Little Boo Boo was a ray of sunshine for the writer during a dark period in her life. Photo: Roberta Huddy
It was December 2018, a dark time in my life. I was homeless, alone, and feeling especially depressed around the holidays. Watching others celebrate with their families made my loneliness even harder to bear. Survival was my priority, but I felt weighed down by sadness and isolation.
A few days before Christmas, I was gathering bags of recyclables to cash in. As I bent down to retrieve a few cans that had rolled under a canoe near my camp, I noticed a tiny orange tabby kitten, no more than four or five weeks old, staring at me. Startled, I paused, but the kitten just looked back without any fear. I tried to coax the little one out, but he wouldn’t budge. With no success, I continued with my day, cashing in my recyclables and moving on.
When I returned to my camp, I had forgotten about the kitten. But as I settled into my tent, I heard something rustling around the canvas. Terrified, I thought it might be a mongoose or a rat. Slowly, I backed out, and out of the corner of the tent, the orange tabby appeared, meowing and walking towards me without fear. He was filthy, hungry, and clearly in need of help.
I quickly found a dish, filled it with water, and offered him some leftover rice and milk. The kitten ate ravenously, and as I watched him, I knew I had to help him further. He was covered in dirt and fleas, his ears filled with grime, and his eyes slightly crusty.
I boiled some water, set up an area with fresh towels, and prepared a small bath using warm water and dish soap. Gently, I wiped him down, talking to him softly to reassure him. Though he wasn’t fond of the water at first, he soon relaxed.
After carefully cleaning him, including his eyes and ears, I wrapped him in a towel and we sat together in the sun to warm him up. His fur dried, becoming soft and smooth again. I did my best to rid him of the fleas and sprinkled some baby powder on him.
I found a basket, lined it with a pillow and a soft blanket, and placed a stuffed animal inside for him to cuddle. The kitten quickly fell asleep, and as I watched him, I knew he was now my responsibility. I named him Boo Boo.
From that day forward, Boo Boo became my baby, my friend, my everything. Despite my circumstances, he lifted me out of my depression and gave me a sense of purpose. I felt blessed that the universe had brought him to me. He trusted me completely, and I trusted him. Our bond was unlike any I had experienced with another pet.
A few months passed, and I managed to save a little money. I bought him treats, cat food, a litter box, a collar and leash, and a special toy. When I returned to the camp, Boo Boo greeted me. I set up his new toy, and he jumped right in, looking so proud and happy. I snapped a picture of him, filled with joy at how far we had come together.
But on April 6, 2019, tragedy struck. Boo Boo was hit by a car near my camp. I was devastated. A friend with a moped gently placed Boo Boo on it and rushed him to the Humane Society's emergency area. I followed on my bike, crying and hoping they could save him. But the call came before I arrived – Boo Boo had died on the table. My heart shattered. I cried on the bike path, overcome with guilt for not protecting him.
The Humane Society staff suggested I remember Boo Boo as he was in life, not in death. They urged me to focus on the happy times we shared.
For days, I grieved deeply. I shut out the world, unable to cope with the loss of my beloved companion. Boo Boo had been my light during one of the darkest periods of my life, and losing him felt unbearable.
Weeks passed, and though friends checked on me, I still wasn’t myself. One night, sitting on our favourite rock, I looked up at the stars and whispered, "I love and miss you, Boo Boo." I reflected on our time together and realised that while I thought Boo Boo needed me, it was really I who needed him. He had helped me regain my self-worth, confidence, and resilience. He taught me to love myself, no matter what life threw at me.
As I gazed at the stars, I found peace knowing Boo Boo was happy, running through lush green fields with endless cat treats and toys, alongside his fellow fur friends who had crossed the rainbow bridge. Though I still cry at times, Boo Boo will always be in my heart and soul, a constant reminder of love, hope, and resilience.
