I’ll be sharing some stories of some cats from the past that may be gone, but still remain in our hearts. I invite you all to share memories of cats that have come through your lives and hearts. Sharing stories is one of the gifts we can share as people. Sharing stories of those who have touched our hearts is a gift we give to ourselves and each other.
Here is one story of a very special cat who touched so many hearts including mine.
It was early May, 2012 and this cat, who’s age was never really known, was simply put as old enough to have seen it all.
Some people go about their days and watch the world go by, yet see very little. Then there are others who, regardless of what they are doing can spot someone in need a mile away. Thank goodness, and thank God, the volunteers of FFRC have that special radar where they sense a cat in need and can pick it out from a distance.
Out for a daily run, Jennifer C, FFRC photographer and volunteer who brings the faces of our beloved cats into our focus spotted what she thought looked like a young black cat off in the distance. Most people wouldn’t have spotted her, some who did might have just kept on running, but not a FFRC volunteer, so Jen slowed down and made her way to the cat, who did not run away.
She spoke softly to the cat, called her husband and said “come pick me up and bring a cat carrier.” Spouses of volunteers know when that call comes, they best be on their way and do as told.
Jen was able to get the cat to come closer to her and picked her up. It was at that moment she realized this was not a kitten, but an adult cat that was little more than skin and bones.
Jen and her husband rushed her to FFRC and Jacci immediately began treating her and bathed her. She weighed less than 5 lbs. Jacci told Jen that it is rare you are able to put your hand around the mid-section of a cat and feel its organs. Neither of them was sure this cat would survive. She was severely dehydrated and much too dehydrated to even be tested. But that wasn’t even a concern at that point. The more immediate concern would be would she make it through the night.
Fluids and care were given and Jacci was able to test later the next day. While the tests were negative, her future was still in doubt as she was fragile, malnourished and still dehydrated. Knowing it was a miracle she was still hanging on, Jen asked Jacci if she could name her Bondi. Bondi is a type of sweat band that Jen wears when running (Bondi Bands) and just as Jen gets strength from her running, she knew this sweet girl needed as much strength as possible to survive.
And survive she did. She spent most of her first few months in Dodgers Pen, using the stairs a web cammer had donated to climb in and out when she wanted. As she gained strength and would make her way around the Center, something became very clear about this old girl; other cats were not to her liking. She would growl and hiss and generally made it clear to all, “get out of my way or you will feel my wrath.” So one day she made her way to the Welcome room, found a heated bed she liked and the transformation in her personality was amazing. She was happy and stress free! She had found her home.
Bondi had good days and bad days. Sometimes she had trouble eating, but through love and compassion she lived the lap of luxury, courtesy of all the volunteers. A caring web cam couple from ‘across the pond’ would send these licking treat things, renamed Bondi Licks, that Bondi loved to lick and lick and lick.
When Jen would come she would always greet her “Bondi girl” and give her a big hug, kisses and lots of love.
She knew it was a miracle for each day Bondi had with us and we know it is a miracle that FFRC exists and all its volunteers have that special “radar” that finds those in need and knows just where to bring them.
Eyes guided by love found her that day in May, 2012. Hands guided by compassion restored her to a place of meaning. And each day since her eyes, her skin, her bones, her whole being had been transformed and then it transcended.
She is now free to run and play and knows no sadness. And years later I do not cry for her, I smile. I smile because I know the path that led her here. I smile because I was blessed to know her , humbled to watch her and graced knowing she was lost and then was found. She was alone and then was engulfed by love.
And know this, sweet Bondi girl; your paw prints have forever left their mark on our hearts and our soul.
On Monday April 15, 2013, our Dear Sweet Bondi girl said her final goodbye. She passed away peacefully while being held. We had her for only a short time, but we witnessed her transform from a barely recognizable cat to a wonderful member of our FFRC family, one who will always be in our hearts. She died the same day two other special cats passed; Orangey, a much loved Barnie and Heaven, a cat we had only a short time but who touched many of us dearly. Bondi also died on a day that we in Boston remember for both tragedy and triumph, much like how our Bondi girl was transformed. It is a day we remember not for the sadness but for the inevitability of perseverance because of love.
Our Bondi girl: We could never forget her, not on this Friday, any Friday or any day.
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