The Loss of a Friend: Saying Goodbye to Frogger

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Fifteen years ago, I walked into a friend’s house and spotted the tiniest, most beautiful gray-and-white kitten I had ever seen. He was a stray that had been abandoned on a local freeway. My friend’s mom stopped and rescued him—an act of kindness that ended up connecting me to one of the great loves of my life.
20150724_171915Frogger (full name: Frogger Friend) was always meant for me. It was obvious as soon as we met. He crawled up on my chest, purred, and looked right into my eyes. It was love at first sight. My friend told me he was a girl, and I never bothered to check myself, so for the first few months of his life, I went around calling him my “beautiful princess.” I even gave him a pink collar. Imagine my surprise when it was time to get him spayed, and I found out I actually had a little prince.

Once his gender-identity crisis was figured out, he became my boy. We moved through various homes and apartments together, and he was by my side through so much. I have struggled with depression and other serious health problems, and he provided support for me. Always in tune with my emotions, he would come to me when I was upset. Sometimes, something as simple as his paw on my leg would be enough to keep me going another day.

He did so many cute things that brought everyone who knew him joy. Running across the room and leaping into the piles of newspapers on the floor. Going crazy playing with his toys until he became “overwhelmed” and had to hide behind the living room curtains for a few minutes (he did this every time!). Sucking on his paw and making sweet

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Frogger had a way of looking into your soul.

little noises as he was falling asleep. Sitting and staring at me, sometimes for hours, as I worked at the computer. I never had another cat that would make unwavering eye contact like that. He loved being near me. I wouldn’t even have to be petting him. I could just turn and look at him, and he would begin purring.

There were gaps in our time together. In my late twenties, I had a difficult decision to make. I felt the intense desire to travel, which meant I would have to leave Frogger behind with my family. I spent five years away from home, experiencing many adventures and learning many lessons. Whenever I came home to visit, his eyes would light up, and he would purr. He never forgot me, even when I was away for over a year.

This last year, I decided to come home to California for good. When I arrived, Frogger was much thinner and weaker than he had been the last time I saw him. I promised him that for the rest of his life, I would be here. I wouldn’t be leaving him again.

We shared many beautiful moments during these last few months. He wasn’t the playful kitten he 20150807_131926once was, but he was still my kitten. After the vet told us there wasn’t any hope, all we could do was take him home and try to make the most of our time with him. As the end grew closer, he didn’t want to leave my side. Days were spent with him curled up beside me as I worked at my computer. Sometimes, he liked to rest his head on my mouse pad. Just to make sure I would remember to pet him. Of course I did.

Today, on February 13th at 2:10 PM, Frogger Friend took his final breath and then crossed over into God’s loving arms. I know he will be waiting for me when it’s my time to pass. Our souls have shared many existences, and we will be together again. I feel blessed to have known him and to continue to know and remember him throughout the rest of my days.

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RIP Frogger Friend 2000-2016

29 thoughts on “The Loss of a Friend: Saying Goodbye to Frogger”

  4. So sorry to hear this. I have a rescue cat as well, adopted at 8 weeks. Her name is Duchess (my princess), and she’s seven, and every year she grows older, I feel a tinge in my heart, because I want her to live forever. Again, so sorry for your loss:-(

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    • Thank you. I felt the same tinge, especially during the long period I was away traveling. You can’t really call your pets and let them know you’re thinking of them the same way you can with friends and family. It killed me knowing I just disappeared from his world one day. I’m so glad I made the decision to come back and spend time with him at the end of his life. Painful as it was, it was the most beautiful gift.

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  5. Pingback: Three Reasons to Feel Good About Not Having a Valentine This Year | A.B. Loveall

  7. So sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved kitty. I had to say goodbye to my two a few years ago (they were both sixteen – one had a throat tumour, the other developed kidney failure six months later and had to be put to sleep). It’s never easy.

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    • Thank you so much. I’m sorry to hear about your precious loves. 😦 It’s definitely not easy, but as I was sitting there in grief, crying, all I could think was “I can’t wait to rescue another cat and do this again one day.” Feeling that way while in the deepest pain–THAT is what love is all about.

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      • I would recommend getting more rescue kitties as soon as you can. That’s what I did – I got two 12-week old rescue kittens from the Cats Protection League. They had apparently been dumped in a box on the doorstep of the police station. You never forget your other cats but new ones do go some way to help heal the hole they leave in your heart, and if you can give a loving home to cats that need one, then all the better.

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  9. I’m sorry for your loss. We have many kitties we rescued and nurtured back to health, but the rough times some of them had endured before we got them took tolls on their health, and after many good years a couple of them have past on recently. They always leave a hole in your heart, and they are always missed.

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  10. So difficult to lose a soulmate. I am sorry for your loss. I still miss my baby and it has been almost two years. After a year we decided to get another cat . . . which ended up being two cats. Sweet as can be, but I still miss my baby. They are all unique and special. They make us feel so special when we connect with them. Yup, a gift.

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  12. I am so sorry for your loss. I understand, I had my baby Carley put to sleep on March 24. She was the cuddly one of the 2 sisters and she loved to sleep with me. It is hard to let them go especially when they bring so much joy to our life. You are blessed to know you gave her a good life with lots of love. God bless.

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  14. When a cat touches your heart this much, its a gift from God to be sure. A feeling of pure unconditional love that you will have for ever . It really hurts bad to say good bye. That’s the worst part about having a special one. I’m sure the Lord will keep him safe in his paradise.

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  15. I came here via Katzenworld. So sorry to hear about Frogger Friend. I had my own wonderful relationship with my cat so I do understand how terribly sad it is to lose that special friend. Though it doesn’t take away your pain, know that your beautiful friend is safe, happy and one day you will meet again. Take care.

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