Bobo is who this blog is dedicated to.
There would be no Cat Chat if I hadn't shared my life with Bobo.
My Baby Bobo, I miss you today, I'll miss you tomorrow,
I will miss you until the day we meet again.
It is 6 years ago today that I lost my beloved Bobo, or my "Baby Bobo" as I often called him.
Bobo passed the day after his 18th birthday.
He was my "Soul Kitty".
What is a "Soul Kitty?"
A "Soul Kitty" is a once-in-a- lifetime pet.
A "Soul Kitty" is the yin to our yang.
A "Soul Kitty" is a pet tied more deeply to us than many people in our lives have been, or could ever hope to be. Our fur babies are ALL special but I believe if you think really hard there is just one who stands out from the others.
A "Soul Kitty" is the one whose fur would be dampened by our tears as he snuggled peacefully by our side, just to offer us comfort.
A "Soul Kitty" is the one who makes us laugh til our sides ache, watching his kitty craziness.
A "Soul Kitty" is the one who you swore that " there was no other cat out there quite like him" (isn't it funny how we ALL say that about our cats?)
When Bobo was still a young cat, very much alive and vital, I often played music in the apartment that we shared. There was one song, "Tears In Heaven" by Eric Clapton, that for some reason Bobo particularly liked. Whenever it would come on he would come walking into whatever room I was in. He would rub his head and face against my hand or my leg. He did this so often that I began to call it "Bobo's Love Song" or "The Kitty Love Song" . I used to become sad thinking that one day, even if it WAS many years down the road, my Bobo would no longer be with me. Even with Bobo being so young the thought would bring me to tears. I couldn't imagine not having my "Baby Bobo" in my life. It's been six years since Bobo passed.
I still cant.
 |
| I was upset with Bobo's behavior one day and packed his kitty toys in a bandana |
A "Soul Kitty" is the one who you swore that " there was no other cat out there quite like him" (isn't it funny how we ALL say that about our cats?)
When Bobo was still a young cat, very much alive and vital, I often played music in the apartment that we shared. There was one song, "Tears In Heaven" by Eric Clapton, that for some reason Bobo particularly liked. Whenever it would come on he would come walking into whatever room I was in. He would rub his head and face against my hand or my leg. He did this so often that I began to call it "Bobo's Love Song" or "The Kitty Love Song" . I used to become sad thinking that one day, even if it WAS many years down the road, my Bobo would no longer be with me. Even with Bobo being so young the thought would bring me to tears. I couldn't imagine not having my "Baby Bobo" in my life. It's been six years since Bobo passed.
I still cant.
Such a beautiful tribute to your soul kitty, Bobo! We love that song.
ReplyDeleteYou broke my heart with your lovely tribute. You and Bobo were so lucky to have found each other...it's just never long enough, is it?
ReplyDeleteMelissa, no, it never is
DeleteThat's my favorite Eric Clapton song and I wonder sometimes to myself how he can even bear to sing it.
ReplyDeleteMy Mr. Teeth was my Kitty of a Lifetime and yes, I think he WILL "know my name" when we meet in heaven, as Bobo will know yours.
What a beautiful tribute to a very special kitty and friend. Tears in Heaven is my favorite Clapton song too...the acoustic guitar is so touching, so pure.
ReplyDeletePurrs and hugs to you, Caren. As much as your heart misses Bobo, I can tell it's also filled with love and joy for him.
xo
Purrs to you today. My human thinks about the cat before me every day.
ReplyDeleteYou brought tears to my eyes with your lovely tribute to Bobo. No matter how long our soul kitties have been gone we still miss them so much. My Tasha has been gone five years.
ReplyDeleteA lovely tribute to Bobo.
ReplyDeleteWho knows? Perhaps our late Cinders, also 18 when she passed on, are now meowing her fav music 'The Last Samurai' and Bobo meowing 'Tears in Heaven' entertaining each other at the rainbow bridge. Purrs!
