Yesterday marked the end of an era in the Johnson household. For 22 plus years, BC had been an integral part of my life…through thick and thin. Yesterday, she crossed the threshold into the Great Beyond.
For sometime, she’s been slowing down, sleeping 23 hours a day (not unusual for an old cat) getting pickier with her choice of food, showing signs of dementia, losing weight (from a max of 11 pounds down to 4.6) and, basically shutting down. Her vet had been hydrating her once a week for a while, but BC got to the point that she was done with that. She let me know in no uncertain terms that she wanted no more “help.” In just two days’ time, I knew what had to be done. It was time to let her go.
In her memory, I would like to share some favorite pictures of her while thinking about what a good, ornery, independent, finicky companion she was.
Computer cat
She loved being outside with flowers
After we moved to Minden, she took to drinking out of a glass or a Dixie cup…whatever the case.
Did you put booze in here?
Enjoying the spring sun
Tripping out on some early spring catnip.
After the catnip
Inspecting a new toy that her mother received…spewing crows. She wanted to drink from it but didn’t care for the intermittent water.
Every pet owner knows that this time will come sooner or later and it’s no fun to make a decision so the pet won’t suffer. BC was a strong willed cat with ideas of her own and I think she sort of made her own decision as to when this would happen and was able to let me know what to do.
I am grateful to have had her in my life. She gave unconditional love (in her own way) and didn’t ask for much in return (except to be fed several times a day and get skritched a lot).
Rest in peace, little girl.
Thanks to Dick Schmidt for some of the photos. He had a knack for getting her to pose for him.
buzzardnotes 
Thank you for this amazing and purrrfectly wonderful blog honoring and celebrating the life of BC – a Cat among Cats! I know it’s hard to let her go because she has shared, as no one else has, so much of your life. She has been beside you through your life in Cerritos; sickness and death of Bob; the move to Minden and all kinds of things in between. Our furry friends are there to provide a living presence, to comfort us and listen to our complaints, frustrations, hopes and dreams. However, also remind us, though we have brought them into our homes, they also have a life to fulfill. We think we understand them, but they also remain a mystery as to what they think and feel. What a gift that they continue to remind us of the wonders of our world. BC will be missed, but never forgotten. You have also contributed to her understanding of the world beyond just Cat-dom. You will continue to tell stories of her life, and in those stories reveal part of who Cora is. Love, Connie
Oh, Cora, what a wonderful tribute to your dear Black Cat, B.C. How lovely to see all the photos of her. She is your forever companion spirit now, prowling in her new form around the house with you. And I love what Connie says… that you’ve contributed to her understanding of the world. I love that sweet exchange we have with “our” pets… when really, all along, we’ve been “their” people. Love and hugs to you, dear friend.
Sorry to hear about your best companion. At least the memories will be held in your heart.
Went to Friday breakfast at Keno’s this morning. There were 10 of us. Nice group–nice visit.
Glad you are living life to the fullest.
Love you,
Alex
________________________________
WOW!! BC was an institution in herself! I actually cannot believe she lived this long….wow! And this is definitely the end of an era! I love the pictures and the memories and your explanation of her last days. She was surely a treasure!
I will grieve with you for a life lived long and well!!
Barbara Allen barblallen@mac.com cell: 714.329.8131 home: 276.676.2891
>
Cora…I understand your feelings and loss. we have cats and have lost a couple in the last few years….Peace
Sam
Cora, in a word: SPEC-tac-ular! Great job all around, photos and narration. I am envious of all the Nature you witnessed, above and below water. More! I look forward to additional BuzzardNotes blogs from your trip, you Galloping Galápagos Girl! You are a treasure. Much love and multiple hugs.