Babe and Niji are two of my oldest buddies, in pet care terms. I met them over 3 years ago, and the last time I saw them was a week ago or so. It’s scary how a decline in health can be so hidden if its gradual. When Matt told me they had both passed, I looked at a lot of my photos. I thought both of them had always been a bit “skin and bones”, but they weren’t.
My buddies in 2023, when we met.
I met them at the start of their sickness. Niji’s was more apparent, my first pet that required a shot every day! Babe’s was more hidden, and to my knowledge wasn’t ever truly figured out.
Niji
Niji and I grew our friendship over time. When left alone, or with animals, I would say I become what some call insufferable. I’m CONSTANTLY whistling, humming, chatting up a storm. My favorite things to do are coming up with songs about the animals I’m caring for, or making up a cute and fun way to say the pet’s name.
Unfortunately for Niji, I would say her name semi-loudly in a high-pitched voice.
NIIIIIIIIIIJIIIIIIIII!!!! Like that.
Niji didn’t like this. Actually, Niji didn’t like it when I opened my mouth period. Me arriving also meant needle time, so I was all around bad news.
Niji, in disbelief, that it’s me again. 2023.
I took the hint! Despite my body rebelling against me, I stayed silent throughout my stays with them. This worked wonderfully, and little by little Niji started to enjoy my arrival. By the end, Niji was the one screaming at me. For food, yes! But she also gave me permission to start speaking again. I loved her sweet voice, and when she did let me pet her, she would melt into my hands. She liked chin scritches… and that’s it!!!
“Niji” is the word for rainbow in Japanese. I always saw it in her coat.
Babe
Babe is one of the most beautiful animals I’ve ever seen. He had piercing blue eyes. A soft cream color in his coat. And a very gentle, gentle chirp when I touched him. We got along quite quickly, but he wasn’t a huge fan of pets. When we would spend time together, it rarely involved touch. He loved looking out the window, so I would sit there next to him and ask “What do you see?” and try and pick out what I imagine was peaking his interest.
Babe didn’t have many teeth, and this would result in the silliest, grumpiest faces when his lips would get caught on his gums.
Unbelievably cute.
He was so playful, running around like a ghost at night, and chasing his favorite sweatshirt string that Matt would leave out for him. Every visit, he would lie on the carpet and curl up and flirt with his cozy little paws up. Looking like he wanted pets… but this was a trick!!!
My last visit with them they got to go outside. Something they do all the time when dad was home, so they said “its about time!!!” I’m glad I got to see them in all their glory out there. Niji stayed with me, and Babe left. Went to the neighbors yard, and disappeared. I was told he would come back, and he did.
I knew they were in poor health, but when the news arrived it wasn’t easier to accept. These animals are not my family, but they are my friends, and I love them deeply. I will always wish I had one more visit before they leave.
Goodnight, sweethearts. I’ll see you again.