Conference misery::feline_v1

4338.0. "Oliver" by SUBURB::ODONNELLJ () Mon Jan 28 1991 13:56

    Oliver died a week ago last Friday - the 18th. He would have been 2
    sometime in April/May. We never knew exactly how old he was. I've
    entered a number of notes about him during that time, but I would like
    to tell you a bit more about him - I think he deserves it.
    
    After our first little cat, Kayleigh, was killed by a car in August
    1989, we decided to give a home to another cat that perhaps hadn't had
    a good start in life. My mother had been very upset at Kayleigh's death
    and didn't know about our idea - we thought she might accept the new
    cat more if she felt sorry for it. So we went to a rescue centre nearby 
    on the pretence of looking round the DIY shop. The cat we'd had in mind
    was a little like Kayleigh - she'd been shot by someone and nursed back
    to health, but the cat had gone to someone else.
    We looked round at the others. A little tortoiseshell and white was
    well in the running - until she bit my dad! - and a year old black and 
    white female. Oliver, however, had other ideas. 
    We didn't choose Oliver - he chose us! He was a small, pathetic, skinny
    black and white kitten, about 4 months old, with bad diarrhoea. And he
    cried and cried every time we went past him. We stopped frequently to 
    pick him up and cuddle him, during which time he purred ecstatically,
    then cried again when we put him back. We took him home to Mum.
    When Mum opened the box, the little kitten leapt out onto her lap and
    proceeded to worm his way round her. Easily! Mum cuddled him and cried
    a bit when she heard about the callous so-and-so who had simply dumped
    him in someone's garden. It was quite late by now, so we fed him and 
    settled him down in the kitchen.
    The next day, we realised what we were up against. That kitten's
    appetite had to be seen to be believed. Our neighbour went to the
    market and brought back a huge slab of coley fish, meant to last him
    the week. Not only did he eat it all the same day, but also 5 chicken
    wings, and a tin of salmon. He kept crying for more. We named him
    Oliver. His upset tummy (and fleas) were cleared with help from those
    in this conference, the Vet, and a much loathed diet.
    Two weeks after we'd got him, we lost him! Somehow, he'd managed to
    sneak out and my mother and I spent an anxious evening scouring the
    streets for him. He came back the next morning at 6am, very pleased
    with himself and his welcome home.
    When Oliver was allowed out, he continued where Kayleigh had left off
    in the campaign against the dog next door and our neighbour's fish
    pond. Our long-suffering neighbour put a net over his pond - it baffled
    Oliver for a week only. Susie, the dog got a little more friendly with
    him, but it was still obvious who was top-cat!
    Oliver had two special girlfriends, Marigold and Holly. He regularly
    plundered their foodbowls - his appetite never did diminish! - and
    fought terrible battles with the local Tom, Toffee (who happened to
    belong to Mum's best friend!). He had his favourite willow tree in
    which he used to sit and survey his territory - until our neighbour had
    it topped!
    Oliver's favourite love, however, was birds! At first he used to lie in
    wait by our next-door neighbours birdbath - then rush at it, causing
    instant panic among the birds, who shot sky-wards, scattering feathers
    all over the lawn. These, Oliver and his girlfriends would play with
    for hours. Then he got ambitious. Our neighbour had to remove her bird
    table because she said Oliver would lie on it...waiting! Unfortunately
    for him, the birds weren't stupid! Then he tried stalking them and
    caused a great deal of amusement. You would frequently see him
    practising his technique whilst the bird in question would simply hop a
    little further down the path: Oliver would re-think his tactics, then 
    try stalking again - the bird would continue hopping as though playing
    a game with him. As Oliver became expert, I'm afraid he averaged about
    a bird or mouse a day. We had to receive these repulsive, chewed
    remains with gratitude and a repressed shudder.
    Oliver also got on well (eventually) with our friends' dogs when they
    came to visit. He even allowed my Aunt's dog to stay overnight on
    occasion - something Kayleigh would never had tolerated. It was at that
    time that he started to use his igloo bed - to get away from the
    over-friendly dog.
    Even the neighbours treated Oliver with respect - often greeting him as
    he walked around his territory, almost as though he were a person. We
    all loved him and Mum absolutely idolised him.
    
    The 18th was a day off for me - Mum phoned me at my home (I moved a few
    weeks ago) and, in floods of tears, told me that Oliver had been run
    over by a car outside our house. I could hardly believe it - Oliver had 
    always been such a sensible cat, I never thought he would be killed
    like that. I went round to my mother's house.
    Oliver was lying, almost in State, on his favourite chair, covered with
    the little blanket Mum had crotcheted him for Christmas. Mum was
    breaking her heart over him. She wouldn't believe he was dead and kept
    going over and trying to wake him up. He stayed on the chair until my
    dad came home to take him to the vet to be cremated.
    
    Mum doesn't want another cat - she says she couldn't stand to lose
    another one in the same way and she doesn't believe in keeping a cat
    indoors. I wish there was some way that she could keep one - she's got
    so much love for them.
    