Lovely tribute to your soul kitty Caren. We know you will always remember Bobo. Gone but never forgotten.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
Oh Caren....I SOOO know how sad it is to have an anniversary like this and strangely that same Eric Clapton song is what brings me to tears when I hear it because it reminds me of two of my previous "soul cats"....Charli and Ricky. But it also pulls me back to the present with my Sam because I know that when the day come that he goes to the Bridge there will be more tears in this house. We share our hearts and love with them ALWAYS - and Bobo will always be by your side. I really believe that.
ReplyDeleteLove, Pam
Oh Pam I am so sorry!!!! Sending ((((hugs))))) about Charli and Ricky, and much love
DeleteTHANK YOU ALL for your kind words!! Please don't be upset if I don't answer each one of you individually, I am reading each and every comment and I deeply appreciate them! LOVE TO YOU ALL!
ReplyDeleteCaren - I am so sorry, I know how hard it is today...you and bobo were both so lucky to have had each other, even though the time was cut short. He was your soul kitty and you were his mom. Sending hugs
ReplyDeleteLovely tribute to your soul kitty Bobo <3
ReplyDeleteMy mom LOVE that Clapton song
XOXO
That's such a beautiful tribute to your Bobo. Looppy was my Soul Bunny. It's been 10 years since she passed but I still remember all her funny bunny antics.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet, loving tribute to the love you and Bobo shared. No matter how long... there's just never enough time. Especially with a heart-pet. Sending hugs.
ReplyDeleteThat sure was such a great tribute to your Bobo. Great song too. Big hugs to ya on this sad day but fun to remember all the good times.
ReplyDeletePaw pats to you and your dear Baby. Your name is already known in heaven, I am sure.
ReplyDeleteCaren, we're sending you soft purrs on this sad anniversary. Time eases the intensity of grief, but certainly doesn't "heal."
ReplyDeletePeace.
We are sending purrs on your sad anniversary day - Mum knows exactly how you feel.
ReplyDeleteLuv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
Purrs to you, Miss Caren...
ReplyDeleteGone, but not forgotten...and always loved.
I am so sorry, and I totally understand. It's been 13 years since my soul kitty, Daisy, passed away from cancer, about 6 weeks from her 18th birthday. My heart is still heavy on that anniversary, and on her birthday.
ReplyDeleteI do believe our furbabies will be with us in Heaven though, that is what helps me get through the grief. I remember about a week after Daisy passed, it was very early in the morning, around 5am. I felt something walking on the bed, and I swear it wasn't a dream because I reached out and I could actually feel her fur. I remember feeling very happy at the time, but very calm. I said, "Daisy, you came back", and I sat up so I could pick her up and hold her, but then she was gone. I believe she came to visit me to let me know that she was ok, and that she was well and healthy again.
Ohhhhh that was so beautiful! I am SURE it was your beloved Daisy coming back to let you know that she is ok. Thank you for sharing this most beautiful memory with all of us! xoxo
DeleteThis is just beautiful, and brought tears to my eyes. Hugs to you as you remember your special boy today.
ReplyDeletethank you so much Ingrid....((((hugs)))) back
DeleteWhat a nice tribute to special Bobo
ReplyDeleteSnorts,
Benny & Lily
*sniff* What a beautiful tribute. Not everyone gets to have a soul pet. You're lucky to have had him in your life.
ReplyDeletethank you so much pumpkin. Yes I was truly blessed. He was my only pet for those 18 yrs too which made us even closer
DeleteYou never stop missing them. I hope I see mine again. . . .
ReplyDeleteAll the love in the world going out to you today, Caren... there's nothing quite like the heart- (and soul-) wrenching pain of such loss, mingled with the utter joy of blissful memory. The fact that we experience this over and over again, every year, must be counted as a blessing... for what would we be without that treasured memory? xxxooo
ReplyDeleteTouching tribute. My heart and thoughts are with you, Caren.
