4-12-13 – Goodbye, Spanky.

Posted on by Robyn

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Spanky.
September 15, 1996 – April 11, 2013.

Yesterday, we said goodbye to Spanky. He’d been doing so well on the Liqui-Tinic that we were starting to think that he’d be with us for months and months to come. But over the weekend he started sliding rapidly downhill again, and beginning Monday he refused to eat no matter what tasty treat we tempted him with. He got that look in his eyes, and it was clear to us that it was time. In the end, Liqui-Tinic gave us two more months with Spanky than we would have had, and I am so grateful that we were given that time with him. We were able to spoil him with treats and shower him with love, which is what every cat deserves.

He went peacefully as Fred and I petted him and told him what a good boy he was, and he purred right up until the very end.

He would have been 17 in September.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

On Thanksgiving Day 1996, we went to Fred’s sister’s house for dinner. She had a barn cat who had recently had kittens, and I spent the day with a kitten on my lap. It gave me a serious longing for a kitten of my own, so I began bugging Fred. He was pretty firm in saying “no” to me, so imagine my surprise when he arrived home a little late from work a few weeks later…with a tiny white and tan kitten on his shoulder.

Spanky was about 10 weeks old when Fred brought him home. I couldn’t, for the life of me, convince him to eat cat food. He’d howl at me like he was starving, and I’d show him the cat food and he’d look at it and look at me with a big question mark over his head, and then he’d howl some more. Out of desperation, I gave him baby food, and he ate every bit of it.

He had a lifelong love affair with chicken baby food.

Spot was the head cat in charge when Fred brought Spanky home, and Spot was less than impressed with Spanky. Spanky, however, thought Spot was AWESOME. We had a wingback chair in the bedroom where Spot liked to hang out. Spanky would go behind the chair, and we’d hear the sound of him climbing the chair. It always went on FOREVER, and Spot would look more and more disgusted, and finally Spanky’s happy little face would pop over the top of the chair, and then he’d jump down to sleep next to his big brother.

Spanky always loved his people, and he slept with me every single night for the first few years of his life. He wasn’t picky, though – he loved Fred with all his heart.

I wish I had more pictures of him from when he was tiny, but that was back in the days before digital cameras, unfortunately.

Spanky absolutely radiated joy. He was just the happiest boy, and he would purr so hard that he sounded like a cricket. He was also very talkative, and enjoyed wandering through the house singing – and he very often did it in the middle of the night when all his people were asleep. If you yelled “Spanky!” at him, he’d be quiet for a moment, then give you a very soft “Maowww!” before shutting down the singing completely.

If you meowed at him, he’d meow back, as shown in this old video and this one from last year.

There are some cats who prefer to hang out in low places, like under couches and in floor-level cat caves, and some cats who prefer to hang out in high places, like atop cabinets and cat trees. Spanky is the only cat I’ve ever known to prefer somewhere in the middle. He liked being up off the floor, but he didn’t want to get too high. So the backs of couches were perfect for him.

And until the advent of flat-screen monitors (a very sad day indeed), he found the perfect place to keep us company.

He loved to be outside, and if the weather was halfway decent, his mornings were always spent outside, sitting by the fence, watching the squirrels and birds.

As much as he loved being outside, he loved it when we were outside with him, and he’d always greet us with a meow and a loud purr. But if he was inside and you were outside where he couldn’t get to you, well, he had something to say about THAT. He’d meow and meow until you got yourself back inside.

He had the most beautiful seafoam green eyes and I was never able to properly capture the color in a picture.

He had the most beautiful, silky, soft fur. He kept his white fur pristine, right until the very end.

Like all cats, he loved a good patch of sun, and would follow it across the room.

The whole fostering thing took him by surprise, and while he wasn’t thrilled when the fosters sought attention from him, he was a good guy and would (within limits) put up with their shenanigans. I can’t count how many times he’d wake up, see a kitten in the bed with him, and glare in another direction, disgusted. He never attacked a kitten, only hissed and smacked if his space was invaded. Kittens have to LEARN, you know.

I don’t know, really, how to properly describe what a good boy he was. He was just GOOD, you know? Always happy, and never gave us a moment of trouble from the instant he became ours and we his. He was an integral part of our life for longer than we’ve been married, even. I can’t believe he’s never going to walk into the room, give me a bright-eyed head-twirl, and “WAOW!” at me. I imagine we’ll be seeing him in his usual spots – the cat bed on my desk, on the rug by the side door, on the couch in the front room, by the fence in the back yard – for a long time to come.


