Leo, Leo Baby, Leo Theo, Cheetah baby, Leo the Cheetoh, Todd, my best friend —
It all goes back to June 2015. I had just graduated from pharmacy school and I was moving into my first apartment in Vermont. I never had pets growing up and I always told my parents that when I graduated and had a place of my own that the first thing I was going to is adopt an animal! I posted a picture of a Bengal kitten on Facebook saying “I want one”, and Leo came home with me on July 4th, 2015, officially making me a Cat Momma!
When I chose Leo from the litter. there were a few kittens to choose from. I knew that I wanted a brown bengal and I knew that I wanted a FEMALE! Neo (my current silver bengal) was still available, and he was the cat that really was drawn to me. He was cuddling with me, purring, wouldn’t leave my side, etc, HE CHOSE ME! However, I really had my heart set on a female, brown kitten, so I didn’t decide on him! (Sorry, baby Nee- I wish I could’ve taken you all home that day!) I ultimately decided on “Leo”, because he was the cutest little brown kitten, with the most perfect markings, overly large ears and THEY THOUGHT HE WAS A GIRL! I put my deposit down on, named my new baby LUNA and I was so excited to bring her home in a couple of weeks. Low and behold, “Luna” had her 8-week vet appointment, and what do you know, “It’s a Boy!” haha I was actually devastated because my heart was set on baby Luna, and I was most definitely over dramatic about it, but I obviously decided to keep him LOL. Looking back on it, I am SO happy that Luna became Leo and our story began.
(Oh, and I ended up getting Baby Nee about a year and a half later! I remained friends with the breeder on FB and she messaged me one day asking if I wanted Neo because he needed a new home and she saw how much I loved Leo! His name was already Neo, too! Talk about “meant to be”! Their bond was like nothing I had ever seen before, they were truly two peas in a pod– the “dynamic duo”!
Leo instantly became my best friend. He never, ever left my side. I’ll never forget our first summer together when he was an only child. We did EVERYTHING together. I used to bring him to the grocery store, he would come in the car with me anywhere I went, many road trips to NY to grandma and grandpa’s house where he could climb the trees, we hung out by the pool, he studied with me for my pharmacy boards & he even use to come visit me at work at my first pharmacy (shhhh)! He was such a momma’s boy from day 1. He knew how much I loved him, and he loved me unconditionally right back.
Let me tell you though, I had NO idea what I was getting into when I decided to adopt a Bengal Cat (I might do a whole blog post on this, because I get asked often about them, and you need to know what you’re getting yourself into before getting a Bengal LOL). They are definitely more than just a pretty face, and definitely not your average house cat. They require a LOT of attention (similar to a dog), they have very big personalities, like to be walked on leashes and are very much so “people cats”. Leo was the cat who made everyone who said they “weren’t cat people” like (or at least tolerate LOL) cats! Anyone and everyone who met him fell in love with him and was just as captivated as I was by not only his beauty, but his HUGE personality. He always had the loudest voice in the room, your food was his food, your drink was his drink (or it was batted onto the ground LOL), he would let anyone pick him up, he would lick you like a dog, and be the first to cuddle with you if you sat down. House guests were often shocked to find him in his favorite spots, either on top of the kitchen cabinets or perched up on top of a door. Strangers were often shocked to see him strutting down the sidewalk on his leash, or his head poke up out of the stroller on walks through the neighborhood. He made every person he came in contact with smile, that’s for sure.
Leo not only brought me so many laughs and smiles, but he made me a momma. He taught me so many valuable life lessons. He taught me patience, he taught me forgiveness, he taught me how to prioritize the important things in life, he taught me not worry about materialistic things that can be replaced, how to survive off a lack of sleep and most importantly taught me how to love unconditionally. He was truly my heart outside of my body. People often reflect on how much you cared for a pet and what you did for them during their short time here on Earth, but I will forever never forget all that he did for me.
Leo was truly my rock for many, many years. He was there for me when I was sad, when I was lonely, when I was afraid, and he was also there for me when I celebrated some of life’s biggest moments like becoming a licensed pharmacist, building my first home and finding my soulmate. I know I will miss Leo’s presence in all of life’s biggest moments to come, but I will be forever grateful for the ones that he was physically by my side for.
