When I had just turned 18 years old, my sisters friend had discovered a sack of kittens dumped along the north end of George Street in Dunedin, not far from the River Leith.
One kitten was left, some of the others didn't make it that far, and some were lucky to be rehomed. My sister took me up to her friends flat one friday evening to see the very last kitten.
There he was, a ginger ball of fluff, being carefully monitored by a loving dog in front of the heater.
Miranda, my sister and I took the kitten home to show my mother, and convinced her that it was only for a few days as Mirandas friend Monique was leaving town and needed someone to "baby-sit" the kitten.
Needless to say, those few days extended into months, then years and the ginger ball of fluff was named Harvey.
He was a bright cat, and very sociable with neighbourhood felines of the female variety.
He never really mastered a catdoor, but old Harvey always managed to slip along the fenceline, weave in and out of the worlds prickliest climbing rose and into the window of my parents bedroom (that was almost kindly left slightly ajar for him).
When my sister and I had moved out of the house and Harvey was the only one left living with my parents, he became very close to my father.
A couple of years ago, my father developed cancer - and Harvey sat right beside him on the sofa when dad was having really rough days after chemotherapy. After one operation, dad said he could even see Harvey watching him from the trees that swayed in the wind outside his hospital window. I am sure Harvey was with him at an emotional level.
Well, nearly 15 years on from being found as a sad little kitten, Harvey became very sick. He developed a terrible skin condition that made his fur fall out and his skin weep. After over a year of various treatments, the whole family decided that it was time for Harvey to be free of his pain, and for us to give him back some of the dignity, respect and loyalty that old Harvey gave to us over 15 years or so.
Harvey was put to sleep during the winter time and it was hardest single thing I have ever lived through to this day. I will always love that silly bundle of ginger fur that was loved so much by all. There is absolutely no question that Harvey has been a Godsend, the best friend and soulmate, the best sofa buddy and medicine that anyone could possibly have asked for.
We all miss you and still cry on our own about how much you gave to our lives, and always will.
How does one fill such a large cravasse of a gap that you leave behind?
Author: Genevieve Robinson
No country specified.
True story: Yes
Rating:
20 paws up
Vote:
Vote up
Vote down
Previous story: The thrush and the snail | Back to story list | Next story: Gypsy the dog
