In Memory of Yodi
“He was the best damn cat there ever was.” Eric said, with tears in his eyes, as we walked to the orchard to lay Yodi to rest.
Yodi, was without a doubt, the coolest cat that we had ever known. He was full of personality, intelligence, fun, and love. Yodi would bring a smile to our face each day when we’d cross paths. He would often meow at us from a faroff bush or tree to get our attention, so we would in turn go pick him up, or we would find him snuggled in his bed, fast asleep. If he didn’t find us, we would just call out his name and usually within seconds he would appear, ready for snuggles.
Yodi was an inspiration to us and we believe there is a lot we could all learn from Yodi. He had an adventurous spirit and wasn’t afraid of much. He loved everyone. Even if they weren’t the nicest to him, (Sukah), Yodi would still give them a chance to be his friend and earn his trust. He welcomed every resident into the Sanctuary and did his very best to befriend them all. When Virginia, Kaisey and Astrid were small birds, I was a bit nervous about Yodi trying to hunt them, but when he snuck his way into their yard, he would just lay in the green grass and nap next to them, like long lost friends.
Yodi and Maya started off the best of friends, snuggling, playing, rolling in the grass together and playing chase, until we brought Sukah home. Sukah does not quite know how to behave himself around cats and Maya sadly decided to choose favorites and became Sukah’s bestie instead. But, Yodi never gave up, he continually tried to befriend Sukah and never held a grudge against Maya. And when Buddha arrived, it was only a few short days before he and Yodi were long lost friends.
Yodi would follow us around and though he loved to hunt and venture at night, he loved to snuggle and be with the humans by day. If we were out and about, he never seemed to be too far. A quick call of his name and there he’d be walking out of the bushes towards you. If you weren’t giving him as much attention as he preferred he would crawl up your body and make you hold him in your arms. He demanded a large amount of cuddles and lots of attention.
One morning last summer Maya & I went for our usual hike a few miles up a steep road near our house and there Yodi was…hiking with Maya and I. He was hot and started panting, but I couldn’t get him to go back, nor did he want to be held. He wanted to walk with Maya and I, returning all the way back to the barn with us, he drank a bunch of water from the same bowl as Maya and then took a nap near her in the shade of the barn. Needless to say, once he knew what that was all about, he never was interested in going the whole way again.
Yodi lived way too short of a life, but he did live it to the fullest. He started off life as a lone little kitty managing to survive behind a restaurant in town. He was feral and not pleased with us the night we caught him and brought him home, but he soon learned what a lucky kitty he was and seemed to try to tell us that each and every day. As lucky as he must have felt to be in a safe place with all the things a little kitty could want, we felt just as fortunate to have him in our lives. Yodi touched the hearts of everyone who knew him. He could comfort us when we needed it most, and make us laugh, he could make you slow down and realize sometimes you just need to cuddle, and he loved to be in the way of getting other things done. He knew how to love and he knew how to play. And was the most loyal friend he could be.
I found Yodi the day it ended up being 115, degrees. One of the worst days to memory for sure. He had been hit by a car and was laying dead on the side of the main canyon road. It is heart wrenching to think that a car is what ended up taking his young little life, and never would we have thought, since we live a mile off the road. But, Yodi being the adventurer he was, was likely chasing something across the road and didn’t see the car coming in the morning light. It does not seem fair or ok, but we hope that he didn’t know what happened and moved from this life and onto his next continuing to chase the little rodent he was likely after.
It has taken so long to write in his memory, as it is still difficult to believe he is gone. It is has been difficult to accept that it is true. We miss his little meows and being into everything we do each day. We miss his snuggles and his charm. He was the best damn kitty we have ever known.
Yodi, you are missed each day and you will forever be remembered as the incredible being you were. We love you Yodes-man and will never forget you.
