Dragonflies & Sunbeams

We have some very devastating and tragic news. Our beloved cat, Snips, has passed away from kidney failure on December 12^th (December 13^h in the Philippines). Toxicology tests were completed, and it was determined that this was not a result of something that he ingested while out on one of his famous “strolls”. This was very sudden (mere hours, likely culminated throughout the night while he was sleeping). He was taken promptly to the vet and was thoroughly medicated. He passed away while sedated, in his sleep. Snips was only 2 and half years old; far too young to have expended his life. We are all incredibly heartbroken.

We are trying to shift from mourning to remembering his special qualities; although, I do not expect that this transition will occur anytime soon. In the meantime, I would like to share some of the characteristics (and antics) that contributed to Snips’ especially unique and lovable personality.

We brought Snips home as a kitten, just shy of 2 months’ old in early July, 2020. He was understandably terrified of his new environment, so tended to stick close to us for the first few days. He especially liked sleeping on my neck and kneading my pyjama tops (gently, as he never woke me up in doing so). It is not shocking that I would arrive as work throughout the week with horrendous allergies that would persist until my antihistamine(s) would take effect. [Side note: yes, I am allergic to cats and dogs – but would never allow an allergy to force me to forego the affection and companionship that cats and dogs provide.] When he wasn’t sleeping on my neck, he could be found wrapped around Natasha’s head or sprawled across Liam’s stomach (but, only if they were sound asleep, of course).

Upon asking Natasha about her fondest memory with Snips, she recalled with a smile the time they spent together watching Mickey Mouse, When Snips was a kitten, she would wrap them both in a blanket and watch cartoons on her tablet with him. He never complained, as he loved her very much and would happily comply with the whims of a 9-year-old girl.

Snips’ loved taking long exploratory walks. In fact, it was not uncommon for him to “escape” in the summer to meet up with neighbourhood cats or to find a nice secluded patch of shrubbery or trees and watch passerby as they carried on with their daily activities. Upon returning, he would “knock” to announce him homecoming by swatting at the latch, resulting in an actual knocking that would alert us of his presence.

Snips enjoyed observing, and would frequently wake up with the sun to assume his perch by the window. Like most cats, he couldn’t resist the allure of a sunbeam, and he would ensure that his daily naps allowed maximum exposure.

There were times that I think Snips considered himself to be a dog. He tended to growl at anyone approaching his cozy little home. (At least until they ventured too close, at which time he would leap under the bed in search of a hiding place.) Believe it or not, Snips also loved belly rubs. He is the only cat I’ve ever met that would tolerate anyone touching their stomach. He would often fall asleep on his back, clearly feeling very safe and secure beside his loving family.

Lastly, I recall a handful of occasions in the summertime, when I would wake to an unrelenting meow next to my bedside. I would shake away the haze of sleep only to find a dragonfly (or on one occasion – 2 dragonflies) attempting to get their bearings on the nearby floor. I will never forget the look of horror on Snips’ face every time I would scoop up the confused insect, before taking them back outside, thereby allowing them to regain their freedom.

Needless to say, many tears have been shed over the past few days. There is never a preferred date/time to lose a cherished pet, but 12 days before Christmas seems to be particularly crushing. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten. He will live on in our hearts forever.