ReplyDeleteThat is a lovely tribute, Caren. Austin is mine. I am lucky he found me - but please don't tell him that!! xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much ALL OF YOU for your beautiful and heartfelt comments. Thank you for caring, thank you for making me smile, Bobo is smiling too.
ReplyDeletexoxoxoxo
What a beautiful, touching tribute to your beloved Bobo... It brought tears to my eyes. You are so blessed to have Bobo in your life, he's always with you and will always be. Hugs to you on this very meaningful day.
ReplyDeleteAnnuk thank you so very much! I was truly blessed to have Bobo in my life for sure. (((((hugs))))) back!
DeleteA beautiful tribute to Bobo. They say time heals but the pain never really goes away, it just hides itself waiting to catch us unawares.
ReplyDelete(((hugs))) to you.
thank you so much my friend. Your words are sooooo true! Sending HUGE ((((hugs)))) to you as well
DeleteBless you and the memory, the tribute for your beloved Bobo. Always loved, never forgotten.
ReplyDeleteIn peace and goodwill,
Gary
We remember this post, and love it just as much today as the first time we read it. Thank you for loving Bobo so much, Caren. What a celebration it will be when you see each other once again someday. Hugs!
ReplyDeletethank you so much my dear furiends!!! You made me cry when you said "thank you for loving Bobo so much"....I had rescued him during a blizzard. He was a stray. It was bitter cold and he was hiding under a car (I had seen him 6 hrs earlier but my ex and I were on our way to his parents' and couldn't do anything about it) When we came home I said "Do you think that cat is still there?" and he was. For 2 weeks I drove around looking for signs that someone had lost him (no internet then) and I checked lost and found ads. Never found his owner. I tend to think he was let out or something. He was 6 mos old and was mine for 18 wonderful years!
DeleteBeautiful kitty. Such a heartwarming tribute. I lost my 20yr old soul kitty last year. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteSue B
Thanks so much! I am so deeply sorry about the loss of your baby (((((hugs)))))) Cody sends you kitty kisses too! xxxxxxx
DeleteLovely photos, beautiful words. Never forgotten. Purrs...
ReplyDeleteThis brought tears to our eyes yet again.
ReplyDeleteIt just reminds me of this:
**How do you spell love asked Piglet.
You don't spell it you
feel it answered Pooh.**
~AA Milne
And you certainly felt it with Bobo.
Ohhhh Abby! You always have the most PURRFECT QUOTES!! Ohhhh I sooooooooooo LOVE THAT!
DeleteTHANK YOU!!!
((((hugs)))))) and much love!
Aww how sweet. Bobo was such a handsome looking kitty. I'm sure he's still watching down on you :)
ReplyDeleteThat is so interesting that Bobo loved that song, what fascinating beings they are. This is a beautiful tribute to your beautiful boy. Thinking of you, Caren.
ReplyDeleteI know how much you loved Bobo and it is quite beautiful how you continue to honor his memory. I think we all feel as if we knew him through you and we miss him through your heartfelt words. xoxo
ReplyDeleteDeb thanks so much! That was beautiful! xoxo
DeleteI remember this lovely tribute to your boy. Purrs and hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteThis sweet post really hits home for me. I hope Bobo is welcoming my Gracie to the bridge.
ReplyDeleteI hope Cody is giving you lots of love and consoling purrs.
xxoo
Maggie
Maggie rest assured Bobo is welcoming Gracie ((((hugs)))) I adopted Cody 2 weeks after Bobo passed, I am sure that Bobo sent him to me xoxoxoxo
DeleteSending YOU (((((hugs))))
You were so lucky to have Bobo for the time you did. May he live in your heart forever.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a sadness when friends pass away. We're thinking of you
ReplyDeleteNicky was TW's soul kitty. I don't think I come close. Bobo had a long wonderful life and knew your love.