Spot, Spanky, Mr. Fancypants, Tubby.

He was the last of what I called The Old Guard, the cats who came to us when we lived in our apartment, the very first home we shared together. He’s gone to join them now; it’s the end of an era.

Goodbye, Skittyboo. We’ll miss your sweet face and your sweet voice and your good heart.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If you’re of a mind to, donations can be made in Spanky’s name to Challenger’s House, the shelter I foster for.

They accept donations by mail (check or money order), by phone (Mastercard/VISA), or there’s a Paypal button at the bottom of the Petfinder page.

Challenger’s House
112 Tristian Rd.
Toney, AL 35773

Phone: 256-420-5995

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I’ll be back this weekend with plenty of sweet baby kitten pics. Please check your sugar level before you check the site this weekend; I don’t want anyone fainting from the sweetness of those babies.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Previously
2012: “WAIT WAIT WAIT I’M COMING!”
2011: “Don’t judge me.”
2010: Dreamy little Corbett.
2009: Let us talk about little Bessie.
2008: The pigs like chocolate.
2007: “Please, lady? Can’t I go out?”
2006: No entry.
2005: No entry.

Comments

173 thoughts on “4-12-13 – Goodbye, Spanky.”

  4. That was beautiful….he was clearly very very VERY loved.

    Delurking to extend my condolences to you and Fred.

    And thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us; you make us feel as if we’ve known Spanky for years *sniff*
    Goodbye sweet boy.

  5. Spanky has always been my favorite Anderson kitty, since I’ve been reading your journal. (Since 2003)
    My heart goes out to all of you for this tremendous loss. Goodnight, Sweet boy.

  7. Can’t say who is more lucky…
    You for having & loving him.
    Him for loving you.
    Or us for being able to be a teeny part of his life for so long…
    xoxo

  8. Awwww, you brought tears to my eyes. Thank you and I will be thinking of you, Fred and dear Spanky today.

  9. my thoughts are with you and your family. have a good rest, Spanky, you were a wonderful kitty.

  10. I saw Fred’s post on FB last night. I was so saddened. My heart goes out to you and Fred for your loss – many of us know it too intimately. It is amazing how no matter how “full” your house is, when a special one is no longer there, the house is too quiet and very empty. When your biggest “in-your-face” begger isn’t begging and your meal is “in peace”…just sooo wrong and unsettling. Spanky had many many fans and the love and devotion of you and Fred. He will live forever in our hearts and through your memories! Sending you so many hugs…..

  12. I am so glad that you guys got some extra time with him! What a lovely tribute you’ve put together – RIP sweet Spanky!

  13. Oh no! I’m so sorry. You do such a good job of bringing your cats to life for us through your words, pictures, and videos…I’ll miss hearing about him!

  16. Rest in peace sweet kitty boy.

    I always loved that first outdoor picture of him. He has such a compelling look in his eyes.

  17. In tears in my office reading your wondeful tribute.
    So glad you got those extra few months with him. It was lovely to ‘know’ him through the medium of your blog.
    We will miss you, Spanky. Rest in peace.

  18. I’ve been reading you since the beginning- atcleast 1997 or 98 and the shot of the Old Guard got me blatting. Spanky was a good boy, a very good boy indeed.

  19. I”m sorry to hear about Spanky, but I think your post about him does him great honour. I am glad he was able to pass peacefully, with you. I am curious though, after reading so much about him, what is the story behind his name?

  24. What a loving and lovely message. Spanky had a wonderful life and I am so glad that he shared it with you, Fred and such a variety of special siblings. Peace to all of you.

  25. What a beautiful tribute. Spanky’s picture is a permanent part of our Christmas decorations, he will be long remembered. I’m so very sorry for your loss.

  27. Robyn that was beautiful. Thank you for sharing that sweetheart with us. Those MEOOOOW videos made me smile through tears. Rest in peace Spanky boy.

  28. He lived a sweet life and will sure be missed.

    I remember all of the “old guard” – time flies!

  29. I’m sending hugs to you, Robyn, and I ask for some for me. Yesterday we let our dear, sweet Chester go. After a short moment of seemingly feeling better, he refused to eat anything on his own. We syringe-fed him, but two days ago he had enough of it and refused to cooperate. He was weaker and weaker, and all our efforts to feed him were obviously a torture to him. My heart is so broken now. Chessie was such a beautiful and important member of my family. Spanky, you sweet, wise boy, please take care of my Chessie (only 6 years old, and getting pretty scaredy in new situations). Once again, huge Thank You for all the advise on CRF I’ve got here from all of you sweet members of the Love-and Hisses community. Joasia

    1. I am soooo sorry for your loss. I know that we all here know your pain and have felt it for ourselves. We all wrap our arms around you and send prayers up for your baby. I am sure Spanky and Chester met each other on the way to the Rainbow Bridge and are now fast friends!

