June 1993 - May 29, 2008
Charlie (the cat) has left the theater of life. He was well known for his comedian roles, but did star in a few dramas (like sticking his nose down a ground bee hole and getting a bite on the nose which immediately ballooned up). He was best known as "Charlie Barlie" and "Buddy". He was a natural comic, very gregarious and in his youth he was a very physical comedian. Charlie looked at life as a pure joy and he lived it with great zest and exuberance.
In his younger days he would tap his guardians arm, his eyes would be dilated with anticipation and then he'd run off letting her know he was ready for the game of 'chase and tag' to begin. If she didn't respond, he would come back and tap again. Another common game was "Halloween cat". Charlie would see his guardian look at him, and he would signal by arching up and jumping forward as cats do around Halloween. Again, it was a signal to "let the games begin".
He always came when called and answered when spoken to. He was well known in his neighborhood for walking on a leash and visiting neighbors. Often he was in the same room of the house as his guardian and always came to greet her when she arrived home. Making people laugh and smile was something he was very proud to do. As he aged he became even more affectionate and he would cozy up to his guardian, even sleeping on a pillow facing her and reaching out with his front leg to place it across her neck. To the end he had great days.
Just on his last day, he was taken to the vet due to a bloody hair ball throw up during the night. All blood work proved to be fine except his red cell count was 18 when normal is 30 and low normal is 24. Clearly there was a problem. His guardian knew he was very pale that morning, but in no way expected the news received that afternoon. Charlie had lung cancer and was bleeding from somewhere and was breathing harder than normal. The doctor feared another episode and Charlie was already weak from the low red cell count.
He was brought home to once more have the chance to hide in the bush at front walk and see if a chipmunk would run by and he could catch it in his mouth (and they had done so many times). Fortunately, he was very soft on them and his guardian always managed to get him to drop them unharmed, although once his male guardian let him in the house without noticing the live chipmunk and another comical adventure began. Fortunately, it had a happy ending for all. Whew! The chipmunks living in the courtyard did move out, but they still ran along the front from unit to unit and Charlie would lie in wait.
On his last evening he and his guardian together walked along the front of Charlie's estate and then along the back where he had enjoyed many good times. It was warm and the sun was still shining.
Charlie, his guardians, and a best friend returned to the vets that evening, May 29th at 8 pm. Charlie was a gentleman (not his usual vet personality) and peacefully passed with his guardians holding and talking to him. He is greatly missed. It was so much fun and a total joy living with Charlie for fifteen years. The house is a quiet and lonely place without you buddy boy. I love you Charlie. Wait for me on the Rainbow Bridge and we will play again.
Pam Pearson
