Our adorable cat Wobbles died suddenly yesterday, while I was flying back from Orlando. Alayne told me the news after I got home. He was found dead in the cat house, lying in a litterbox. We have no idea what happened. We are, as you can imagine, devastated by the sudden loss of our little boy. Wobs, as we called him, was one of our iconic animals ... he demonstrated better than anyone how much a disabled animal can enjoy life.
He had arrived as an 8-week old kitten from a shelter in Moses Lake, Washington. He was our first animal with cerebellar hypoplasia, and his wobbling antics endeared him to everyone who knew him. We had never encountered this neurological condition before his arrival, and since then many other wobblers -- cats and dogs -- have followed him to the ranch.
Wobbles loved -- absolutely loved -- people, and he was always the first to wobble out to greet visitors to the cat house. He was an affectionate tyke with a built-in purr machine. If you picked him up and held him, he would sink into your arms and purr away. He was also a scamp, and despite his compromised motor skills, he was an ace at bursting through the screen door to get outside. And what did he love to do once outside? Roll around in the dirt and gravel, getting as dusty as he could. He was the original "rolling cat" at the Rolling Dog Ranch. The cat house will never be the same without him.
We are still coming to terms with the suddenness of it. He was young, only about five years old, so his death was completely unexpected. Late today I took his body to our vets in Helena so they can do a necropsy to find out what caused his death. We feel we owe it to him to at least understand why this little life was taken away so early.
I was struck tonight by reading his original story we posted on his page several years ago. The last line reads, "We’ll never be able to call Wobbles a real 'stand-up guy,' but this little youngster should enjoy a long … if unbalanced … life here at the ranch."
It was not to be.
Goodbye, Wobs. We love you.
My heart cries with yours. Wobs was special - I hope he is running free and fast in his next life.
Posted by: Cat | December 12, 2007 at 10:33 PM
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I know how hard it is to lose a beloved pet. Wobbles beautiful little face reminds me of my Odie. God Bless You, Wobbles, and everyone at the ranch.
Posted by: Cindy Adkins | December 12, 2007 at 07:55 PM
Rest well sweet one...The circle of life continues...you did well.
Posted by: Sherrie | December 12, 2007 at 05:48 PM
Steve and Alayne,
Glenn and I are very sorry for the loss of Wobbles. We would have loved to have seen you in Orlando and we are so sorry you had to return to such sad news. We know who he is with now. God bless you both.
Posted by: Nicci | December 11, 2007 at 10:49 PM
You have my sympathy. To lose a beloved animal is devestating and to have it happen suddenly is the worst.
You are all in my prayers.
Posted by: Jennie | December 10, 2007 at 07:16 AM
I'm so sorry for your loss, Steve. I've never met Wobbles, but the news saddens me just the same. He sounded like such a sweet little kitty - how does the song go? Only the good die young? You clearly had a deep affection for him, and judging by the number of posts he will be well and truly missed. My deepest sympathies to you and Alayne.
Posted by: Kristen D. | December 09, 2007 at 11:40 PM
I remember when I first met Wobbles...on our trip out to the ranch several summers ago, he won over all of us, he will me missed. I know that he will live on in the hearts of everyone that he touched.
Posted by: Sabrina | December 08, 2007 at 11:37 PM
I am saddened at the sudden loss of precious Wobbles. My heart goes out to both of you. So glad he was able to live his life at the ranch, the best place on this side of heaven.
Posted by: Nina | December 08, 2007 at 01:51 PM
Dear Steve & Alayne, our hearts go out to you with sympathy, so sorry for the loss of Wobbles, Wobbles was one of the first animals I saw on your site & you could see what a precious kitty he was.God bless all of you at Rolling Dog.
Posted by: Mary Young | December 08, 2007 at 12:14 PM
Sharing in your loss of sweet little Wobbles. Take some comfort in knowing you gave him the chance to have a life, though too short. Without you and Rolling Dog Ranch, he may not have had the chance to have these few good years being loved and cared for. I'm sure you will miss him dearly.
Posted by: Karen | December 08, 2007 at 01:16 AM
Please accept my deepest, heartfelt condolences. Wobbles has crossed that Rainbow Bridge and is playing with my little kitty, Stew, purring all the while. Sweet Wobs.
Posted by: Shelli Smith | December 08, 2007 at 01:07 AM
Steve and Alayne; hugs , hugs and more hugs. We are so sorry to hear of dear sweet Wobbles passing. Be comforted in the knowledge that you gave him, (as a kind man on t.v. says )"a soft place to fall" There is an old John Denver song titled "Some days are diamonds---Some days are coal" This was definitely a coal day. Also, I would like to AGREE most heartily with what Miranda said in her post of 12-07-07!! Our thoughts are with you Take care We love you
Posted by: The Taylors from Olympic Peninsula in Wa | December 08, 2007 at 12:47 AM
Steve, Alayne....I'm so very sorry and saddened to hear about Wobbles passing. He made my heart purrr when I first saw his picture and everytime thereafter. Please know that many, many people are keeping you and sweet Wobs in their thoughts and hearts.