I never knew how much I needed Leo, but it turns out that he needed me too. When Leo was diagnosed with HCM on 9/21/20, it was suggested that at that time we take the path of euthanasia. I was his voice. I knew Leo wasn’t ready, he was a fighter. Although the next 3 months were filled with a lot of emotions, medications, ER visits, vet bills, and the feeling of walking on eggshells every single day not knowing what was next, it was also the best 3 months that we spent together. Leo knew his time was limited and even though I didn’t want to admit it, I knew it was too. I prayed and prayed for more time. I knew it would never be long enough, but I promised him that I would do everything that was humanly possible for him and I truly gave it my all. I promised him that I would be present and enjoy every last second that we had left together. We slept side by side every night, went on more walks outside than ever, he ate more treats, swung in his egg chair, had the most extra quarantine 5th birthday party, took many naps in his donut by the fire, and his absolute favorite- snuggled (and harassed) with his other half, Neo. Leo may have had a short time here, but made an impact that will last a lifetime.
It still doesn’t make sense. It still doesn’t feel real. And I still don’t understand why. But Leo, thank you. Thank you for blessing me with 5 & 1/2 years of pure joy, love, and happiness. I can’t wait to be reunited with you someday and I look forward to seeing that big smile, those bright green eyes and petting that beautiful, soft, cuddly fur of yours once again. I’ll love you forever and ever my sweet boy, and I miss you every single day.
Until we meet again my sweet angel,
I’ll love you forever.
xoxo,
Your momma
Thank you so much for sharing your and Leo’s story. It is just beautiful and my heart sends a hug to your heart. We are never ready for them to be apart from us. The time you shared is so precious.
Thank you so much Bella! I know he was so loved by many and even though he was taken too soon, we’ll forever cherish those sweet memories ❤️
Crying by the end of this. Everything about Leo and your bond with him really hit home as my bengal, Machi (who also passed too young from HCM and left a hole in my heart that will never be filled) was so similar to Leo and I loved her more than anything, just like you and Leo.
Drinking from the Keurig and getting weird looks from neighbors as she prowled the streets on her leash was her jam. I remember Id lay down in another room and then hear her knocking the top off of the Keurig to drink (so gross, but oh well) or she’d be knocking things off of tables and counters or meowing at the top of her lungs because she was like “hey! i want attention right now”. Every heart break, achievement, loss, gain, Machi was a constant just like Leo was. I remember getting the flu and Machi wouldnt even get up to eat or pee because she didn’t leave my side. My mom came to help and would tell me “you have to get up so Machi gets up. she wont get out of this bed unless you do”
You’re right, Bengal personalities are like no other. They are 100% people cats and their personalities are larger than life. Everyone who knew Machi would say she was the only cat they’ve ever met who had so many different facial expressions. I do think what makes them extra special is that even though they love people, they usually attach hard to one person and bond with them in a way that is really hard to describe. I loved reading that you were that person for Leo.
Animals feed our souls in ways that people simply arent capable of. It is because of how unconditionally they love us no matter what and how they support us in ways that humans cant that makes losing them so hard.
We have never met, and only messaged on instagram when I first saw Leo was having heart issues, but I feel like I know you and him just from following his story and your bond with him. I truly enjoyed following you and Leo and seeing your bond and the similarities the two of you had with me and Machi. Since i lost Machi 3 years ago, i would find myself going to your stories or pages to see what Leo was up to whenever i missed Machi.
Thank you for that, and thank you to Leo. I hope you find some peace in knowing you fought hard for him until his last day and gave him every chance.
Best,
Jenna
Oh Jenna, thank you so much for sharing all of that!❤️ I’m so happy that Leo would remind you of all the sweet memories you had with Machi. I couldn’t have said it better myself. You are right, the bond is like no other, and being “that person” for a Bengal cat is truly a blessing. Thank you for all of your sweet words, your thoughts and help while Leo was sick. It’s heartbreaking losing them so soon, but I’d do it all over again to have that precious time with those sweet babies. Thank you again for sharing and I’m so glad that we’ve connected. ❤️
Xoxo
Jen
What a beautiful tribute to Leo. Your story made me laugh (and cry). I’m so glad that he brought you so much joy and that you have these wonderful memories to hold in your heart.
Thank you for reading Cherri, he definitely brought so much joy into our world ❤️
Our animals love us unconditionally and teach us what matters most in life. Jen, thank you for sharing Leo’s life. Charlie, my domestic short hair, all black, panther looking cat has been my rock. Now as he approaches 14, his kidneys are starting to fail, he is unable to jump as high as he once did, but he still snuggles and sleeps with me. He wakes me up by his licking my face and his “talking” ensures that I get up and feed him breakfast!
I enjoy hearing about all of your fur babies- Leo, Neo and Brixton. Keep talking about them. Keep writing about them.
Aw thank you so much Janice. I’m glad you enjoyed his story! I will definitely keep writing about all my boys! I hope your baby stays strong for you, enjoy every moment ❤️