What a week, let me tell you. In addition to our normal hustle and bustle around here - checking cattle, feeding animals, raising kids and peddling beef… we had to say goodbye to one of our beloved pets. Our fur babies are like family and losing one is never easy, no matter the circumstances.
I inherited Goku from a dear friend almost 3 years ago (another post for another day). He was 16 years old when he came to live with us. I’d already loved him for years and thought he was the coolest cat ever! He was a ginger, like me, and we just shared a bond. He would ride in the truck with me, better than some dogs! Jody laughs at me because I talk to our animals and “talk back” for them. I may be a tad crazy but I’m ok with that. Regardless, we had a relationship. I often referred to him as “Grandpaw” because of his age but he ruled the “roost” around here (porch rather). Our other pets quickly learned not to mess with Goku, he could still hold his own. He possessed a sense of grandeur like he was the King, until Jody came around. He knew Jody was the real boss. The rest of us were mere servants, ha. Taylor loved to pick him and carry him all over the place. I would always say, “Don’t pick him up! I’m afraid you’ll hurt him!” as toddlers so often do. But Goku? He didn’t seem to mind. He would follow her around and put up with her picking up, dragging him around and loving on him. I finally gave up my fight and figured he must enjoy the torture. Perhaps it made him feel like a kitten again, who knows. But those two, had a bond as well.
We’re gonna miss him. Every day that I pull into the carport and he doesn’t greet me will tug at my heartstrings for quite sometime I’m sure. I am however grateful to have had this time with him. His presence at our farm has helped me in more ways than I can say. The lump in my throat tells me I should probably stop here as to not become a blubbering cry baby.
I firmly believe that all pets go to Heaven and now that Goku has crossed the rainbow bridge and left his paw prints on my heart, I will cherish his memory forever.