    4. My condolences, Joasia. I hope you can take comfort in the fact that you gave Chester a good life and did everything you could for him in the end.

    5. I am so, so sorry, Joasia. Sending you love and hugs. You did everything you could for little Chester, but he was ready and he let you know, and you listened to him. You loved him so much, and he knew it. And he loved you and trusted you completely, and you did right by him, even at the end. xxxx

  30. I’m sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing Spanky with us. It’s clear that his long life was a very happy one with you.

  31. I am so sorry to read that Spanky has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. He was a very handsome boy and we can see on his face that he was good. This post is a very beautiful tribute to him.
    Lots of purrs

  32. I’m so sorry for the loss of Spanky. 🙁 He lived a good long life and I’ve always enjoyed seeing pictures of him. 🙂 Thank you for being wonderful furbaby parents!

  33. This entry brought tears to my eyes, all cats deserve to be loved so much. Goodbye Mr. Man, you will be missed by more humans than you can imagine. Have fun and happy naps with all of your kitty friends now that you’re back with them.

    With love from Atticus, Mae, Gandalf and Malcolm, and their Human Mom.

  34. Oh Robyn!! What a lovely tribute to your wonderful, joyful, sweet-faced cat. All my sympathy to both you and Fred in this time of grief.

    I liked what you said about still seeing him in his favorite spots for a long time to come — that DOES happen, doesn’t it! I’m still seeing (and hearing) my dear girl Minoes after having lost her last August.

    Again, I’m so sorry for your loss, and as others have said, thank you for sharing Spanky with us!

  35. A lovely tribute to a happy, funny and handsome boy who had a life well-lived.
    Goodbye, Spanky. Your sweet spirit will always be at Crooked Acres and in the hearts of so many.

  38. Oh Robyn, I’m in tears and so very sorry for the loss of Spanky. Having experienced the loss of my own 17 year old cat a few years ago, which devastated me, I truly know how you feel.

    You, Fred and Spanky were so very lucky to have had 16 plus years together, may he rest in peace.

  39. What a lovely tribute to Spanky…the story of him climbing the back of the chair to be with Spot is such sweet memory…thank you for giving him the best life a cat can have…I am so sorry for you loss…he will be missed

  40. Oh no. I am so so so so sorry!! 🙁 Sending you all purrs and hugs and gentle kitty kisses. Take care
    x

  41. *sniff* I want to leave the office this instant and go home and hug my sweet furballs. I’m so sorry for your loss. He had an amazing life.

  42. My heart goes out to you. I am so sad for you but so happy for Spanky for having lived the heck out of life. I don’t imagine any cat could ask for a happier, better one.

  43. What a great life you had Spanky. You will be greatly missed! We lost a friend Wednesday night to cancer, and he was a big cat person. I imagine he and Spanky are now sharing a conversation or two 🙂

  44. Oh Robyn and Fred, I am so sorry for your loss of sweet Spanky. My heart goes out to you. While he lived a very good and very long life, it never quite seems ‘long enough’ – the tribute to his life you’ve written is so moving and so spot on for a life well lived. It seems he truly gave as much love as he received, and in the end we can all only hope the same is said about us. Thank you so much for sharing his very full life with us. Sending warm thoughts and all things good your way. Godspeed Spanky, rest in peace in an unmoving patch of sunshine across the bridge!

  45. A lovely tribute, so sorry to see Spanky go, but glad he had such a wonderful life with you guys. ::hugs::

  46. I’m so sorry for your loss. It was a beautiful tribute that you wrote for Spanky- it brought tears to my eyes..he clearly was a very special cat!

  47. Aww rest in peace Spanky! I am truly heartbroken but he had a long life full of love. He was my favorite permanent resident and I will miss him. I am sorry for your loss.

  48. Good boys like Spanky have a special spot in hearts and in Kitty Heaven! You know he is at the Bridge with the Old Guard but also Ellie and the others gone too soon. Rest in peace Spanky! And love and hugs to all at Crooked Acres.

