The Billy Boo Boo, now that’s a character to be remembered, a short, stocky little ginger man, tongue permanently hanging out of his mouth, a round puffy little face with golden round eyes and a very determined look on his face, (food, food food) that’s about all I could think is going on in his head along with the faint echo of I am cute, brush me…...
His previous owners threw him from a window to see if cats could land on their feet, they must have not read the instructions that came with the animal (typical, we always read the instructions after we have broken it) because Billy landed on his head.
When he came to take up residence at our shelter, he could only walk in a circle. “Mad” was what they said about him. “Probably” I said to myself, but not a total loss, I have seen worse in mankind that should be wearing that label. I moved him into my bedroom along with a few other sorry souls taking shelter from the evil that had crossed their paths.
At first he showed signs of aggression, I used to take him out on a walker, teaching him to move in a straight line, once he had mastered that, he decided he needed to attack anything that moved. Of course, there were so many creatures moving around; he had his pick of victims. Lucky for them the Boo was on a short leash and slowly but surely he learned to control his temper “wish people could do that”. Then the big day arrived, a walk in the garden without a leash. With his stiff little legs he marched in a straight line to the front of the garden, being watched by at least 12 sets of curious eyes in the bushes.
The first of the brave, a little black cat named Willow stuck his head out to say hi!
The Boo gave him a big sniff and wobbled off into another direction. (Obviously not as exciting close-up as they were far off). The ice was broken and Billy Boo became a much loved part of the large family of abused kittens and cats, with one slight draw back, he thinks he is a dog. “I never said that my rehabilitation methods were perfect” anyway a lot of people also have identity crises, so why not him?
Since then the Boo has been a much loved part of the foster family and Mascot to Kitten Corner.
Diagnosed with lymphatic cancer late December 2009 and kidney failure, Billy the Boo lost his fight on Sunday 2 May 2010.
It’s been a long road Billy, you and me and all your “fans”… we all loved you so much.
BILLY, you taught me patients and will power, courage and above all love.
I will miss you every day but I will remember the good times for eternity.
Your foster Mom forever. Caron