.
Willie poses with his bowtie.
(Courtesy of Gloria Towle)
Over the past week or so, we often let Willie outside to explore and chew on grass and my flowers to his heart’s content. He loved going outside, so we indulged him. I followed close by to keep him safe from the birds of prey on our tree farm, and chuckled at his adventures around the property.
He was a bit sassy in his older years, and he seemed to have us wrapped around his little paw … whatever he wanted, he got! Classic head butts, loving to have his jowls rubbed and curling up in our laps at the end of the day — we knew he was happy and content.
Saying goodbye to your pet, who has been such a huge part of your life for so many years, is truly heartbreaking. Anyone who has loved and enjoyed furry companionship will certainly understand this. But it does give comfort in knowing that all of our pets over the years have lived a privileged, well-loved, safe and contented existence.
Life was good for Willie and we can be assured that we will see him again someday at the Rainbow Bridge.
If you have room in your home and heart, check out the Central Aroostook Humane Society Facebook page for pets that are available for adoption. Please be responsible — spay and neuter your pets.
Gloria J. Towle is the secretary and a member of the board of the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