Sending you love and healing....
Posted by: Boundforglory | December 07, 2007 at 11:17 PM
I love you Wobbles.
Posted by: Cora | December 07, 2007 at 08:37 PM
I was really sorry to read about Wobbles. Since I was MaMa to the wobblers, Smokey & Charlie before they came to you, I can imagine what you're going through. I've lost three of my loving cats within the last year and they were all up in years. I cry for days when I lose one, so if you feel like crying, do it. I'm crying while I'm typing this and I didn't even know Wobbles. I hope the necropsy sheds light on what the problem was. Hugs & Love to you both and of course all of Wobbles' furry friends. God bless you all.
Posted by: Sonya Brooks | December 07, 2007 at 08:07 PM
Steve and Alayne - My heart goes out to you. Wobbles you will be forever loved.
Posted by: Leigh | December 07, 2007 at 06:43 PM
RIP dear Wobs. You will be missed. The pain is deep, the love is deeper. Steve and Alayne-you gave Wobs fountains of love and wonderful days. You do not grieve alone.
Posted by: maryr | December 07, 2007 at 04:51 PM
tears...just tears....I would like to say something comforting but I just can't feel but saddened.
well at least we know there is a heaven...where else an angel like Wobbles go?
Posted by: Mehdi | December 07, 2007 at 03:46 PM
I'm so sorry. At least Wobbles got to spend his life in a wonderfully caring place.
Posted by: Amy | December 07, 2007 at 03:45 PM
Steve, what a sad thing to come home to. I know Wobs was a special fellow to you. I'm so sorry for you and Alayne.
Posted by: Kay Stemnock | December 07, 2007 at 02:46 PM
What sad, sad news. I am just hearbroken. I have a soft spot for kitties, and just loved all of them you took in. Wobbles semed such a character! My heartfelt sympathy to on this terrible, untimely loss.
Posted by: Heidi & the kitties | December 07, 2007 at 02:31 PM
I had the privilege of meeting Wobbles. Alayne and Steve had fashioned his own special space in their living room (the new digs were being created in the other house while we were there). To watch him was to marvel at the pure joy of his life!! And, what a purr!!!! I am smiling through the tears as I think of that time!
Joyce
Posted by: Joyce | December 07, 2007 at 12:14 PM
I'm so sorry about the loss of Wobbles. I'm sitting here crying about a cat I never met or petted in a state where I've never been. It's amazing how the world of the Internet makes us all feel so close to each other and how we can share and care. I hope you are able to find something from the necropsy that will help you with your other wobblers. My best to you both.
Miranda
Posted by: Mircat | December 07, 2007 at 12:13 PM
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know that nothing I say can ease your pain, but know that if it was not for your love and dedication to these precious animals, Wobbles may never have known all of the love and joy that he did in his short life. God Bless Wobbles and you for the amazing work that you do.
Posted by: Jen Hensler | December 07, 2007 at 11:56 AM
Steve and Alayne:
Wobs was my 8 year old son's favorite animal when we visited the ranch, Wobs came up to my son and immediately snuggled in and like you said, he was a purring machine. We visited 2 years ago and my son still asks about Wobbles often. My heart aches for your loss, but you can take some comfort in knowing that he had a great life at the RDR.
Posted by: Kelsie | December 07, 2007 at 11:24 AM
Condolences to you on the loss of dear Wobs. I was looking at his picture on my notecards just yesterday. Thank heaven he had a happy life where he was wanted and loved.
Posted by: Moon Rani | December 07, 2007 at 11:15 AM
I'm so sorry to hear about Wobbles. What a sweet little boy. His life may have been short, but he showed you so much love, and showed you how much spirit a little disabled cat can have.
Posted by: Mary | December 07, 2007 at 11:05 AM
I am so sorry. What a very pretty cat he was. I have a soft spot for the wobblers.
Nancy
Posted by: NancyKelly | December 07, 2007 at 10:57 AM
Rest in peace dear Wobbles.
Posted by: Kristi | December 07, 2007 at 10:28 AM
Steven and Alayne, I'm so sorry to hear of Wobbles passing. He was as you say the iconic wobbler. I'm so so sorry.
Posted by: jen | December 07, 2007 at 10:22 AM
I'll always remember Wobbles from the photo on your web page and the note card.
Peace, Wobbles.
Posted by: Clay | December 07, 2007 at 10:08 AM
I am so sorry for the loss of Wobbles --and so grateful that you were able to give him five wobbly but wonderful years at Rolling Dog Ranch.
