Noah Rosenberg Schwartz Saugen (No-Buddy)
I'm not sure if it is that I need a sense of closure or I'm indulging some self destructive tendencies at the moment but I can't help myself from attempting to write an obituary for my poor kitty Noah whom I had to have put to sleep Friday evening.
I knew these days were going to be hard but I never expected going into this relationship that an overweight puddle of fur would turn a grown man into a sobbing messy thing. The worst of it is coming home and finding yourself waiting for him to greet you with his raspy baritone of a 'meow' and only being greeted by silence.
So, if this post is nothing but sappy mush and incomprehensible garbage I hope you can understand where it is coming from.
Noah Rosenberg Schwartz Saugen, born Noah Rosenberg, was laid to rest Friday, July 24th, 2009 at the age of 13.5. Having fallen on harder times Noah was residing in the West Philips neighborhood of Minneapolis for the last two years, previously residing just south of the upscale 50th and France area of Minneapolis with his loving parents Betsy Rosenberg and James Schwartz. Having been weakened by a growing brain tumor it was the staff of the Blue Cross Animal Hospital at the request of his companion Lucas Saugen who mercifully took his life.
Born on a cold New England morning in January 1996 Noah was a frail, small and scared kitten. It is unknown who his birth parents where or the existence of any siblings. To the amazement of those around him he quickly grew to be a very large, strong, and de-clawed cat. Lacking education Noah spent most his youth wondering the alleys in search of conflict and conquests. It was in his later years after a failed conflict with an unknown adversary Noah was confined to the indoors by his family.
His hobbies included and were not limited to snoring loudly, sleeping in the sun, and eating. Modest to a fault, most never knew of his many accolades such as being crowned the 2002 Chewbacca Calling Champion of the Upper Midwest and many prizes for his remarkable impersonation of the former Vice President Dick Cheney. Emboldened by his polydactyl adeptness, Noah was an impeccable groomer and caught flying treats with his bare mitts.
Survived by his companion in later life Lucas Saugen, his parents James and Betsy, and countless friends. Noah's ashes will be buried along side other beloved animals who's swift hand of death touched too early. No service is planned.
Thank you for your indulgence. I want to remember Noah as the strong, fluffy, misundertood grump of a man he was. Here are some photos of him in his prime.
;)
Noah and me.;)
... in the sun.;)
King of his domain.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
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Reader Comments (5)
that is a beautiful obituary for an awesome cat.
we need to pour out a 40 for him
Lucas, thank you for giving Noah the most wonderful final years.
I want to share one of my favorite memories of Noah. When we lived in an apartment in Uptown with roommate Joanna Martin and Noah's adopted cat sister of nine years, Ruth, Noah did spend a lot of time outdoors. Sometimes he would go on adventures for days. This was, of course, before he was declawed. While inside our apartment Noah often stood post in front of an air-conditioning unit in one of the windows. This unit had brown paper tape around it and Noah had punched a hole into this tape with one of his massive paws. He would look through this hole for hours and would knock Ruth away if she would get anywhere near his post. One day I came home from school and found a trail of blood going across the room starting from this window. I followed it across the room and at the end was a bird's beak. It was one of Noah's greatest triumphs.
Because of some relationship issues that Noah was having with Ruth, we did actually at one point consult with a pet therapist. After hearing my description of my cats and the situation, the therapist did tell me that Noah was "not a tiny person in a cat suit." While I do know that he was a cat, he did have many qualities that made him seem part-human and I know you understand this Lucas.
I have so many memories of Noah and want to share one more. When Noah saved the day. Noah and I were living alone in an apartment in the warehouse district. I started to fill the bath tub and then accidentally fell asleep. He woke me with his loud meows and then led me to the flood. The damage only extended two floors below....it could have been worse if not for Noah.
I will always miss him and will remember all the joy and companionship he brought to the lives that he touched.
This is a wonderful obit for a wonderful quirky, sweet cat.
Hang in there Lucas, you brought joy and happiness to Noah and that will stay in both of your spirits for all time!
I am amazed how much love ...