ReplyDeleteAwww, Caren, your post brought tears to my eyes. I can totally relate to a lot of what you say. Thank you for explaining was a soul kitty is. Carmine is my soul kitty. I love Milita and Jewel to pieces, of course, but the bond I share with Carmine is different. I can't even *think* about him being gone one day or I start crying.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry you lost your soul baby. I very much believe that you will see him again, though I am sure that is little comfort now. :( I am always here if you ever get sad, want to chat, want to share stories about him. He was a very lucky baby to have you as his mommy. <3
Hugs and love,
Sierra
Hi Sierra, Ohhh I am sorry to make you cry :( I completely understand how you feel about Carmine. While I ADORE my Cody, my life situation, the type of cat that he is, etc, is TOTALLY different than how it was when I had my Bobo. Cody isn't dependent on me to the extent that Bobo was. Cody was adopted much younger than Bobo was (I found Bobo as a stray when he was 6 months old) and Cody lived with me from around 10 or 11 wks, totally different!
DeleteYou touched my heart beyond belief! You can talk to me ANY time and feel free to share stores about Carmine with ME as well (and of course Milita and Jewel)
(((((hugs)))) and love back at you!
Caren
This post was so sweet. By reading it I can totally feel the love you had, and will always have for Bobo. Bobo was one lucky kitty to have you. <3 hugs
ReplyDeleteThank you Francesca! I was even luckier to have HIM! ((((hugs))))
DeleteBeautiful Caren,It nearly kills me when its time to say good bye with my first bun Caramel it was unexpected and I was devistated afterwards,with my second bun Thumper I knew it was coming and said my good byes before it happened I was still devistated but not so bad and My cat Smokey was devistating when he left because it was unexpected and now with Speedy I don't even want to think about when the time comes as I know I will feel like I want to die too,but not yet we have some years to go before that moment,xx Rachel
ReplyDeleteOh Rachel, your comment brought tears to my eyes. I remember reading about Caramel and how heart broken you were, I so understand. When it is unexpected it is even worse. Bobo and I were like you and Thumper. Bobo had heart issues for the last two years of his life and I knew that one day in the near future I would have to say my goodbyes. I said them that weekend but for me, it still didn't ease the incredible pain. Yes, don't think about it with precious Speedy, just enjoy every day that you have with him!! Much Love, Caren
DeleteThis is a beautiful post Caren and a wonderful tribute to Bobo. It also reminded me that I have a soul kitty too...long before we had a house filled like we do now with cats and a dog I had my ginger Goofer. He was my first baby back in 1992 and I had 14 wonderful years with him. Never, ever, have I felt such grief and loss when he passed and I didn't think I could EVER love another cat again. Obviously, I could but he will ALWAYS be different. Thank you for sharing your experience and for inspiring me (and I am sure so many others) to remember that a big part of who I am as a pet parent and a blogger was defined by our soul kitty and by that they are always with us!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Amelia! I so understand what you said about "Goofer" (love that name BTW). That is EXACTLY how I felt about Bobo. Thank YOU for your beautiful and heartfelt comment xoxoxo
DeleteWhat a nice tribute Caren.
ReplyDeletemy thoughts are with you during this difficult time..
ReplyDeletepurrs
Mommy loves that song. It makes her cry 'cause the story behind it is so, so sad. We know that BoBo will know you immediately when you two meet again. Mommy's "heart kitty" as she calls her was Thelma. She has loved all the others before us and loves us very much, but Thelma was the "one." She was all black and died at 12 years old of congestive heart failure. You were so lucky to have BoBo for 18 years. Thelma's sister, Louise, lived that long. Thank you for sharing this story as we were not reading a year ago. Purrs and hugs, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Caren. Please don't rush, but I know the very first second you are in Heaven, hand and paw will be joined again. Love and many hugs - Jobi and Fisher
ReplyDeleteLovely tribute! Made me go all teary. Amazing how cats leave their pawprints all over our hearts.
ReplyDelete((((purrs))))
ReplyDelete