Mouse is gray with pink ears. Like the rabbit in Margery Williams’ book The Velvetine Rabbit, Mouse shows evidence of having been loved- - a lot. His gray fur is rumpled, his pink ears have been chewed with one almost chewed close to his head, and he is missing one black whisker. All of these signs are due to numerous lickings and chewings by my cats.
Mouse was first the beloved toy of Paris, my handsome indoor/outdoor black tomcat. This was years ago, and Mouse still contained a tummy full of catnip. Mouse was Paris’ boon companion for 15 years until Paris succumbed to diabetes. Mouse was then placed inside a drawer along with a card with Paris’ paw print as a reminder of my much-loved and much-missed feline companion.
Mouse remained in the drawer four years. Although eager to resume his purpose as “boon companion” and favorite chew-cuddle toy, Mouse was not given that chance since I could not let go of something that reminded me of Paris. But I did let Mouse out when I acquired a rescue kitten. Very reluctantly and very slowly, Mouse was introduced to Sprite, a vivacious gray female tabby kitten. They only played together during severe winter weather when Sprite was allowed indoors. When the weather cleared and Sprite resumed her outdoor lifestyle, Mouse was placed again in the drawer.
After another year had passed, I acquired another rescue kitten, an orange tabby tomcat. It took many months before my two outdoor female cats tolerated and played with Geordie. Then we had a visit to the Vet, who slightly altered Geordie’s appearance and hormone production so he would be less inclined to roam. During his recovery indoors, Geordie was introduced to Mouse. Over several days, one of Mouse’s whiskers disappeared, thanks to constant chewing by Geordie.
I admit that letting go of Mouse so he could be played with by cats other than Paris was difficult for me. But letting go of Mouse so he could fulfill his purpose helped ease the pain of loss I felt with Paris’ passing. It gives me joy to see how Sprite and now Geordie enjoy Mouse. Mouse helped me feel close to Paris, but I really do not need that crutch now. Paris will always be a special pet, even if other cats play with his toy.
Discussion: Can you think of something that you cling to that really does not need to be held onto? Pain of loss is real, whether of a loved person or a pet. How do you cope? Do you need something to help you remember one who is now gone? How does that help you?