Riley SweetPea Detlor ~ The Most Handsome Boy Ever ~
Riley SweetPea was a furry boy who came from the streets of Toronto. His big awkward feet didn’t seem to fit his long skinny frame. The left side of his face was paralyzed, his left eye didn’t completely close, and one fang was always outside his mouth. In short: he was perfect.
When we met he was charming the entire neighborhood, where my friends Gail and Lori lived. Late fall was upon us and there was no way this odd looking scruffy thing would survive on the street during winter. I was going through a difficult time in my life and decided we would probably be good for each other.
Though I thought he was full grown, Riley kept growing and growing. Clearly he was still a kitten when he moved in. He was a chatty boy who would talk to anyone who paid him attention. Though I almost never knew what he was saying, he always seemed to understand me. I have had pets my whole life. I have loved and cherished all of them. Yet Riley was the most unique cat I ever met. He oozed love and was almost always in the same room as me, when I was home. When I was sick he never left my side. He seemed to know and would give unsolicited hugs/kisses more so than usual.
He was funny and loved to show off. When he saw a camera he would pose. He also stood on the dresser, looked in the mirror, and it seemed he was admiring himself. These things were probably my fault as I praised him daily and told him he was the most handsome boy ever. Everyone who met him loved him. Different people remarked that he was more human than animal. I don’t think he knew he was an animal.
When Riley took sick two weeks ago I was sure he would be fine. He was a strong seven-year-old cat who rarely got sick. My friends and family reassured me daily he would be ok. We all believed it. He was getting stronger while in hospital, there were two days where he was wandering around chatting up the vet and technicians. They all fell for his gentle charm. All were pulling for him. Even the vet said she never met a cat like him.
When I got the call that he was having a reaction to the feeding tube, I was concerned but remained sure he would be ok. I had gone in and tube fed him – he was supposed to come home. Friday things worsened. Saturday I went to the vet, not knowing if we would have to put him to sleep. I held him for a long time and as sick as he was he purred loudly and gave me hugs. I was a bawling snotty mess and the dear soul was trying to comfort me.
We made the decision to give him till Monday before we proceeded in any direction. He was still better than when he went in to hospital and he was a fighter. Sadly, the little guy passed away in the early hours of Sunday, July 5th. Though I was relieved he wasn’t suffering, I was/am devastated that he wasn’t /isn’t coming home.
No soul lives forever on earth. I thought I would have more than seven years with Riley SweetPea. The house has been too quiet for the past two weeks. He made lots of noise and was forever into things. Lots of people have said, “He was lucky you saved his life.” Truth is: we saved each other. My furry boy got me through some very dark times.
Animals enrich our lives. They are gifts and should be treasured. Losing Riley has been very difficult for me. I remain grateful for the love and support of family and friends. Without your kindness and support I would have been so lost. My thanks also goes out to the online community who embraced all my furry babies and have mourned the losses of Little Dolly the kitten and our handsome Riley. All of your comments are cherished.
Pam
xo
07/07/2009 at 4:59 pm
I am crying with you. Riley was the best cat ever, I just know it.
07/07/2009 at 5:01 pm
He was a beautiful cat and always had so much personality in pictures. Pets aren’t people, that’s true, but I really believe our pets are sent to us, for whatever reason, and they fit us and we fit them. Losing a pet is devastating, always.
You had each other and that is a wonderful thing, no matter how long it was.
07/07/2009 at 5:16 pm
RIP Riley … my heart hurts for you Pam. You both were so fortunate to have each other even for a short seven years and these pictures demonstrate that so well. xox
07/07/2009 at 5:40 pm
now I too am a bawling snotty mess…It will be two years in September since We lost our boy Tasslehoff “Binky” Burrfoot (he was also 7 years old and we had looked forward to more years with him than we got)and not a day goes by that I don’t think about him…the passing of time, however, leaves the loving memories and lessens the pain of our loss. Your sweet boy will live on forever in your memories. I know he appreciated the life and love that you gave him…and you will continue to do your small part to save and care for the poor and abandoned four legged furry creatures of the world. My love goes out to you…
07/07/2009 at 5:55 pm
Oh pam. =’/ I was pulling for him too, and right now my heart just goes out to you. He was so lucky to have you, and you him. As said above these pictures demonstrate your love for him. hang in there hun. <3
07/07/2009 at 6:25 pm
You know how I feel…you likely know I’m teary. Nothing like kitty love to get ya through. You have amazing strength. I admire you.
07/07/2009 at 6:35 pm
I was sure that he would be ok. I even sent him a tweet last week. I usually don’t get emotional, but I must admit that my eyes were moist when I read your article. He may have died, but he is not forgotten. I’m sure that he is watching over you and that he will always be with you. I believe that his memories will bring you happiness once you have gotten over losing him. I wish you all the best.
07/07/2009 at 6:36 pm
I Love you and Miss him so much
this is my Favorite Picture I ever took of the boy.
07/07/2009 at 6:37 pm
reading this really made me a snotty mess too, its amazing how animals can bring you thru things. One of my cats passed shortly after Kathleen’s ~ Niko, she fell 9 stories when I first got her and lived for over 12 years, then in the same year I had to find homes for my adopted 3 yo Lynx Pt Siamese and Himalayan cause they brought me wicked asthma attacks like I have never had before. I promised to take care of them forever so to have to depart from them for medical reasons broke my heart. I have a hard time looking at kitties now with out crying (a lil embarrassing) I am glad you have room in your heart to save others and bring love to them. I can’t do that any more. : ( Best Wishes!
07/07/2009 at 8:52 pm
Pam, I am so sorry to hear about Riley SweetPea. He was such a sweet animal/guy/cat. It doesn’t seem fair. You gave him such an amazing life and an amazing amount of love.
07/08/2009 at 1:42 am
What a really wonderful tribute to a truly beautiful little soul. Animals are our angels. They watch over us and comfort us and make us laugh and realize no one is alone in this world ever. Your Riley is a beautiful boy. I am sad with you. Your Riley is comforting the tiny kitten now maybe. I hope that the days bring you peace soon but know that now even though you will be filled with sorrow for such a great loss you will find peace and some tiny animal soul will find you again. You are kind, generous and caring. Love to you and the other little one who still remains ….a gift for sure.
J.
07/08/2009 at 8:49 am
Riley was a handsome lad and I – even living out here in the southwest fell for him – lets face it what’s not to love. I thank you for sharing him and your memories with us.
Thank you too for allowing me to write a little about him – I was honoured.
Be safe and well dear Pam, you were blessed to have one another – you and mister Riley Sweet Pea Detlor and we all were blessed to share from a distance.
Take good care and be safe and be gentle with YOU.
Sending you love and light…Palestar
07/17/2009 at 9:45 pm
Thank you all for your lovely words about my furry boy. It’s been almost two weeks and his absence is very hard. The house is a little more noisy with Little Binky running wild. Still – I miss his chatter and his being constantly at my side.
We were both lucky – that is one thing I know to the core of me. He was here when I needed him and vice-versa. Hug your families and pets as often as you can
xx
09/17/2009 at 7:09 pm
Pam …. In the webby way that the web works, I followed a link here and noticed the beautiful photographs, continued scrolling to photos of gorgeous cats. Was very sad to read the few posts. I’ve just been having vet visits with my gorgeous Clive this week. You’ve honoured the memories of your critter (and your neighbour) very well with these beautiful posts. Introducing many people to these wonderful souls. Reminding me & others to love the wonderful critters & folks in our lives. Thanks for that.