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Amidst the Sadness, a Moment of Pure Bliss

Wed, 2011-01-12 11:02 — Robin Olson

I don't know if the cats realize that Bob is sick with lymphoma. Nor do I know if Bob has become more needy towards us and some of the other cats because he's not feeling well.

Last night Bob climbed into a cat bed next to Nora. She turned on her side and casually rested her back leg over Bob's belly. They napped together for awhile, but every time I get up, Bob follows me to see if he can get another snack (the answer is usually, yes).

But something unusual happened next. Bob went back to the cat bed, which was now empty. A few moments later, Blitzen climbed into the cat bed next to him. Blitzen has NEVER done this before with ANY of the cats.

Bob and Blitzen Snuggle.jpg
©2011 Robin A.F. Olson. Bob and Blitzen share a snuggle.

Blitzen began to groom Bob's back. Bob settled down, not protesting a bit. I thought about Blitzen getting ringworm, but it's too late to worry about that. Blitzen seemed to want to comfort Bob. He snuggled in close, eventually “spooning” with old Bob. As I watched them cuddle, everything suddenly felt right with the world. Bob didn't have cancer any more and I finally had cats that liked each other enough to sleep cuddled together. Even though the moment didn't last for hours, that it happened at all and I got to see it...well, that's enough for me.

Bob and Blitzen.jpg
©2011 Robin A.F. Olson. The old man and the new kid in town.

It was also the first time I've seen Bob really close his eyes and sleep in months.

Sweet dreams, boys. Sweet dreams.

CICH Content Categories: 
Bob Dole
Cute Photo
Who Knew?
Blitzen

Comments

Wed, 2011-01-12 11:16 — ZoeEmEffGee

That's so sweet! I do think they know something isn't right. Maybe Bob told them he's not feeling well....

Hopefully Blitzen doesn't catch ringworm for his kindness!

Wed, 2011-01-12 11:18 — emcoll (not verified)

I just lost my 15 almost 16 year old cat after a 2 year battle with cardiomyopathy....I have a new little one (9 months old) and my 7 year old is not pleased! I love this story. Cats truly are a reflection of emotions and love. Best wishes for Bob and you to get through these times of stress and sadness!

Wed, 2011-01-12 11:22 — Catnonymouse (not verified)

This is so sweet. Im glad the others are caring for him. He needs that. My Storm had Lymphoma.

Wed, 2011-01-12 11:51 — Fiona Williams (not verified)

They definitely know when someone isn't feeling well. Years ago, when my 21 year old white cat was dying (he went peacefully at home), our Maltese knew something was wrong, and spent his time cuddled up beside him while he passed on my lap. And this in spite of the fact that our old timer had bullied him unmercifully when he was licking a rambunctious puppy into shape.

Wed, 2011-01-12 12:05 — Sammy

Very sweet. I'm sure Blitz knows, and decided to go cuddle with Grandpa Bob now that he doesn't feel like a run around with him.

Wed, 2011-01-12 12:22 — Canidae Pet Blo... (not verified)

Sweet dreams indeed! I really hope this tender moment can be repeated, as I'm sure it does Bob good to feel loved by Blitzen.

Wed, 2011-01-12 12:58 — Weetzie's (not verified)

Aww, this made me tear up. I'm so glad you got to see this - and then share it with us.

Wed, 2011-01-12 13:00 — Weetzie's (not verified)

Aww, this made me tear up. I'm so glad you got to see this - and then share it with us.

Wed, 2011-01-12 13:31 — Catnonymouse (not verified)

This is so sweet and the reason why I love cats so much. Cats are so intuitive. Bob is so loved!

Wed, 2011-01-12 13:59 — Debrabby (not verified)

This brought me to tears.
I am really pulling for Bob.

Wed, 2011-01-12 15:19 — Marg (not verified)

That is such a wonderful picture. I really feel like animals know when someone else is sick .I know I have a cat that will come and comfort me when I have had a bad day and all the other times she doesn't want anything to do with me.Fantastic picture. So glad you got to see that.

Wed, 2011-01-12 16:10 — Stephanie (not verified)

Maybe they are beginning a love affair. You never know!

But on a more serious note, I think that cats are very in tune with health and the changes in it that can occur. My cats ALWAYS sleep with me all day when I'm in bed sick. They definitely know something is different. So I'm sure they sense that he may be weakening and slowing down.

Wed, 2011-01-12 16:21 — kathy La Hay (not verified)

That is such a wonderful picture of the Blitzen and Bob. What a sweetheart to do that for Bob.

Wed, 2011-01-12 19:23 — Pam (not verified)

Amazing how a moment in time like that erases hours of sadness! What a loving younger brother!

Thu, 2011-01-13 12:45 — Shelli

I'm all verklempt.

Kiss those little keppes for me!

Thu, 2011-01-13 12:55 — pengubear

Blitzen had a good mommy to bring him up right and he's making sure his "old man" is loved and warm. That is so sweet. =) My middle cat has begun doing the same thing with my "old man". It warms your heart and stays your sadness, at least for a while. Take care.

Thu, 2011-01-13 16:52 — Amy and The Hou...

This made me think back to when Floyd was sick and to try and remember - did the other cats change their behavior towards him. I want to say they did - they were always snuggly-ish but were more so once he was sick. I am sure they know something is going on, something is different, even if they don't know what it is. It is good that they are being sweet to him and snuggling with him when he needs it. Hopefully the Ringworm won't spread to Blitzen but if it does well, maybe he knew and just decided it was worth the risk for him to make Bob feel good.

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