Update 6/10/09: Shortly after I first reported this story, Susan was released from the London Clinic. Her brother, described her condition as "an anxiety attack," and told reporters that she now seems to be "more like herself." Her present location was not disclosed, but I would imagine that both Susan and her cat, Pebbles, would want her back in her home, where she has lived since she was born.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Jeff J Mitchell
Like millions of other people, I had never heard of Susan Boyle until a forum member posted a YouTube video of Susan's first audition performance on Britain's Got Talent, singing "I Dreamed a Dream," from Les Misérables. Well over 66 million viewers have now heard of Susan Boyle, and have heard her stunning voice which brought the audience to its feet after laughing at her initial appearance.
Susan was a frumpy, dumpy-looking middle-aged woman who perfectly fit the stereotype of a "crazy cat woman." Indeed, since that original performance which brought tears of joy to millions of viewers, Susan had a makeover, was interviewed countless times by celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey and Larry King, but remained true to her cat, Pebbles. You see, Susan is a "spinster," who devoted her life to caring for her mother, who passed away in 2007, and lives alone with her cat, who has been her companion for 10 years.
Engaging in a competition like this has got to be an emotionally-charged experience. Susan's tears following her audition were followed by more tearful moments. Susan had a bit of spunk in her though, possibly developed during her childhood, when she was bullied and teased by schoolmates, who called her "Susie Simple." In a YouTube video, BGT judge Amanda Holden said, "Susan's got real fire in her belly."
Susan seemed destined to walk away with the BGT title for 2009, after another stunning performance, this time of "Memories," from the musical, "Cats." However, it was not meant to be. Susan's public meltdown after learning that she had come in second place Saturday night after dance group Diversity, has been well-publicized. She is presently confined to the Priory, a clinic in North London. The Sun relates her admittance to the hospital on Sunday, suffering from exhaustion:
As she entered the clinic on Sunday she called out for her beloved cat, wailing "Where's Pebbles?" until medics arranged a phone call to the purring pet.
The Sun article goes on to say:
Sources revealed how she flapped her arms at the clinic while in a panic over her cat - which is being looked after by pals.
One said: "Susan was distraught and convinced they'd taken her cat. She was crying she hadn't fed Pebbles and flapping her arms like a confused child."
Cat lovers will understand Susan's concerns about her cat during such an emotionally exhausting time. Susan must not only be worried about Pebbles' welfare during her absence, but also feel in need of her cat's comfort, as only cats can give. In a world where physical beauty is often the indicator to a person's value, our cats love us for our souls, not our appearance. I'd say a healthy dose of cat therapy is exactly what Susan Boyle needs in her life right now, and Pebbles is just the one to give it.
Comments
I can certainly relate to her anxiety. My cats bring me tremendous support and comfort. I recently spent several long hours at the ER, and all I could think about was getting home to my cats. When I was released, my boss even told me to just spend the night over at his house, since it was closest to me, but I said no. I drove home with dilated pupils, because no way was I going to sleep without my babies.
Nothing soothes emotional distress for me like my two cats. When I recently had to go to the ER for a severe infection, I arranged the whole trip in such a manner that if they made me stay in hospital I’d be able to make quick pet sitter arrangements for my cats. I think I would heal faster from most maladies at home, with a good dose of “purr therapy.”
My most favorite time of day is when I come in the back door from my work day. Two steps then lead up into my house – the kitchen. When my one little calico girl hears the door, I can hear her coming down the stairs from the second floor, and she gives me ‘kisses’ just by holding her little head up against my face while I’m kissing her, and telling her how much I missed her that day – which is e-v-e-r-y day! I read articles where pets get bored and require attention from their owners…this is not a problem in my house, as I interact with my two as if they were people (and they are, of sorts). =^..^=
(…while I’m kissing my little calico, she’s standing on the top step, up in the kitchen, while I’m down inside the door, and we can talk face to face…) =^..^=
I well remember when I had so much pain in my chest I thought I was having a heart attack – until I realized I was reacting badly to Fosamax. That night in bed I reached out to the pillow beside my head and put my hand in Lucy’s soft, soft fur, and just that sensation was something of an antidote to the pain. I fell asleep still touching her.
My heart goes out to Susan. I pray that her spirit will rise up within her and she will see how blessed she is. She is a beautiful woman and has a loving soul. Cats are wonderful!!!!!! I am sure her friends are taking care of kitty. God Bless All that read this.
My cats sleep beside me and “share” my pillow. When I get scared and wake up suddenly during the night, I can tuck my hand into their soft fur and feel so much better. I am not alone. Our pets are nonjudgmental and their love is unconditional. I truly believe that our pets are a gift from the Lord.
I love my 2 cats, Daisy and Sadie .They are so sweet and always sit on my bed when I’m sick with the flu or a cold. Cats are very interactive and responsive. I completely understand Susan’s attactment to Pebbles and rightly so for I am sure Pebbles is attached to her as well. Cats are smart and they know who loves them and who cares for them.
I love my cats. I think about them when i’m not home and look forward to seeing them when I come home from work and such…
I am always exhausted from taking care of feral / street cats in Israel. During the past
few weeks every time my energy level plummets
I access susan’s youtube to recharge …
Wish we had a Susan Boyle in Israel to help us
minimize the plight of these wonderful creatures.
Wishing Susan the best of everything.