Challenge

Cheeps…

March 8, 2024 /

Might Have Heard Him On a Teaching Video…

When a younger cat, he used to go around just making cheeping sounds to himself, thus the name. As he got older, he lost his hearing and the cheeping sounds got very, very loud.

And he liked to make sure everyone knew when he arrived at a certain location in the condo.

Some of you who have been reading this daily blog long enough remember when I made the run from Lincoln City, Oregon to Sacramento, California and back to rescue him from a hoarding situation. For years he was our indoor feral. Then when we moved to Vegas he started liking people a little bit more.

Somewhere between 12 and 15 years of age, he was a very long-lived pure-blood red-point Birman. My heart cat, Walter, was also a pure-bred red-point Birman we rescued. We had four years with Walter and nine years with Cheeps. I would love to find another Birman, but the odds are almost impossible since we only rescue cats.

So read Kris’s post on Facebook for more information. But here, on this blog #4,300 or so without missing, just thought I would honor one of the great cats who filled up my life for nine years.

No need to respond to this. Kris and I are dealing with it fine, although we miss him and the place seems empty. Tonight I just wanted another couple pictures of the great Cheeps on this blog is all.

First picture a recent picture. Second one from 9 years ago.

13 Comments

  • Harvey Stanbrough

    March 8, 2024 at 1:40 am

    Very sorry to hear this Dean. My little daughter cat died in my arms on April 11, 2023 and I’m still grieving. She slept on my left arm every night for 12 years. She was the truest love I’ve known.

  • Bonnie

    March 8, 2024 at 10:40 am

    I am very sorry. I think many people who follow you and Kris will miss Cheeps and his delightful presence on your blog and on Facebook. He was a cat of great personality.

  • Kat Faitour

    March 8, 2024 at 12:00 pm

    Hi Dean,

    Cat lover here. I know you said there was no need to respond, but I’d like to offer my sincere condolences all the same. My husband and I are cat lovers (no kids) and we know exactly how much light and love and especially laughter they bring. I am deeply sorry.

    An excerpt from Mary Oliver’s “In Blackwater Woods” comforts me and I can only hope it might offer some to you and Kris as well:

    To live in this world
    you must be able
    to do three things:
    to love what is mortal;
    to hold it
    against your bones knowing
    your own life depends on it;
    and, when the time comes to let it go,
    to let it go.

    Much love to you both.

  • Michelle

    March 8, 2024 at 1:52 pm

    So sorry to hear this, Dean and Kris. Hope you are holding up well. Lost my 16yo shadowpuppy on 6 January this year. Still find myself leaving a piece of toast crust for him every so often.

  • Sheila

    March 11, 2024 at 7:42 am

    Aw, so sorry. Maybe the Universe will steer another of that breed to your hearts.

    When I first started reading your blog, you talked about your cats, and I came to expect to read about Walter in every post. I have cats, semi-wild outdoor ones, so I understood your love for your rescues.

  • Kate Pavelle

    March 11, 2024 at 9:03 am

    I am sorry to hear Cheeps passed on. My sincere condolences to you and Kris, and to the other cats as well. I am glad you adopted him, he won the lottery with you.