    We all miss Oliver. 

    We are so sorry to hear about Oliver... you and your family
    are in our thoughts and prayers.. I am sure he is in Kittyheaven
    HRH and the rest of our beloved furryones.
    Kate, Happy, Preschie..

    I'm so sorry to hear about your little Oliver.
    
    Perhaps in time your mom will want another and maybe you could suggest
    that an area be built so he could stay out of doors without getting
    out.  We built a cat run ourselves and our three are very happy with
    it plus it does give us peace of mind knowing they are safe.
    
    Giudi
    
    

    As tears are streaming...I just want to send my condolence to
    your whole family.  Oliver sounded very special...but he
    also sounds like he found a special home.  (I never knitted
    my cats a blanket..)
                             
    Over time I hope you can convince your Mum to get another
    furface that she can either keep inside or have a cat
    area built outside.  Your Mum sounds like she has so
    much love to share and there are a million cats out
    there that need that love.  You both sound so special!
    
    Again so sorry...Sandy
    

    We're so sorry to hear about Oliver.
    
    Michele & Nippa

    I am also sad to hear about Oliver's end.  I am sure your mom will feel
    better in a little while and then perhaps you can find her another one!
    Sometimes having a new one can help heal your heart.
    Paw pats,
    Karen, Stinky, Wing, Ruby

    So sorry to hear about Oliver.  Give your mom a little time,
    then sneak her down to the shelter.  Her heart will go out
    to one of those poor homeless babies......A cat run outside
    works great!  I have one, and they get to enjoy the utdoors,
    but are safe from danger.
    
    Lynne & Casey, B.K., Pepper, Rusty & the orange visitor.
    

    We're terribly sorry about Oliver.
    
    Karen, Sweetie, Holly, and Little Bit
    

    
    So Sorry to hear about Oliver.
    
    
    Tracy, Spookie and Murphy 

    I am so sorry to hear about Oliver. 
    
    Lisa plus Pookie, Rolf and Florence.
    

	I am sorry to hear about Oliver, but please be careful about getting 
	another moggie, I share your mums feelings about only wanting moggies
	if they can be outdoors. 
	My cats are outdoor/indoor, and I would never want to be without them,
	but I would rather that, then have to keep them indoors, or in a run.


	Don't rush her, give her time, she may change her mind, but don't
	get her a moggie expecting her to change her mind, she may not.  


	Just think of the two good years that Oliver spent with your mum.


	Heather  

    Oliver's name is the first for the third quarter Silver Lining
    Memorial.  Please tell your mum that Oliver will be comemmorated
    when we make our gift.  (For more details see note 2228)
    
    I lost my first cat the same way your mum lost Oliver.  And she
    was black and white and 2 weeks short of her 2nd birthday.  She
    was also a very special cat.  She was very smart and I couldn't
    believe that she'd gotten hit.  I swore I was never picking another
    pet of mine up off the street like that again.
    
    The cats do really enjoy the outdoors.  Many of mine (current count is
    12) are least trained and I take them outside in the good weather.
    We also have a second story deck that they have access to.  Its a bit
    more work to supervise them outside, but they get to have fun and I
    know they're safe from cars and dogs and all the other dangers.
    
    I hope your mum can find a way to have the best of both worlds -
    freedom for the cat and security that the cat is safe for your mum.
      Nancy DC
    

    So sorry to hear about Oliver. ... It's alway so hard to lose
    a loved one...  
    
    Judie

    
    	So sorry to hear about Oliver
    
    	JJ and the gang of four...
    

    
    So sorry to hear about Oliver.  I lost my Nightmare the same way.  Our
    condolensces and prayers are with you.
    
    Bob, Smoke, & Sneakers
    
    

    Thank you all for your kind and understanding messages. I have printed
    them all out to pass on to Mum. She still misses Oliver badly (we all
    do), but she has accepted it now. It was hard at first - she lives on a
    quiet road and it seemed so unfair that she should lose two cats this
    way. 
    On her behalf, Thankyou again. I know she will appreciate your
    loving, sympathetic notes.
    
    Julie

    julie...
    
    what a touching tribute to oliver.  maybe he only had two years with
    you and your mum, but it sounds like they were great years.
    
    i agree with time your mum will probably find she can't do without a
    beloved furface around.  good luck.
    
    with sympathy,
    
    diane, stanley & stella
    

    I took the mails round last night. Mum cried when she read them all,
    but she was very grateful for your messages of sympathy.
    She has also promised to send a donation to the Silver Lining Fund, so
    I am giving her the address.
    
    Thankyou all.
    
    Julie

    Julie
    
    Oliver sounded such a cute little character.  You managed to make me
    laugh and cry in the same note.  It was a lovely tribute.
    
    Hope your Mum is beginning to get over it a bit now.
    
    All our best wishes,
    
    Karen (and Georgie)