by Sharon Tichacek
Babyface came into my life about 3 years ago. And I must admit, I didn't like him. He wasn't the friendliest of cats and would fight with the other stray cat I fed. Soon, he was the only cat around and naturally, I fed him. I began to find nice qualities about him. He'd let me pet him, his purring vibrating his whole body. I'd look at his face and see his pink nose against the white fur, he had the face of a kitten-hence his name, Babyface. Soon we were best pals. During the spring and summer our days were spent gardening and lounging around. He'd lay on my lap and fall fast asleep, his body twitching as he had kitty dreams. At night we would be out til the early hours stargazing. He gave me heart failure many times, like the time he came from roaming around only to have this 3 inch nail in his paw, off to the vet we went. Or the times he's get into fights with other cats and get infections or absesses, off to the vet again. Grazed by a car, off to the vet. I always believed he knew he could count on me to take care of him. My son loved him and when we would go for walks around the block, this wacky cat would follow us just like a puppy. The people in the neighborhood would get a kick seeing the 3 of us go for a walk, me, my son, and the cat. It was a hoot.
In October of 1998, he seemed to have a slight cold. I dreaded bringing him to the doctor because in my heart I knew it probably wasn't just a cold. Being an outsider and always fighting with other animals, he was susceptible to many diseases. The types of diseases that there's no vaccinations for. Or cures. On October 30, 1998 I brought him to the vet and my worst fears were confirmed-my Babyface had FIV. Knowing the situation, I couldn't bring him in to live because I have 3 cats of my own and I couldn't let him live outside because FIV is contagious, my only choice was to let him go. So on that day, my beloved friend left this world in my arms, my voice telling him how much I loved him, my tears falling onto his face. That's the day he crossed Rainbow Bridge. I hope he knows how much I love him. I didn't want things to happen that way. This is the first spring without him and my gardening is very lonely. I used to enjoy going outside at night and looking at the stars, but it's different now. But my Babyface is where he belongs, buried in the backyard he loved so well. Sometimes, even now, I think I hear him meowing to me.
Because of him, I decided to volunteer at my local shelter. I feel that I am doing a great service to the animals there, loving them for as long as they're with us, whether they leave to go to new homes, or leave to go to the Bridge. And knowing all my friends will be waiting when it's time for me to go doesn't make the trip seem so scary.
Thank you for allowing me to share my story of Babyface. I will never forget him and will love him forever.