I adopted Smokey when he was 2 months old. I did so shortly after my previous cat passed away. I saw him on the Humane Society website and just kept going back to his picture. I didn’t think I was ready for another pet, but I just couldn’t stop looking at him. Then I met him in person and knew he was meant to be with me. For 10 years it was just him and I. He was my emotional support without ever realizing it, or maybe he did realize it. He would drive me crazy running up and down the stairs of our home. Catnip would make him even more hyper, but it was fun to watch him. We would often play “fetch” with one of his mice. He hated having a door shut without him with the human behind it. His paw would go under the door to let you know he was there. That or he would scratch at the door until you gave in and opened it. He would sit on remotes, phones, laptops, etc. if he felt you should be giving him more attention. He was never shy about letting you know he needed water or wanted food.

At 10 years old, he tolerated me bringing a dog into our lives. He would play with her by hiding under a blanket and swatting at her. It took him years to lay near her, but all of her beds were really his and he would “allow” her to lay in them from time to time. She will greatly miss him.

At 12 years old, I introduced my now husband to him. Smokey was always a wonderful judge of character and in hindsight, I should have listened to that earlier on. He took to my husband very quickly though. I knew he was good when Smokey opted to lay in his lap instead of mine.

By 13 years old, he had another cat living with him that my husband had previously adopted. Shockingly, they got along well and quickly. They would chase each other around the house. They rarely fought, but there were moments when he would run to me to get her to leave him alone.

At 16 years old, he helped us welcome our baby boy home. We weren’t sure how he would handle the noise that a baby brings, but he ended up the most curious of the three animals. He would check on his baby often. If someone was babysitting, he was never far away from his baby. He was the only animal who allowed our son to pet him as he started to become more curious about Smokey.

He was the loudest cat in the world when it came to being hungry, which he was always hungry. He would clean up after the dog or eat her food if she wasn’t fast enough. He also liked to help clean up the baby’s mess during meals and would sit under the high chair.

He would get angry if you were outside and he could see you. He would paw the window or screen door, but never wanted to come outside.

He was my soul cat. My baby, Mo, Bug, Bubba, Bubs, Bugaboo, Me-Mo, Grumpus, A-Hole, old man. I am so thankful for the 17 years we had together, but it was not enough. I had tried to convince him to be immortal. He may be gone physically, but I have so many pictures and memories that I will have him forever in my heart and mind.

Love you so, Smokey Rambo.