Full Name: Whiskers
Nicknames & Phrases: Buddy, My good boy with the
beautiful bright green eyes.
Given B-day: February 14, 1986
Current Age: 17
Quirks: Burying his head in the crook of my elbow,
walking on the keyboard.
History:
Whiskers came to me at the age of six. Originally, I was keeping him for
someone until she could find a place that would allow cats. However, when she
started having children of her own, her husband refused to have this sweet baby
and he became mine, permanently. Since he'd been "Whiskers" for so long, I didn't
change his name, even though I didn't really care for it in his case. Being unwanted,
I thought he should have a "special" name.
To be fair, the lady did her best by Whiskers. In the long run, she did him a favor
by giving him up. He really doesn't have the temperament to deal well with small children.
He's strictly an "adult's" cat and he would have been miserable once the kids were old
enough to move under their own power.
Whiskers is a gentle, loving old kitty and the only member of the Herd who's been
declawed (GRRR!). This was before I got him at the age of 8 months. It was a rule at
the apartment where this lady lived at the time. I'm sure that the surgery contributed
to his innate nervousness. He's a skittish kitty and usually sticks very close to me.
My favorite times spent with Whiskers are here, at the computer. He greets me every
day, several times a day. Often, he waltzes up to the monitor and stands in front of it,
watching me. He also loves to walk on the keyboard. Many an email or web page took
a little longer to finish with Whiskers' "help!" I don't mind! His loving is well worth
a few typos and much, much more! Often, he lavishes kisses on my hand or buries his
head in the crook of my elbow. I don't mean a head-butt. He literally pushes his head
into my arm and leaves it there for an indefinite period of time! All the loving in the
world won't make him move it until he's ready! Of course, I'm not loving on him so
that he'll move his head! I just find him irresistible, that's all! :-)
Unfortunately, he's also a bit of a wimp where the other cats are concerned. Most of
the time, I'm around to stop the "terrorism" (See: Dif-"fur"-nitions) but the others aren't
out for blood, either. To them, he's just fun to chase. He doesn't have much of a sense of
humor about it though, so I try to keep it at a minimum. Lately, though, he has actually
defended himself upon occasion! I make sure to praise him every time he gives as good
as he gets. It isn't that I want him to become mean but he's only cat in the Herd who falls
under all three categories of "the old, the defenseless, and the chicken-hearted." When he
defends himself, his tormentors leave him alone for awhile. Besides, he's gaining years and
I'd like every one of them to be happy! :-)
I'm happy to report that Whiskers hasn't had many health problems during the time I've
had him! His only sign of aging is an extra few scattered white hairs. He has the occasional
hairball and that's about it. Of course, he'd have less trouble with them if he'd allow me to
comb him more often. For all of his timidity, Whiskers definitely tries to stand his ground
when it comes to avoiding the comb! He has very thick, luxurious fur on top of an equally
thick undercoat. Sometimes it makes combing him a trial for both of us, as his fur mats very
easily. I hate to do it since it upsets him so much but in his case, it's a must.
Personally, I don't understand how anyone could not want him! He's such a precious boy!
He's here with me, now and he's definitely wanted! A life without my buddy would be miserable! I
don't know how the lady could let him go but I'm so glad she did!Oh well, her loss is my gain and
she does check in on him to see how he's doing. She still cares about him. :-) BUT...If you get an
email from me with odd letters & numbers in it, that's just Whiskers saying, "Meowdy!"
Through the tears and with a breaking heart, the time has come to say good-bye
to Whiskers. Though I hurt all through my being, Whiskers can't help but be
happier. Through his final years, he developed one ailment after another and was
in a great deal of pain. He had severe arthritis that medication helped with but
never completely relieved. Still I have to smile at his refusal to give up.
He wasn't about to go down without a fight!
Whiskers
February 14, 1986 - July 16, 2004
Ah my sweet buddy! What a tough guy you turned out to be! You reminded me of so many
important lessons one should learn through life and did it with a debonair style and grace
unique to your precious self! You reminded me that 'tough' isn't always a willingness to fight
physically for one, as you ran from those who occasionally picked on you.
When the crunch came, the tough side of you came out in force as you patiently and even often
cheerfully endured the miriad of treatments necessary to keep you as comfortable as possible.
In spite of shots, fluid treatments, pills, food you loathed and in your remaining two weeks, force
feeding, you still greeted me every day with your wonderful purr and a vocal request for
loving! You put up with all of it taking time spent as your tradeoff.
My dear sister had the privilege of caring for you during your first 6 years. It was and still is an
honor to have had that same privilege to care for you in your remaining 12 years! Buddy, I can't move
your page yet, for you're still here with us, strong and proud. I love you so much, Baby Boy!
I know you're happier now but you've left a huge hole in the hearts of all of us who've had the honor
and pleasure of loving you! You'll always be here to those of us who love you, exuding strength
and loving serenity. This isn't really 'Good-bye,' you know. This is 'Until we meet again.' My
precious boy, thank you for everything you were and still are! Thank you for loving me!!
Oh, those beautiful expressive eyes!*sigh* Dream a little dream....
Graphic courtsey of The Animation Library
Cats really don't need to be bathed unless
they're to be shown, have fleas or neglect
their own grooming (as some older cats do).
Back to: Beau
"Whiskers" web page set and clip art property of Midnight Images/Cats Unlimited!
Please do not take them without owner's written permission. Thanks! :-)