My Little Buddy Boots

Today is May 17TH, and this has been a sad day for me for the past 11 years. I’m remembering my little buddy Boots today. He was my best feline friend for 12½ years from New Years Day 1995 (when I adopted him) to May 17TH 2007.

He died on this morning 11 years ago when I had him put to sleep. He was suffering from various diseases during his later years, and he was in agonizing pain at the very end. His doctor said that it was my final good deed for him, and that he probably lived much longer than he should have – due to the love that I provided to him over the years.

Boots was the smartest cat I’ve ever lived with. He waited for me at the front windowsill every afternoon as I returned home from work, and he greeted me at the front door with an endless barrage of meows, purrs, rubs, and bumps. He was confused yet ecstatic when I returned home from work early, and he was upset yet relieved when I was late. He used the sun as his clock. He stared at me often as if he was watching over me. He “protected” me by ensuring that geckos were slammed off the patio screen or pulverized if they made it inside. He slept at the base of my bed as I slept at night. I never had to look for him because he was always near me. He acted more like a dog than a cat. When I talked to him – he responded.

He hated leaving his comfortable home and going to the kennel, but on that final morning in May of 2007 when I placed him in his carrying case it was as if he was thanking me for all of the love and the life he was able to live with me. He was ready for the end. I’ll never forget my little buddy Boots.