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The story of a kitten named Spooky!

In Memory of Spooky...

Ever since I was a kid, I had a fondness for stray dogs and cats. Unfortunately, my mom saw things somewhat differently every time I tried to adopt a stray that just happened to "follow me home." But she always managed to find something to feed them. I still have the same deep-seated "soft spot" for pets in need of a home.

This story (and reason for this blog) reaches down into that same "soft spot." It was inspired by and is a tribute to a very special rescue-kitty named Spooky. Sadly, Spooky's life was cut much too short by an unfortunate and unexpected tragedy--at the Vets of all places. But, I don't want to get too far ahead of my story. So, rather than beginning at the end of Spooky's short but memorable life, I would like to start at the beginning.



First photos of Spooky
Precious and Irresistable!







I first spotted this cute little guy last October. He was part of a litter of four of the cutest kittens who showed up out of no where: two black males (one of whom was Spooky), a darling female tabby; and a somewhat shy female tortoiseshell (tortie).

The story begins one early afternoon, when my two cats became very excited while staring out of our big picture window. When I went to check to see what all the excitement was about, much to my surprise, I spotted a tiny, black kitten cautiously venturing onto the front patio; shortly after, a second kitten emerged, and then there were four. And then, along came mommy setting down in the front planter for their afternoon feeding (photo). "Wow!" I thought, "Where did they come from?"



Dinah feeding her kittens
(our first view of litter)



We could only wonder how this feline family ended up in our yard. Several weeks later we learned that Spooky and his siblings were born in a neighbor's garage about half a block away. Searching through our cat books, we learned that mommy cats frequently move their litter shortly after birth, one kitten at a time. Apparently, an abandoned skunk den tucked snugly behind the front fence in a very quiet corner of our yard, appealed to her as a safe refuge for her new babies. We, sadly, learned later, that barely 1 1/2 years old herself, this was her second litter in less than a year.

Our yard, with an abundance of shrubbery, tends to attract a variety of nocturnal visitors including skunks. The previous den-inhabitants were two cute baby skunks (kits) that we named "Pepe'" and "Chanel" Le Pew. We got a lot of enjoyment watching them as they ventured out of their den each day to wrestle and play, similar to how kittens play. It's amazing how they ignored our coming and going in the yard, not once exhibiting even the slightest defensive posture--whew! -- no PU! When my wife Sharon watered the plants, Pepe' or Chanel would amble by, and on one occasion brushed up against Sharon's leg without even a hint of alarm or concern on its part. Of course, all Sharon had for defense was a garden hose, whereas, Pepe' (or Chanel) had the advantage of a very noxious weapon--fortunately, it was one that he or she never used.



Backyard: Kitty nursery!



Mason (Smokey #1) and
Tiffany (Tabby)
enjoying an afternoon nap

Spooky's siblings: Mason, Tiffany and Princess 

 

Torti (Princess) and Tabby (Tiffany)
enjoying an afternoon nap

The den's location proved to be an ideal spot for mommy cat to tend to her kittens. It was hollowed out beneath a stack of spare, Spanish roof tiles, which served as a canopy against inclement weather. We were getting plenty of rain at the time, so we provided another level of cover--a large patio umbrella, and a well padded box, along with a litter box (which they used) and eventually food dishes to supplement mommy's nursing. It was fun watching them grow, play, take their afternoon naps (photos), and explore their surroundings, venturing farther and farther each day. We learned after several weeks that mommy cat's name was Dinah, and that she belonged to a neighbor up the street from us, but she was strictly an outdoor cat that lived in their garage, when she wasn't rooming the neighborhood.



Mommy cat: Dinah

As we watched the kittens grow, we became increasingly fond of them. Even at such a young age, they had their own distinctive personalities and mannerisms! There was something special about these little guys. Posting their availability on Facebook and sending emails to almost every one I knew, one of the black ones, who we called Smokey #1, later named Mason, and the tabby, later named Tiffany, were adopted together and are still inseparable companions. Next up for adoption was the torti, who left for her new home about a week later--a birthday gift for an eleven year old girl who named her Princess. That left Smokey #2 as the remaining kitty--who was later given the name Spooky. We were glad to see the others adopted into loving homes, but nevertheless, we missed them. Our hearts went out to Spooky as he cried each night indicating how much he missed his siblings. We took turns comforting him, developing a strong bond as we held him. It was a wonderful feeling knowing that all four kittens adapted well to their new homes and families.

 After Spooky left for his new home, Dinah still came around each evening in search of her babies, crying for them--actually more like chirping--as she searched the yard. It really tugged at my heart. Well, even though the kittens are gone, Dinah continues to visit us each day (photo), which we actually enjoy. She's a sweet girl. Unfortunately, she is "with child" yet again, but that's another story. The daddy is a big, orange tabby, another regular visitor, who we call Puddy.

 

It was close to Halloween when Spooky went to his new home, so, what better name for a black kitten at Halloween, than "Spooky!" It wasn't long before Spooky's new family decided to get him a companion, so they adopted a little sister, a beautiful black and white kitten that they name Nala (from Lion King). They said it was a perfect match with the two kittens forming an instant bond (photo).


Adopted sister, Nala, upon arrival
at her new home



Spooky with Nala;
instant friends!