  49. So very sorry for your loss. Spanky, along with your other past cats, will be waiting for your at the rainbow bridge someday. I know I’ll be greeted there with the many cats I’ve loved and lost. ((((((Hugs)))))))

  50. Beautiful post. RIP Spanky. Sorry for your loss. That picture of the “Old Guard” slayed me. I still miss Tubby.

  51. ((hugs)) Robyn to you and Fred and the others in your family. It’s clear that Spanky was special as I’m sure all the cats you’ve owned have been.May you find comfort in wee baby kitties in the weeks to come.

  53. I’m so sorry for your loss. Spanky was sure the most handsomest of mancats that ever lived. And the loveliest.
    *big hugs to all*

  55. This was such a beautiful tribute to a much-loved cat. Thank you for sharing so much with us. Spanky will be happy at the Rainbow Bridge with his many friends until you can join him sometime in the far distant future.

    Yesterday was a sad day for many cat lovers, apparently. Crash’s Landing (the Grand Rapids shelter I volunteered with) lost Crash, their founding feline, after a long (but never long enough) life. Hugs all around!

  56. Thank you, thank you, thank you – for giving another one of our animal companions a good life. I will miss Spanky, too. Even though I never met him, I feel like I know him well.

  57. 16 is old for a kitty. I have a friend who had one that lived to be 20! But it’s unusual. I’ve never had one make it to 16 even. So he is very special and I noticed also that he is the last of the “old guard”. Trudge onward we must!

  58. Oh sweet Spanky, I am sure he will be dearly missed. As soon as I pulled this up I said, “Oh no! Spanky!”…

    Robyn, your tribute was heartfelt and brought tears to my eyes. Many hugs to you and Fred. Somehow seventeen years still doesn’t seem like enough time, I’m sure.

  59. What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful kitty. My clowder and I send hugs and prayers, headbumps and purrs, to you and Fred and the rest of your clowder. I sobbed when I saw this as my Toby boy is in the final stages of cancer and will be leaving me soon. This just hits home, but we must remember all of the good times and not be saddened too much by the end of a glorious life with our kitty friend and family member.
    Love you Spanky <3

  60. Oh Spanky. What a wonderful cat, what a good life, what a loss. A good tribute to a great history. What a gift, to have been able to have changed each others lives so much.

  61. Aww my clowder and I as well send all of our hugs and love too (except Duchess, she scratches everything she loves). I’m so happy to have learned even more about Spanky’s wonderful life today and thank you for sharing. It’s so easy to get carried away with the kittens but I’m so happy today was solely about Spanky. Even though I never knew him your story will be in the back of my mind all day and I will think of him often.

  63. I’m so sorry to hear about Spanky. He was one of my favorite kitties. I have a soft spot for the older ones. Sending hugs to you, Fred and his fellow fur siblings.

  64. Aw Robyn, I am sorry to hear about Spanky. Thank you for sharing Spanky’s story. I know your heart must be breaking. Mine is. I was doing okay until you showed the picture of the old gang. I realized they were all gone from us now but together again. That’s when the tears started. I know that you know what a part of our lives they are. Especially the older ones who have been there through thick and thin.I am so glad his last couple of months were so much better. And thanks to Spanky for being the reason so many other kitties will be the benefit of the Liqui-Tinic.
    It is a testament to you that all of us here are cyring and missing Spanky, a cat we never met or held. Through your sharing we came to know him and all the others and our lives are richer.

  65. Robyn and Fred I am so sorry. Spanky was such a sweet, handsome boy. Thanks for sharing him with us.

  66. Its so hard to let a loved one go but at least he had the best life ever with you two and all the other kitties. He was loved by so many and by the best. I have another online friend who is letting her best friend go today, its just heartbreaking. Sending you and everyone there the most hugs for what you are going through.

  67. I’m so sorry to hear this! Spanky was a great cat and he was lucky to be with such a wonderful family! Hugs to you both!

  70. How can I be so devastated by a kitteh I’ve never met? You made him feel like my friend and I will miss his sweet face too, Robyn.

  72. Poor sweet Spanky. I’m very saddened to hear this 🙁 As always, my thoughts go out to you all. That was a very touching memorial of his life. I am in tears.

  73. I saw Fred’s Facebook post last night, but also wanted to comment here. What a beautiful tribute! It’s obvious he was a special boy and he couldn’t have been more spoiled or loved. He was a beautiful cat and one of my favorite permanent residents because he was so laid back and he looks just like my Sidonia. I’m really sorry for your loss. The Meowers of Death also send their condolences in the form of purrs and head bumps.

  75. Like I told Fred. This breaks my heart. My 16 Spanky twin is gettig extra hugs and kisses tonight. Thank you for taking care of him. He was loved and cherished. He will never be replaced but you honor him everyday with the residents and fosters.

