Reginald

This past weekend I had to say goodbye to my cat, Reginald.  He was an amazing cat, and it was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.  I wanted to take a break from writing technical stuff to have a dedicated piece of the Internet to my boy.

After getting engaged, my bride-to-be Jennifer was sad thinking about me living alone for months leading up to the wedding, so we decided to go to the humane society and look at maybe adopting a couple of cats.  My family had cats growing up, so I was more amenable to this idea (as opposed to, say, a dog).

The humane society had an “open concept” for their cats – instead of cages, the cats were more-or-less free to roam around in one of several rooms.  The first room also served as the office (this was a small town), and as soon as we walked in, there was Reginald, sitting on a cat tree.

The instant I saw him I knew that he was my cat.  There was just something about him.  He looked at me, rolled on to his side to show me his belly, and I was done.  I didn’t need to look at any other cats, because I knew that he was the one for me.

In a way, he reminded me of myself.  A little chunky but with a handsome face.  He wasn’t a kitten anymore, and I knew in this small town humane society it could be a long time before someone else came around to adopt him.  His name at the shelter was Kringle, but I knew his name was really Reginald.

We adopted him along with another cat, Junebug, and they quickly became the best of friends.

We moved a couple of times with June and Reginald.  Cats don’t really like moving – its a stressful time for everyone, and cats just don’t really like a lot of change all at once.  June, in particular, really gets freaked out about changes.  Whenever we moved, she would be so scared and cower in a corner or under a chair.  But not Reginald.  He would carefully and bravely march around, inspecting everything to make sure it was safe.  And he would always come back to June, as if to assure her that its going to be ok.

Once we tried to adopt a third cat who belonged to Jennifer’s grandfather.  It… didn’t go very well.  She was an older cat who was used to living outside and roaming around, and our cats were basically used to the lap of luxury at that point.  June ended up being petrified of her, but Reginald stood his ground and even protected June.  That’s who Reginald was.

It seems kind of strange to think of a cat as selfless, but I can’t think of another word to describe him.  He was always there to make you feel better if you had a rough day, and he was so incredibly patient with us no matter what obstacles we threw at him.
He was great with kids like my nephew:

And when we babysat Jennifer’s cousin’s cat:
And even when we got the family dog, Wily.  (Well, for the most part)

Reginald’s go-to move was the head rub.  A move he perfected, and one that made my heart melt every single time.

He was a wonderful companion for any activity, and the perfect study buddy.

In May of 2016, Reginald was diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy, a type of congestive heart failure.  His heart had started to build up some scar tissue and had to work harder to pump.  His disease progressed to the point where he was given 3-6 months to live.  But, with medication, he was able to live a happy life, exceeding our wildest hopes.

Cats can be difficult to give pills to, but not Reginald.  He would sit on the kitchen floor and wait patiently while I gave him pill after pill.  He never complained and he never fussed at all.  Through all of the countless vet trips and poking and prodding, he was a trooper.  I was lucky to be able to work from home and take care of him (as he needed medication 3 times per day), but I am also grateful for the support we received through his wonderful primary care veterinarian, the cardiology staff at Iowa State University, and his babysitter for when we were out of town, Sarah.  The love and care they gave to him meant the world to me.

It isn’t a stretch to think that pets love you unconditionally.  Most dogs I know love their owners with their whole being.  But I feel like it is rare for a cat.  Reginald loved everyone.  Any time anyone came over, he was there to offer a greeting and accept any pets they might give out.  He taught me about unconditional love.  No matter what, he was there to love me.  No matter what, he was there to greet me when I came home.  No matter what, he was there to give me a head rub.

In the end, I knew that I had to do the right thing and let Reginald go.  It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.  The night before we said goodbye, I asked him if he would please let me know when it was his time, and he immediately gave me a head rub.

I’m glad you waited for me there
At the shelter; I knew you were rare.
Four hundred and seventy nine days
But you waited, never phased.
And I’d do it all over again.

Your sister Junebug you did befriend
While she thought the world might end
You were courageous and brave
June’s quaking heart to save
And I’d do it all over again.

Napping and feasting on chicken
Sprawled way out in the kitchen
You always were near me
And I knew you would be
And I’d do it all over again.

A new cat we brought in
and you took it on the chin
Staunchly protecting your sister
You told me “I don’t think so, mister”
And I’d do it all over again.

The new house in St. Paul
We moved to before fall
Offered new places to play
And sun lounging all day
And I’d do it all over again.

And the first time you got sick
You got to come home quick
We worried about you a ton
Because you’re basically my son
And I’d do it all over again.

Mom got into vet school
(And though some may be cruel)
You helped pack up the house
And grabbed your toy mouse
And I’d do it all over again.

Moving to Iowa in July
Can be enough to make some cats cry
But you just cuddled with Junebug
And licked her with your tongue
And I’d do it all over again.

Sometimes Sarah would come to visit
But she stayed for more than a minute
And you always waited for us
Stood watch in the window without a fuss
And I’d do it all over again.

Studying with mom was always the best
She’d sit in the chair and take a test
You’d purr in her lap
And maybe she’d take a nap
And I’d do it all over again.

Dad’s job could be pretty fun
Watching the “mouse” on screen run
You’d sit by his coffee mugs
Making sure he didn’t write bugs
And I’d do it all over again.

When Wily the dog came to stay
You weren’t quite sure what to say
But he wasn’t that large
And you showed him who was in charge
And I’d do it all over again.

And when you started to fade
Mom and I were a little afraid
But you said not to worry
With a head rub so furry
And I’d do it all over again.

And when it was time for you to go
Reginald, I just want you to know
You were the bestest, most wonderful boy
And you brought my life so much joy
That I’d do it all over again.