Sweetpea dies at nearly 25 years of age.

Sweetpea’s urn arrived today which signals the end of her physical presence for me. Her spirit and memories I hope will stay with me forever. While the return of her ashes can be considered the end, the beginning started in 2009. I saw a piece on channel 3 news where cats and dogs where brought in from Pets In Need to promote adoptions etc. I had lost a stray cat (Fluffy) to cancer in 2007 that adopted me in 1999 and was considering acquiring another cat. On the Pets In Need website I noticed Sweetpea who looked just like Fluffy. Reading Sweetpea’s bio I noticed she had been in the shelter for over 3 years and felt so sorry for her. Pets In Need had acquired her from the Humane Society of Silicon Valley in 2006. So on October 23, 2009, I went to Pets In Need and saw her perched atop a 7 foot cat tree in a communal room with about 10 other cats. After observing them for about 20 minutes I realized Sweetpea wanted nothing to do with the other cats. She just stayed atop that cat tree looking forlorn. My heart went out to her as I remembered she had been there over 3 years. I decided to take her and hoped to give her a better life. Pets In Need were glad that someone was willing to give her a chance at a normal “cats” life. They were so thankful they waived the adoption fee and gave me a bag of Hills Science cat food and sent us on our way.

Sweetpea’s transition to a normal cat life took time. She hid in a closet the first week coming out to eat after I went to sleep. I got her a 7 foot cat tree as I remembered the one she had at Pets In Need. Slowly but surely she came out of her shell. Enjoying sunbaths and looking at the animal life thru the windows to slowly venturing outside. I don’t know if she had experienced the outdoors in her previous life and it took her a while before she would actually step outside. When she finally did it was a joy to watch her as she sniffed and explored what it had to offer. The look in her eyes was heartwarming as I sensed she truly loved each new sensation. She felt safe in the fenced in backyard and would go out on her own, but would only go out front if I was with her and only after dark. It was as if I am black and no one can see me and I can use my ninja skills in the dark. We went for walks at night around the neighborhood with her always making sure I was nearby. Which was fine by me as I was worried she might not understand cars. Once someone called the cops on us thinking I was a burglar as I always had a flashlight as we explored the neighborhood. I miss her sitting by the front door as it grew dark as I knew she wanted to go out for her nightly walks. It was if she was saying “come on dad lets go out”. Although Sweetpea was not a cuddler she could always make me smile. From running to the top of her cat tree or playing dead fish (as I called it) rolling from side to side and wanting me to rub her belly. She had become a cat again enjoying all that it offered in a safe place she could call home. In 2017 a routine blood test prior to a dental procedure indicated her kidneys were starting to fail. Over the next 6 years she had sub q treatments 3 times a week and continued to live her best life with some ups and downs along the way. It was not till the last year where her outside ventures became less frequent. I think she was starting to feel her age, but she still loved rolling over on her back and side for belly rubs and following the sunbeams.

In October of 2022 on her “gotcha” day, I reached out to Pets In Need to tell them about Sweetpea and that she was 21 years old based on the information I had and her time to cross the rainbow bridge was near. They responded that they had records that indicated she was 23 years and 11 months!!! If they are correct that would make her nearly 25 years old at the time of her passing on August 6, 2023.

I was fortunate to be able to offer Sweetpea a ceremonial ending through A Gentle Rest with Dr. Ken Gorczyca in her home. We reviewed he rich life story on her death bed. She was able to remain comfortably on her bed and we gave her a gentle ending that she deserved.

So goodbye my dear girl. Thank you for all the head bumps, soft tongue licks and company. I am comforted that I gave you a chance to live not only along life, but your best life with all the love and care you deserved. I will miss you dearly “fluffy butt” (especially your soft purrs) but never forget.
-Burt L.