Bart, the best cat that ever lived, was born in about September 1998 and died of kidney failure April 25, 2013, at Useless Bay Animal Clinic in Freeland, Washington, at age 14-1/2.
He was an exceptionally loving animal, always happier to be with his people than alone. He gave his love most generously to those he lived with, expressing it with licks, nose rubs, head butts and constant companionship. Bart was always an amiable family member, amusing us with his many quirks. He was sweet-natured and gentle -- except if you were a chipmunk. Then he'd chew your head off.
Bart came into the life of Jo Marie and her family when a day-long search for an orange tabby failed and they settled for this medium-haired, odd-looking tuxedo cat with a white ruff, paws and a spot on his upper lip. But they soon attached to the shelter kitten -- especially Jo.
His early life on Whidbey Island was filled with adventure. He routinely ran 50 feet up the giant Douglas firs in the family's Langley yard, then cautiously found his way down. He enjoyed sneaking up on their late golden retriever, Max, then jumping onto her back, running the length of her body and springing off her head, while Max had no clue what was happening. In apparent retaliation, Max would drag Bart around the yard, gripping his entire head in her jaws but never hurting him. (Please see Images page.)
Bart brought home gifts of birds, voles and mice. He once knocked a hummingbird out of the air with a single swipe of his paw. He wandered far and wide.
As a kitten, Bart delighted in leaping up to Jo's work table and savaging the fabrics she was sewing or cutting. In later years he took to merely insisting on sitting on them. He wanted to be wherever the action was, usually doing his best to interfere with it. He was Jo's dance partner and confidante during some difficult times. Jo found Bart the most personable of all the cats she has known.
Dan initially disliked Bart because he bit his toe at one of their first meetings. But after a time, he came to adore Bart as he had no other animal. Shut away in the basement at night for Jo and Dan's first two years together, Bart eventually made his way onto their bed at night, and then into it. His presence at night was always comforting and touching.
"A loved child has many names," according to a Scandinavian saying. We had scores of nicknames for Bart, and Dan modified many popular songs to make them for or about Bart. A blog containing those songs and the life lessons learned from Bart ("Hours sniffing plants is the feline equivalent of going on Facebook") was considered and, fortuitously, rejected. Still, there were many such lessons to be had.
Bart lived in Shoreline for several years while Jo and Dan, his foster-dad, worked in Seattle. Then he moved back to his original home, on Whidbey. Out of concern for wildlife, and to protect him from birds of prey, coyotes and wild dogs, he was allowed outside only when leashed. He eventually came to understand some voice commands, so that a leash became unnecessary. He was never allowed to run free again but still delighted in long walks, climbing trees and onto roofs, and lolling in the sunshine.
In about 2006, Bart was diagnosed with kidney disease. From then on, Jo and Dan administered lactated Ringer's solution subcutaneously several times a week to help prolong his life. Bart submitted gracefully to these indignities, which could only postpone the inevitable. He lived much longer than he might have without that care but over time grew more feeble and lost weight as his kidneys failed to absorb nutrients from his food. In time he stopped eating altogether and became too weak to move. His quality of life declined so greatly that we chose to have him euthanized.
Some people don't realize that love for an animal can be just as intense as love for a person -- perhaps even more so. Our love for Bart, and his for us, was strong. We wish everyone in the world could have an experience as wonderful as knowing this animal.
Contributions in Bart's memory, to advance the welfare of cats and dogs, may be made to Whidbey Animals' Improvement Foundation (http://www.waifanimals.org/).
Thank you, Bart, for the many years of love and happiness we shared. We will not forget you.
Jo Marie and Dan Richman
5039 View Road
Langley, Washington 98260
360-221-6216
He was an exceptionally loving animal, always happier to be with his people than alone. He gave his love most generously to those he lived with, expressing it with licks, nose rubs, head butts and constant companionship. Bart was always an amiable family member, amusing us with his many quirks. He was sweet-natured and gentle -- except if you were a chipmunk. Then he'd chew your head off.
Bart came into the life of Jo Marie and her family when a day-long search for an orange tabby failed and they settled for this medium-haired, odd-looking tuxedo cat with a white ruff, paws and a spot on his upper lip. But they soon attached to the shelter kitten -- especially Jo.
His early life on Whidbey Island was filled with adventure. He routinely ran 50 feet up the giant Douglas firs in the family's Langley yard, then cautiously found his way down. He enjoyed sneaking up on their late golden retriever, Max, then jumping onto her back, running the length of her body and springing off her head, while Max had no clue what was happening. In apparent retaliation, Max would drag Bart around the yard, gripping his entire head in her jaws but never hurting him. (Please see Images page.)
Bart brought home gifts of birds, voles and mice. He once knocked a hummingbird out of the air with a single swipe of his paw. He wandered far and wide.
As a kitten, Bart delighted in leaping up to Jo's work table and savaging the fabrics she was sewing or cutting. In later years he took to merely insisting on sitting on them. He wanted to be wherever the action was, usually doing his best to interfere with it. He was Jo's dance partner and confidante during some difficult times. Jo found Bart the most personable of all the cats she has known.
Dan initially disliked Bart because he bit his toe at one of their first meetings. But after a time, he came to adore Bart as he had no other animal. Shut away in the basement at night for Jo and Dan's first two years together, Bart eventually made his way onto their bed at night, and then into it. His presence at night was always comforting and touching.
"A loved child has many names," according to a Scandinavian saying. We had scores of nicknames for Bart, and Dan modified many popular songs to make them for or about Bart. A blog containing those songs and the life lessons learned from Bart ("Hours sniffing plants is the feline equivalent of going on Facebook") was considered and, fortuitously, rejected. Still, there were many such lessons to be had.
Bart lived in Shoreline for several years while Jo and Dan, his foster-dad, worked in Seattle. Then he moved back to his original home, on Whidbey. Out of concern for wildlife, and to protect him from birds of prey, coyotes and wild dogs, he was allowed outside only when leashed. He eventually came to understand some voice commands, so that a leash became unnecessary. He was never allowed to run free again but still delighted in long walks, climbing trees and onto roofs, and lolling in the sunshine.
In about 2006, Bart was diagnosed with kidney disease. From then on, Jo and Dan administered lactated Ringer's solution subcutaneously several times a week to help prolong his life. Bart submitted gracefully to these indignities, which could only postpone the inevitable. He lived much longer than he might have without that care but over time grew more feeble and lost weight as his kidneys failed to absorb nutrients from his food. In time he stopped eating altogether and became too weak to move. His quality of life declined so greatly that we chose to have him euthanized.
Some people don't realize that love for an animal can be just as intense as love for a person -- perhaps even more so. Our love for Bart, and his for us, was strong. We wish everyone in the world could have an experience as wonderful as knowing this animal.
Contributions in Bart's memory, to advance the welfare of cats and dogs, may be made to Whidbey Animals' Improvement Foundation (http://www.waifanimals.org/).
Thank you, Bart, for the many years of love and happiness we shared. We will not forget you.
Jo Marie and Dan Richman
5039 View Road
Langley, Washington 98260
360-221-6216