Anyone who has seen the MSPCA-Angell Community Outreach vans knows the iconic, cheerful image of long-time client Deb with her beloved cat, Clarkie resting happily in her arms. The team felt a collective heartbreaking loss when their unofficial feline mascot passed away in May.
The Community Outreach Team first met Deb in 2019 during door-to-door outreach in Lowell. Deb proudly welcomed them into her home to meet Clarkie — she knew they would be instant fans! Deb was right; Clarkie pulled off his signature move of sprawling on the ground resembling Superman in flight. After all, Clark Kent was his namesake.
Deb’s storytelling of her history with Clarkie could warm any heart. Adopted as a chronically sick cat from a crowded shelter, Clarkie provided Deb with essential comfort and companionship for over a decade. Even when Deb suffered the tragic loss of her son, Clarkie was there to provide a vital role in her healing process. Deb provided Clarkie with equally meaningful love and care, ensuring he enjoyed the company of his countless neighbors-turned-best-friends in their building and beyond, both human and feline. One of his favorite feline friends was Boots, a neighbor’s kitten. Clarkie always perked up when Boots visited, and Boots became a regular fixture in Deb’s life.
When Clarkie’s good days were outnumbered by days of discomfort, Deb made the compassionate choice to say goodbye. “This is a decision I never wanted to make,” she said, “but his quality of life was not there anymore.” With the help of the Community Outreach team and many shared memories of Clarkie, Clarkie’s passing was peaceful.
Not long after saying goodbye to Clarkie, Deb had the opportunity to welcome Boots into her life permanently. Boots has quickly reminded Deb that caring for a rambunctious kitten is much different than a mellow senior cat like Clarkie. Still, with a crash course in Kitten Play 101 from the Community Outreach team, Deb is prepared to teach Boots that wand toys and cat trees are better to play with than hands and feet!
Deb has expressed the familiar feeling that grief is not a linear process and still mourns Clarkie daily. She is experiencing the complexity of enduring a heart-wrenching loss while finding solace in forming a bond with a new pet — an experience that resonates profoundly with fellow animal lovers. The team hopes Boots’ fun-loving spirit brings Deb comfort and warm memories of Clarkie, her special companion who was so lucky to have her.
Learn more about the Community Outreach program and keeping pets and families together at mspca.org/outreach.
