My Buddy Ray

wvcatguy

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In 2005, I discovered a liter of kittens in an abandoned building near my house. With the help of my awesome mother, we caught them & eventually, they all found homes. I ended up keeping one. There were three kittens but originally, I thought there were four.

After close to a year, this black cat shows up. Looks just like the kitten I adopted so I figured he might be the lost brother. I jokingly named him Ray after the outcast Ewing brother on "Dallas". I probably shared too much info there. I fed Ray everyday but was never able to catch him. We would have freezing winters & all I could do was offer Ray a heated shelter to stay in. Once, he was so cold, I was able to pick him up & bring him inside. He was nearly gone. He stayed in a few days & snuck past me one day & went outside. I felt good that I probably saved him though.

He showed up for his meals regularly until a winter about three years ago. It was again very cold but after a lot of pleading, Ray came inside on his own! Amazingly, he adjusted very quickly. He always went to the liter & interacted with the other cats well. In fact, he seemed to enjoy their company. The cat that I believed to be his sister always licked him & he so enjoyed that! He was the most affectionate cat I'd ever had. I think he was on my lap every night. Just a tremendously sweet cat who appreciated having a home. He appreciated lying on the couch & being able to close his eyes without fear. That this fierce alley cat would wrap his arms around my neck & purr was something I was very proud of. It's really a good story I think.

I lost Ray tonight. Living outside for so many years, I was never certain about his health. He always seemed to have trouble eating dry food & occasionally swallowed with effort. I never took him to the vet because he could be a bit wild but I was planning to take him tomorrow. He'd lost weight & wasn't eating. I believe he suffered from cat stomatitis, a periodontal disease. I could be wrong but he had all the symptoms. Unfortunately, he had weakened so much that he didn't make it until tomorrow. I'm very very grateful he's no longer in pain though.

It's a sad end but I thought it was a nice story overall. I picture him with the other cats he knew from his days on the streets and telling them "I had a home! I had people that loved me!" He had quite a journey. I'm so going to miss Ray. He was a good friend.
 

catwoman707

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I had just read your other thread about Ray, and his skin issue, I am so sorry for your loss, how terribly sad for you.

Know you gave him love, and safety, a home, warmth and food, and he felt he belonged, so many never get to know that feeling.

You did your best for him, and he thanked you with companionship.

RIP sweet boy, your body gave out before it's time, but your spirit is free and will live on, no pain, just endless blue skies and fields of green grass, chase bugs and birds, bask in the sunshine, all good now.  
 Surely you will be missed.
 
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wvcatguy

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Thank you very much.
 

di and bob

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Ray found in you the one thing he wanted more then anything in the world, someone to love and care about him. I'm so sorry you lost him, but you gave him nearly 10 years of love and for that I pray you are blessed for your kind heart. Our homes and our hearts seem so empty when they leave us, it takes a long time to mend a broken heart. You made him so happy I hope you can celebrate what you shared and not dwell on the end, as he would surely want. He came to you for help, and he joined your family gladly, the memories you  have of him will comfort you in your time of sadness. Please accept my condolences, and thank you for letting us know of this sweet boy so that we may mourn his passing as is only right.  Take care......RIP beautiful Ray, you were a true friend and a wonderful addition to a family that will forever hold you dear in loving hearts!
 
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wvcatguy

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What beautiful words. Thank you very much.

I've taken in small kittens & former house cats but never an adult cat that had never been touched. He was quite a project. I remember dozing off with him on the couch & being afraid he'd see my eyes move & take a swing at me! It took time but I got to where I relaxed with him & he trusted me. I'm proud of that.
 

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You should be proud of gaining his trust like that - not everyone could've done that. He was lucky to have met a kind human who took the time to gain his trust and give him a decent home.
RIP Ray. :rbheart:
 

ruthm

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I'm so sorry it was Ray's time to cross; but I just wanted to say, Bless your heart for taking in  him out of the cold and providing him with food and shelter like that. I have no doubt in my mind he recognized your kind spirit and loved you for it.  And I agree with Pushy Lady, it takes a special person to gain the trust of a stray. You might like this book called, My Cat Saved My Life- Ray's story somehow reminds me of the main character.

Fly Free Sweet Ray and land softly- You were so loved!
 

kittens mom

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There were feral cats I cared for so deeply and hated that I couldn't find them a home or bring them in. The love of a feral is special.  The worst days were when one was missing. I am so glad Tony had a house and a human in his life.
 

riley1

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I am so sorry for your loss of Ray.  It is good that you got him to come in from the cold. Now he will never be cold or sick.  He is probably on the other side telling his friends how loved he was.
 
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wvcatguy

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Thanks to everyone for the kind thoughts. It means a lot. I'm glad I came here. It definitely helped. [emoji]9786[/emoji]️
 

zed xyzed

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What a beautiful cat, I am so sorry you lost him. I hope you find some comfort in knowing that his last few years were with a family that loved him and that he felt safe. RIP Ray
 

margd

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This is such a sweet tribute. I teared up at the idea of Ray bounding about happily telling his old friends that he had a home. That is such a huge thing and you made that happen. I'm sorry he left you so soon - we never have long enough. RIP dear Ray [emoji]10084[/emoji]️[emoji]127752[/emoji][emoji]10084[/emoji]️
 

nurseangel

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I'm so sorry for your loss.  You made all the difference in the world in Ray's life.  I'm glad he found a friend like you.
 
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