'Scooter The Beast': An Obituary
When the cat who was known as Scooter first joined this household, he went by the name of 'Norbert', a horrific name. We first met when he was in an animal shelter. He was picked for his friendly disposition. At first, he was renamed 'Neuter', after his operation. However, rapidly people began to know him as 'Neuter Scooter', due to his propensity to charge around the place at high speed. Eventually, the 'Scooter' part of the name became the one most commonly used. Then, as he grew in size, he began to be known a 'Scooter the Beast'.
Scooter's age was a little uncertain. His official records had his age at around fifteen years, but this was really a guess. When he first arrived he shared his life with a cat called 'Rufus', who survives him. Later, he shared his life with another cat called 'Smokie'. Smokie will inherit all Scooters possessions and cat privileges.
Scooter had a full life. Even though he was an indoor cat, he also loved being outside. In fact, he once managed to catch a mouse, whilst on a leash, no mean feat! When inside, he would happily hunt down any bug, lizard, or other critter when the opportunity arose.
He was also incredibly physically dense and strong. This is how he was able to weigh twenty five pounds, without appearing to be terribly overweight. A good proportion of Scooter's weight came from muscle. Indeed, on one moderately famous occasion, Scooter managed to move a box that weighed forty five pounds, so that he could get at a ball he wished to play with.
Scooter also once had a huge adventure, when he travelled from his old home to his new home. Despite a journey of several thousand miles, he was totally unfazed by the experience.
One of things that Scooter was most interested in was food. When he was a new cat in the household, he would rush manically and have a snack, if he thought anyone was going towards his food. This could have been because at some time he had been schedule fed.
Scooter also had some unusual tastes. In particular, he had a great fondness for Scotch whisky. Whenever anyone had a glass of whisky (preferably with some water) Scooter would always help himself to a 'wee dram', if the opportunity arose.
Perhaps the thing that Scooter will be most remembered for though was his extreme friendliness towards both people and other animals. He would love to put his paws around the necks of humans and give them 'hugs'. He was usually less demonstrative with other animals, but counted amongst his friends at various times, large dogs and even a parrot! He leaves behind a large number of human friends.
It was once said of Scooter that his motto in life was simply "Sleep and food and love and play". This is a fair assessment of a remarkable cat. He was also an excellent friend. In the last moments of his life, despite being almost too weak to move, by a supreme final effort, he managed to crawl from his heated nest on to the bed, so that he could breath his last breath lying next to his closest human friend. He will be sorely missed.
The CP
Scooter's age was a little uncertain. His official records had his age at around fifteen years, but this was really a guess. When he first arrived he shared his life with a cat called 'Rufus', who survives him. Later, he shared his life with another cat called 'Smokie'. Smokie will inherit all Scooters possessions and cat privileges.
Scooter had a full life. Even though he was an indoor cat, he also loved being outside. In fact, he once managed to catch a mouse, whilst on a leash, no mean feat! When inside, he would happily hunt down any bug, lizard, or other critter when the opportunity arose.
He was also incredibly physically dense and strong. This is how he was able to weigh twenty five pounds, without appearing to be terribly overweight. A good proportion of Scooter's weight came from muscle. Indeed, on one moderately famous occasion, Scooter managed to move a box that weighed forty five pounds, so that he could get at a ball he wished to play with.
Scooter also once had a huge adventure, when he travelled from his old home to his new home. Despite a journey of several thousand miles, he was totally unfazed by the experience.
One of things that Scooter was most interested in was food. When he was a new cat in the household, he would rush manically and have a snack, if he thought anyone was going towards his food. This could have been because at some time he had been schedule fed.
Scooter also had some unusual tastes. In particular, he had a great fondness for Scotch whisky. Whenever anyone had a glass of whisky (preferably with some water) Scooter would always help himself to a 'wee dram', if the opportunity arose.
Perhaps the thing that Scooter will be most remembered for though was his extreme friendliness towards both people and other animals. He would love to put his paws around the necks of humans and give them 'hugs'. He was usually less demonstrative with other animals, but counted amongst his friends at various times, large dogs and even a parrot! He leaves behind a large number of human friends.
It was once said of Scooter that his motto in life was simply "Sleep and food and love and play". This is a fair assessment of a remarkable cat. He was also an excellent friend. In the last moments of his life, despite being almost too weak to move, by a supreme final effort, he managed to crawl from his heated nest on to the bed, so that he could breath his last breath lying next to his closest human friend. He will be sorely missed.
The CP
posted by The Combat Philosopher at 8:38 PM
5 Comments:
I'm sorry to hear about Scooter. I wish there were something helpful to say, but words always fail.
/comfort
Bardiac,
Thank you so much for your kind words. The words do not have to be helpful, but saying them is terribly helpful. I appreciate it. As the Bard said, "parting is such a sweet sorrow".
The CP
CP, my heart goes out to you. I, too, have lost beloved kitties who saw me through many life changes with nothing but steady love and companionship, and I know how heartbreaking it is. Thinking of you and wishing you time and space to mourn well and properly. -- Dr. V
CP,
I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of Scooter. I lost a pet rabbit I had for 13 years almost 2 years ago. So I understand it is like a family member passing away. I wish you solace in your loss.
- James
CP,
I am just catching up with your blog -- you are better at communicating with me than the reverse, and I loved your comment on my last piece. Since I don't actually have graduate students, it's hard to think from that perspective.
But back to you -- I am very sorry about Scooter. I have known several people for whom an animal knits together a lot of anxious life changes, and Scooter was clearly the sort of ungenerous fellow whose unflappability was a great contribution to the household. And good for you for knowing, noticing and caring so much about him.
TR
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