  76. I am genuinely going to miss that gorgeous cat. I’ve always enjoyed the pictures of him and the stories about him, and when I’ve occasionally entertained the idea of having a cat around my own home, I’ve thought “I’d do it in a heartbeat if I could find one like Spanky.” He truly did have a wonderful life with you; I don’t think anyone could have appreciated and loved him more than you and Fred. Hugs to you both and to all the fur kids on Crooked Acres.

  78. I’m so sad to read that Spanky’s time with you guys is over, but so happy that he lived with so much love while he was here. Every kitty should have the chance to live a life filled with love and good people. And chicken baby food, if that’s what floats their boat 🙂

  81. What a wonderful life and a wonderful tribute. It certainly sounds like he had personality plus. 🙂 I hope that those happy memories get you through this…..

  83. I’m so sorry to hear the news. Spanky’s sweet, goofy little face has been a highlight of this blog for me and so many others. Our hearts go out to everyone at Crooked Acres.

  85. I just wanted to say that I’m suddenly more appreciative of my old guy’s appetite. When I was feeding him and his trash-hound sister this morning after reading this wonderful tribute to Spanky, it was suddenly a good thing that he was pacing and meowing with impatience as I fixed his meal.

  87. That was a wonderful, wonderful entry. What an amazing way to pay tribute to Spanky. He was so lucky to have you and Fred. I am so sorry that he’s gone. 🙁

  88. Seventeen is old for a cat, and the Liqui-Tonic stories clearly indicate that you love him, from beginning to even now You and Fred gave him a wonderful life, Robyn. There’s not much more that a cat can ask for. Thinking of you two and all the fuzzy inhabitants of your house today.

  90. I was fine until the end… and I was reading it out loud to my girlfriend. The two of us have been following you since the day TranceJen talked about Fred on her blog, and Spanky has always been one of our very favorites of your babies. We’re both so glad so many years were shared, but it’s breaking our hearts for you that he’s gone. Love to you all.

  93. Robyn & Fred…my husband and I just lost the sweetest, best cat to ever grace our home and she had those seafoam green eyes too that I was never able to capture on film…I always liked to believe it was because she was magical and you can’t capture magic on film..hehe! Needless to say, I read your eulogy to Spanky through tear-filled eyes and I just have a feeling that wherever they are, my sweet little Olivia and Spanky will be talking about how they had the best human parents. (I am friends with you on FB and I did put a post up a few weeks ago when we lost Olivia if you want to see what a beautiful girl she was) So many of the things you said about Spanky remind me of our sweetheart (purring, soft fur, happy all the time, such a good girl always). We only had Olivia six short years (the vet thinks she must have had an undetectable heart condition) and what I wouldn’t give to have 17…Spanky was one lucky boy and what I wouldn’t give to see those two chatting away 🙂 Rick and I share in your sorrow.

  94. So sorry, Robyn and Fred. Thanks for sharing the Spanky Story with us. He was a beautiful cat.

  96. As many have already said, it’s amazing how I can feel such deep sadness at the loss of a cat I’ve never met in person. And yet we knew him because you are generous enough to share and are so good at making us feel welcome. I know that whatever sadness I feel must be only a fraction of yours and Fred’s and I suppose that’s part of why I’m still wiping the tears away. We don’t feel the gaping hole nearly as much as you two will, but we’ll all miss Spanky.

  97. I’m so sorry about Spanky. Your tribute brought me to tears. I love how Fred and you care for animals and make them a part of my family. God Bless you both for taking in every one.

  98. I saw Fred’s post on FB yesterday so I was pretty sure this would be here today. From the way I’m crying, you’d think he was my cat.

    I’m so sorry for your loss, Robyn and Fred. Even when you know it’s coming, it’s never easy. I’m glad you got the extra couple of months with Spanky. He and all of the Crooked Acres Kitties are lucky cats to have y’all as their people.

  100. I can’t add anything more to what I told you yesterday, except more tears. What a brilliantly touching tribute. Love, hugs, and anything else you need are coming your way. You know where to find me if you need anything else.

    Kelly, Simba, Ruby, and Norman S.

    PS— It took a serious internet crush to dislodge Chanel from my wallpaper screen on my laptop. I stole the photo of Spanky in the yard and have him there now.
    PPS— Norm isn’t much of a talker, but whenever I address him by his new middle name he meows at me. He’s got the spirit after all.
    PPS— Guess I had more to share after all 😉

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