The time came for Spooky to be neutered--which should have been a very routine procedure. But what happened instead was tragic and totally unexpected. Spooky had a reaction from the anesthesia and died on the operating table, leaving his family in total shock and disbelief. You think the Vet would have anticipated the possibility and taken precautions to prevent it. The sad news hit me pretty hard also, because of our fondness for him being the last one to be adopted. Pet owners understand that a cat isn't just a cat, or a dog just a dog. They are unique and beloved members of our family. When a pet owner goes through such a loss, it is very real. Spooky will remain in the hearts of the Olmo family, and they will feel his loss in a very real way and so will Nala--who, I am told, continues to search from room to room for her companion, Spooky. My heart goes out to all of them, just as I'm sure yours does too.

Spooky and Nala--inseparable friends

Last photo of Spooky

I recently read two books by pastors that provided insight into what happens to our pets after death. Have you lost a pet? Have you wondered if they have a soul, and if so, what happens to them after they die? Most of us hate to use the word "die" because it seems so final. But, I have hope for lost pets. If you would like to have such hope, visit my other blog at http://www.johnatcpc.blogspot.com/

To share your own experiences on this blog, just click on the comment link below and a comment box will open.

Our experience with pets, more recently with cats (I grew up with dogs), has been a joy. Our beloved, Sasha who passed away in Oct. 2010 at age 11 was very special, a buddy actually. It was her sudden death that brought Cosmo, a male tabby--Maine Coon mix--into our family and lives; followed by Mitzi, a female tortoiseshell (torti).    

My precious, Sasha, not to be forgotten and sorely missed.



My buddy, Mr. Cosmo

Our very sweet, Miss Mitzi

































Is there life after death for our pets? 


Does God love our animals? 

Why is Jesus depicted holding a lamb?
The lamb represents His lost children--us--but ,
can it also represent pets?

Can we learn anything from the Bible? Did God create them as reported in Genesis Chapter 1, only to disregard them afterwards? 

That thought has bothered me for years, and I read a couple of books that were reassuring and decided to study it myself. So, this post is especially for pet lovers. Since the destiny of animals isn't clearly stated in the Bible, are we forced to set it aside as a mystery and forget about it? Most will. But, in setting it aside, we need to consider that the Bible is about man's need for a Savior and redemption. Animals did not break the covenant with God, man did, but they suffered the consequences of man's sin and the Fall. Since the faith of animals isn't covered in the Bible, I can't give you a biblical argument, but, I am certain that seeking comfort in the nature of God, whose attributes are clearly biblical is perfectly alright. But, the Bible does tell us that God will create a new heaven and new earth (ref: www.johnatcpc.blogspot.com). 

If we are going to look at God's creation and the new earth, based on what the Bible tells us about God, I don't see how we can just ignore His other creatures. Again, as a pet lover, I feel compelled to explore this matter further. Animals were part of God’s original creation. As such, I can't believe that we love our pets more than God loves them--they are HIS creatures on loan to us. The picture of Jesus holding the lamb speaks volumes about Him. This is not being presented as a matter of theology to be disputed. But as a matter of opinion drawn from what the Bible does tell us about God's nature, His loving character, and His original creation and expression of satisfaction over His entire creation. Each reader will draw his or her own conclusion, some will continue to ignore it, while others will draw comfort from it. May the Lord guide your heart accordingly and to His glory.

Many people have wondered, myself included, will God also resurrect and restore animals, especially our pets, as part of the new earth? I think we can be certain, since the Bible clearly states it as such, that God loves His entire creation as described in Genesis 1 & 2, and all its creatures more than we could ever love them. I believe the answer can be found in God’s words in Genesis chapter 1, regarding His creation: He deemed it as not just “good” but “very good” which of course, includes the animals. Especially when we live with these creatures, we understand first hand that very good does apply to them--each one having its own distinct personality. If we accept that the Fall of Adam and Eve lead to "death," than we also need to remember that man was destined to live forever prior to the Fall, and animals were destined to live alongside of and as a companion to man. Adam and Eve had a garden to provide food. There is no indication that animals served as food there in the garden. If God gave up on that part of His plan, then we may wonder: Did Satan foil or derail a portion of God’s original plan? Would ruling out part of His original creation lead some to question God’s immutability—regarding being unchangeable? I personally place my trust in God's unchanging and enduring love.

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We are told in Romans 8:20-21: For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. NIV

The destiny of animals is a study in itself; one that may raise more questions than it does answers, but nevertheless, they certainly are caught in the same bondage and decay as we are, as noted in Romans 8. We will never know for sure the eternal destiny of animals, because the Bible doesn't specifically answer that question, other than to describe all of God's original creation (which of course, included animals) as being very good. I think we need to trust God's infinite and unquestionable love in this matter. And, I am very comfortable doing so. So, let me close with my own conclusion on the matter of animals: God loves them and they suffered from the Fall through no fault of their own, and--being sinless--they still suffer the consequences of man's sin. Will God comfort them as well? I am convinced that God's final plan includes animals, and our pets. Praise be to God and His infinite love! As I write this, I can't help but think about the animal sacrifices offered to God on behalf of man. Their sacrifice is due to man's sin not their own. So, is there a special reward for them? Will they populate the new earth? Humm? I believe so.