Dearest Sponsors,
I am overcome with sorrow as I stagger through these words. Our beloved Boobalah has passed away.
Although we knew this day was coming, that is “head knowledge.” Our hearts speak their own language. Today, they are speechless with grief. Words fail, and we are left with love, and with one another. All of us at Tabby’s Place are immensely grateful that you are with us.
Since Boo’s diagnosis last month, we knew each day was a fragile gift. This morning, Boobalah quietly made it clear: she was so very tired. When you love someone, you love them all the way past the breaking of your own heart. And so, surrounded by staff and volunteers who adored her, Boo peacefully, gently left this world.
You were there, dear sponsors, as you have been here all along. You were here every time Boobalah basked in kisses, purring at a volume several times her size. You were here as she waddled and sashayed through the Lobby, hips swinging to her own Boo music. You were here in the hands of our staff and vet team, keeping Boo healthy and comfortable through a growing list of diagnoses.
You were here every time Boo gazed into loving eyes and knew she did not just have friends … she had a family who would do anything for her.
She lived at Tabby’s Place just over four years, but we can’t remember a time without her. Rescued from the streets of Trenton, Boo saved each of us more times than we can count, through the sheer force of her sweetness.
Boobalah was always several (waddle-y, wonderful) steps ahead of us. She launched expeditions and adventures into exotic locations, from the stationery closet to the laundry cart.
The record said she had cardiac disease, but, in the most important ways, Boo had the healthiest heart we ever met. She was a favorite at local nursing homes, going from lap to lap on her mission of comfort. In her apple-green eyes, there was no such thing as age or imperfection. Everyone belonged in Boo’s family, no exceptions.
Since her illness, Boo grew quieter, but still found peace and pleasure every day. Staff and volunteers cleared their calendars to prioritize “Boobalah lap time.” Old friends regaled her with affection, treats, and stroller walks to celebrate Boo’s favorite season, springtime. New friends brought fresh happiness.
Chief among those arrivals was Cinderblock, an elephantine new neighbor. Cinderblock adores cats, but the feeling is not always mutual. Yet, even in her difficult days, Boo did not want anyone — feline or otherwise — to feel unloved. She was the only cat who embraced Cinderblock without hesitation. It has been poignant to see the enormous, bashful boy cuddling up with the tiny tabby whose heart was big enough for everyone.
Everyone.
I cannot turn off the tap of my tears, and I know we are all weeping together at this very moment. Dear sponsors, there is comfort in knowing Boobalah had you in her life. You provided for her needs and her joys with selfless generosity. You were devoted to her as your very own cat. You carried and comforted her, and she loved you back with all her might.
I am dreading the first time I stumble into the Lobby and search in vain for our girl. Yet I trust she is still among us, closer than the purr we once held to our hearts. I will see her waddling into the stationery closet for reasons known only to Boobalah. I will see her shining and blissful in the laps of young and old. I will see her welcoming every stranger, feline and otherwise. I will see her inside my own heart, nudging me to be brave and kind.
And I trust, with all my soul, that we will someday see her again, face to face.
Thank you, dear sponsors, for being Boobalah’s devoted family. We are forever connected. She loved you dearly, and she always will.
Your grateful, brokenhearted correspondent,
Angela
Note: Since our beloved Boobalah has passed away, we have transferred your sponsorship to another cat in need: Colonel Peabody (pictured here). We’ve selected this affectionate boy for you because, like Boo, Peabody lives in our Lobby, is incontinent, and adores everyone he meets. He knew Boobalah well, and he is honored for you to join his family.
You can read about Peabody here, and look forward to receiving your first update on him in April.
If you prefer, you can select a different Advanced Needs cat to sponsor. Click here to meet all our Advanced Needs cats, and contact us by email if you’d like to transfer your sponsorship. Otherwise, you will receive updates on Moo Moo each month going forward. As always, your generous support will go where it’s most needed.
Thank you for your love and beautiful generosity to Boobalah. The Tabby’s Place cats are deeply blessed to have you in their lives.