Remembering Our Quinton

Two years ago today we had to let our Quinton leave the physical world and cross the rainbow bridge. He was ready, it was time.

And as it so often does, the universe aligned to bring us together to say good-bye.

I’ve labeled myself a bit of a cat whisperer, although Quinton was no ordinary cat. He was my girl’s first best friend. Sometimes I wonder if they were two souls reunited again, they had an indescribable bond.

He was our companion through many years alone, mom and baby girl, finding our way. We were an amazing trio. He held my baby’s secrets, listened to her stories, took away her worries, and slept with her always. Her protector, her friend and companion.

When I saw his adoption picture, I didn’t think there was any way he would still be available for us. His blue eyes so clear, such a distinguished and unique looking animal. But there he was, still there, waiting for us. He reached his paw through his kennel, whispered to us with his weird meow, and we were sold.

He loved trips to the lake, soaking in sunbeams, adventures outside to roll in the grass, and catching scents in the wind. He was the best cuddler there was. He didn’t really meow, he had a unique sound, all his own, like he was telling a strange story. His purr was loud and constant, especially in the presence of his girl.

He endured and weathered much change. We said goodbye to our first home and welcomed three big boys to our family. Being a boy himself, this took time. He could send a message, and hold a grudge, and let’s just say, it took him and Mac awhile to work things out. Changes were hard for all of us at that time. In the end, Q loved all his boys immensely, and they were good to him.

I’m not sure he was as impressed when we brought home a very large puppy, and then a random inbred orange Corbett farm cat (that also spoke to me). Q was annoyed, but patient and was ultimately the boss. He tolerated Corb the Labrador’s playfulness, and groomed Moose to be a better kitty. In the end they were an amazing trio themselves.

Corb and Moose knew something was wrong. He changed quickly in the last week.

Bree was set to return from school in Waterloo in just 6 days, to work close to home this summer, and spend time with her family and kitty. She knew he was aging.

Saturday morning, we knew things were changing too quickly. We felt the immediate need to get her home. Shifting from not saying anything, we were honest with our Bree. Her finals were done. We know he waited for this. She was getting organized to come home, but we knew it wouldn’t be in time. The drive was too long. The flights made sense and were booked. Her Ella and Matthew helped her leave within hours and get her home to us. Sunday morning, Our Christopher made the trip to the city to get her. I stayed with Q, and when she arrived, he heard her, and purred. The first purr I had heard in several days, and the last we would ever hear. I told him she was coming, and he waited.

He was brave, but in pain, and spent his last day with her. We tried to keep him comfortable, but he was telling us it was time. This morning my girl bravely held him in her arms while he went to sleep and was finally at peace.

She struggled to understand how she would be “home” that summer without her Q. Wasn’t this the reason she chose to do her coop in Saskatoon that term? We always think we know so much, control so much. The universe must laugh at silly humans who think they can map out the world.

She was meant to be close to home that summer, to be surrounded by her family and friends, to be busy, to have fun, to remember, laugh, and love. This is what he would have wanted, not for her to be somewhere across the country all by herself completing her coop term alone, missing him and us.

Cheers to you beautiful Quinton. The 15 years you were with us was such a gift. You for us, and us for you. I know that not everyone is blessed to have this opportunity. Be near my boy, stay close. We will always miss and love you. 🐾🌈💕