Remoh – In Memory

In Memory

Saying good-bye is hard enough even when you know a cat is declining in health. But when it is completely unexpected, it can take you to your knees.

This is how losing our boy Remoh has affected us.  At 14-years-old, he was healthy, or so he acted. Up until a few days ago, he was doing his normal eating, napping and cuddling.

After a day or two of being picky with food, our caretakers noticed him acting as if he had food caught in his mouth.  We assumed a bad tooth and scheduled a dental right away.  We were stunned and devastated when our vet told us she had discovered a cancerous mass.  The cancer was aggressive and very painful.

We spent a short but special day showering Remoh with love, just as we’ve done the past 14 years. He could only lap tuna water his last day, but really enjoyed the flavor.  He was surrounded by all the staff and interns who loved him with all their hearts, as we said good-bye.

Losing any cat is difficult, but this was the most devastating because it was so unexpected and we weren’t prepared to say good-bye to Remoh, even though we knew we had to.

Being our only domestic cat, our relationship with Remoh was very different than with the wild cats. We were able to hug, kiss and snuggle him daily. There wasn’t an hour that went by that he wasn’t in someone’s arms.  And there wasn’t a staff meeting that he wasn’t in a lap.  He was also a favorite among the volunteers.

Remoh loved his people as well and he tolerated our doting over him.  He was like a living stuffed animal who knew how handsomely adorable he was. He also loved his Bengal friend Benny.  All other cats and animals liked him, but he was often indifferent.

Remoh could sleep anywhere and in any position. On printers, upside down on stools, but his favorite would be at the door, belly up as every one walked over him.  He wouldn’t even open his eyes from his deep somber as each person carefully paraded over him.

Showing up as a stray 14 years ago, he sure made himself at home. His namesake Remoh came from our first stray Homer who lived to be over 20 (Homer spelled backwards).

We don’t know how he found his way to us, but we’re so thankful he did. Remoh, you have our hearts and always will.