Tribute To
Harley (Bubby)
Quirky Little Habits of my Cat
Harley thought he was a dog. He was raised at a doggy day care so he loved nothing more than to rub up against his canine brothers and sisters. We often called him a little remora since he was always running alongside the dogs. His purr was as loud as a Harley motorcycle (hence his name).
What my Cat Loved and Hated Most
Harley loved the outdoors and hated being indoors. We had a doggy door and no matter what type of fencing we used, he always found a way to escape. He loved chasing chipmunks and mice and lounging in the shade.
What I'll Miss Most About my Cat
I'll miss the way he looked at me when he was happy. He squinted his eyes and the love just emanated from him.
How this cat became my companion
I found Harley clinging to an interstate median dividing 6 lanes of traffic. I only noticed him because the other kitten he was with wasn't so lucky. I pulled over, praying he wouldn't jump into traffic and plucked him off the median. He drove to work with me every day for almost a year. He would sit on the center console or stretch out in back with the dogs. After almost a year, I decided he would be happier staying at home and I began leaving him with his feline brother and sisters. I feel horrible knowing that I saved him once from being hit by a car yet he died in that very same way only 2 years later.
How my cat enriched my life
Harley made me feel special. He didn't spend much time indoors but when he was indoors and I held him close, he purred louder than any cat I've ever heard. When I pet him, he would close his eyes half-way and you could tell he loved being loved! He would run up to meet me and always come when I called him.
Lessons learned
- I learned that no matter how much a cat wants to go outside, allowing it will only bring heartache. Harley was only a little over 2 years old when he was hit by a car and killed. By allowing him to escape through our fence, I feel as though I signed his death warrant.
- I learned that life is fleeting and I should never count on always having another day. I am thankful that the evening before and the morning he passed I was able to spend a little quality time with him, petting him and telling him he was loved.
- I learned losing him feels like losing a piece of my heart and I will never be the same.
