We recently lost our beloved young cat, Wolfie. Wolfie came to us abandoned, hungry, humble, and innocent. My daughter and husband were driving home from a hike and found him in the middle of the road. He was covered in dirt but was pure at heart. They brought him home, and he fit in perfectly. He got along with all of the cats, except Jasper, but no one gets along with Jasper. He adopted our seventy pound dog, Gus, as his Papa. He brought us a lot of laughter and joy.

When he passed, unexpectedly and mysteriously, at not yet four years old, our hearts were broken. I second guessed myself. What did we miss? We always kept him in at night, and he had all of his shots. He was frail and small, most likely the runt of the litter. Perhaps, the lack of nourishment from his feral babyhood made his heart or other organs weak. Who knows?

Wolfie brought light and joy to our lives and represented goodness. He needed care and a home, and not only did we give him that, but we gave him love. We fell in love with him, and he gave unconditional love right back. He filled our lives with joy, laughter, affection, and happiness.

Good bye, little Wolfie, until we meet again. We miss you!

***

While I would never claim to be a poet, I did write an amateurish poem about Wolfie’s short, sweet life. It may be corny, but it is heartfelt. WARNING: You may need a tissue.

ODE TO WOLFIE

Driving home from a walk, on a long dusty road

Stood a small, dirty, kitten, frightened and cold.

We pursued him as he hid between tires of a truck.

And gently, we coaxed him, and he trusted his luck.

We took him home and fed him some grub.

He ate heartily, and we gave him a scrub.

He slept peacefully on all of our laps.

Much needed rest, not merely naps.

He befriended our cats and befriended our dogs.

He loved plastic springs and was enchanted by frogs.

We named him Wolfgang, Wolfie for short.

Gus, the dog, was his Papa and his support.

Zeke, the cat, was his brother from another mother.

They frolicked and played and enjoyed time with each other.

Clara, the cat, was Wolfie’s secret crush.

They laid together outside in the grasses so lush.

Wolfie brought joy to the family of Smiths.

Except for Jasper, who often seemed miffed.

Wolfie loved to sleep on all of our beds.

He soothed us with purring as he laid near our heads.

Wolfie was happy-go-lucky, and made friends with a fox.

Zeke and Wolfie always enjoyed a good box.

Like a flying squirrel, Wolfie looked when he rest.

He spread out on the recliner with cushion to chest.

A small, frail cat, the runt of the litter.

A heart full of gold, the kind that does glitter.

Purr-fect in most ways, his life just begun.

Except nine lives he not had, he only had one.

You passed away and our hearts are broken.

The grief is too painful and hard to be spoken.

You seemed just fine that afternoon.

We didn’t expect you to be taken so soon.

We wish we knew you were sick and had a cure.

All cats go to heaven, of this, I am sure.

Our previous pets, we know you will meet.

Oscar, Buffy, and Butterscotch, you will greet.

We will see you again when it is our time.

Walking among flowers and mountains to climb.

Basking in peace, without any worry.

A beautiful cat, gray, white and so furry.

We thought we would have you for years so much longer.

We wish you were here and were healthy and stronger.

A short, poignant life, you taught us so much.

Enjoy every day and share a warm touch.

Live life in the present and forget the past.

Do your best each day to make love that lasts.

Treat everyone kindly and make playful friends.

Love one another and make many amends.

Goodbye, little Wolfie, your loss makes us cry.

We know you are in heaven, wondering why.

Enjoying the days that are bright, warm, and breezy.

Playing in love and light that is easy.

In a world full of darkness, you shone a bright light.

We miss you already, and with tears say, “Good night.”

Wolfgang (Wolfie) Smith

August 2021-July 2025

REST IN PEACE

Gone, but not forgotten.