Vic, Chief Gravity Tester

Vic, chief gravity tester and my bunk buddy, left us this morning at 5:27 after a very short illness. He was probably no more than eight years old.

Although he may have been sick for some time, he showed no symptoms until ten days ago. Diagnosed with a stomach ulcer a week ago today, we had hoped he'd make a full recovery. But despite making progress mid-week, he took sharp a downward turn yesterday from which there was no coming back.

Vic (short for victim of animal cruelty) came to us on April 1st 2015. He'd been shot three times in the head with a .22 rifle by a local teenager who thought it would be fun to shoot stray cats. Vic underwent surgery and two of the three bullets were removed. It is a miracle he survived at all. Judith rescued him from a parent who she judged was quite unfit to look after him, and brought him to live with us. She adored him - he was definitely her favorite.  

Vic was mischievous and smart. When he wanted your attention he would jump onto a counter-top and bat things—plastic bowls, plastic jars of treats, pens—to the ground; then he'd stare at you to make sure that he'd gotten your attention. I can see his face, head cocked quizzically to one side, peaking out from the alcove to make sure I was paying attention. Sometimes he just liked to bat things of counters for the fun of it, earning him the honorary title "chief gravity tester".

My bunk buddy

 

He wasn't the most social of our feline family, nor the most affectionate but he was the strongest character. While he slept in the bedroom most nights among a gaggle of cats, he'd occasionally sleep next to me with his head on my pillow.

And occasional work companion

 

 

From time to time he would curl up under my chair while I was working and very occasionally sleep in my lap with his head on the keyboard shelf or on the desk with his head on my arm.

 

 

It's hard to believe he'd only been part of the family for six and a half years - his presence was so strong that it is hard to remember a time before he arrived or imagine a time without him. His passing will leave a huge void in our lives, but he's in a much better place now than he was last night and this morning. God speed Vic. May the force of gravity be with you, always; as you are in our hearts.

 

Taking a sun bath at the breakfast table