Posted by: Helen Rietz | December 07, 2007 at 09:44 AM
I've been reading your Blog for about a year now, but never commented before. I just wanted to thank you guys for all that you give to the wonderful animals that are lucky enough to come live at the ranch. I'm not sure that I would be strong enough to handle losing them, especially when it is so unexpected! You are both Gods gift to special animals. . . Rest in peace Wobbles.
Posted by: Sarah Mitchell | December 07, 2007 at 09:19 AM
Steve and Alayne, I am sooo sorry to hear about Wobbles. It is never easy to lose a pet, whether suddenly or you know it is coming. He was a real sweetheart. He had a great life, as short as it was, one he wouldn't have had without you. My heart goes out to you both. Big hug to you both!
Posted by: Laura | December 07, 2007 at 09:19 AM
So sad about Wobs. It is so much harder when it is unexpected and they aren't old. We have been through that. So my thoughts are with you guys. Wobs was so lucky to have that 5 years of good living with you. Thank you.
Posted by: Karen | December 07, 2007 at 08:18 AM
RIP, sweet Wobbles. You had the good life with Steve and Alayne. When I looked back at the early photos, I noticed what wonderfully large, tall ears you had. Very beautiful.
Sudden deaths are so much harder to deal with. You don't really get a chance to say a good "good-bye." I hope the necropsy will help you understand why he died so young.
Posted by: Janet | December 07, 2007 at 08:16 AM
I am so very sorry for your loss...even more so due to it's unexpectedness. Wobs enjoyed a wonderful, if brief, life...and you guys made that possible.
Posted by: Debbie | December 07, 2007 at 07:35 AM
Wobbles was one of my favourites from the Merry Misfits clip on Youtube, and hearing of his passing has effected me none the less than when I've lost pets of my own. RIP Wobbles, may the Heaven you go to be as wonderful a place as that which you have just left.
Posted by: Andrew | December 07, 2007 at 04:08 AM
Dear Alayne & Steve, I can't tell you how sorry I am to read about Wobs' sudden death!:-(°°° My heart still aches from Lea's passing last August and she was 15. I can't even imagine what it must feel like to lose a 5-year-old furkid...
My thoughts and prayers are with you and sweet Wobs.
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | December 07, 2007 at 03:47 AM
I am so sorry to read this post about Wobbles. He certainly loved his life at the RDR & lived each moment to the fullest. None of us ever know how much time we have, & to do what we love is a wonderful way to live. My heart goes out to you during this sad time.
With hugs of sympathy,
ginger & the critters
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | December 07, 2007 at 03:37 AM
i am so sorry for your loss. i am completely in love with my own two wonderful "skittles" (as we call them bc they skittle around making mischief!) and i was a huge fan of wobbles from afar. i feel sure he, apollo, and athena would have enjoyed wobbling/skittling together. :)
it is made even harder when they are taken away so early. i recently lost my beloved golden retriever to a brain tumor before his time, and the pain is just unbearable. best of luck and all my sympathy to you.
Posted by: m | December 07, 2007 at 02:00 AM
I am so sorry to hear about Wobs. His human and four-legged family are in my thoughts.
Posted by: Amy | December 07, 2007 at 01:44 AM
Although there is nothing one can truly say at such a loss, this helped me when I lost my Lily.
A Poem for Wobs
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
Posted by: Peggy | December 07, 2007 at 01:14 AM
Not Wobbles!!! :( Omg, no!!! :( I was reading his story only the other day and he was one of the first animals I learnt about at the Ranch. It's come as such a shock coz he seemed so happy and healthy! :( Rest in peace, Wobs.
Posted by: Kylie | December 07, 2007 at 12:51 AM
Steve and Alayne,
Words just can't express adequately our sympathy for you loss. So sorry to hear about Wobs. It looks like Birdie & Widget will be missing a best buddy, too. You provided a wonderful life and hope you can take comfort that noone could have done better. Take care.
Posted by: Margaret | December 07, 2007 at 12:14 AM
Oh Steve and Alayne-I am so sad to read about little Wobs...how completely heart breaking-I cannot imagine the shock and sadness. What a beautiful little kitty...sending big hugs and will be thinking about all of you. Losing them is just horrible, especially so suddenly. What a lucky little guy he was to have 5 years in such a wonderful loving place...
Sue
Posted by: smrp | December 07, 2007 at 12:09 AM
My heart and tears go out to Wobbles, Steve and Alayne. I feel so sad. I'm glad I had the chance to interact with him on our visit last summer. Wobbles was a lover. Please know you do not grieve alone. We are so sorry for your loss. It never, never gets easier.
Posted by: Shirley & James, Portland, OR | December 06, 2007 at 11:58 PM