June 24, 2002 - It's me Bosworth again. I don't know why I've been so tired lately. I just can't seem to get the energy up to get annoyed at all the kittens that are running around the shelter. It must be the hot weather. I just seem to want to sleep all the time in my favorite bed. I must say that I've really got the girls here wrapped around my paw. They let me do anything I want, and I get lots of special food and attention.

"Come on Bos, let's go for a walk." It's my best friend Mary calling me. I don't feel up to going for a walk, but I'd sure like to cuddle with her. So, I'm off to find her and cuddle with her. Tomorrow I'll report about what's beengoing on in the shelter so everyone is up to date.

A couple of hours later...

"Good night guys," the girls said. "See you in the morning." All the kitties had plenty of food and were finding their beds for the night. All snuggled in and tummies full, resting as only a cat can. Darkness came outside and inside the nightlights put out their faint glow. A kind of quiet came over the shelter. The kind of peaceful quiet you notice at times like Christmas Eve.

A strange light started to fill the rooms. A glow that was warm and getting brighter but didn't hurt your eyes.

"Bosworth," a beautiful voice said ever so softly. Feline ears perked up as cats hear special things even though people don't. "Bosworth," it said again a little louder, "I need your help. I am the angel that watches over the Rainbow Bridge. You've done such a good job here welcoming new kitties when they were so scared and sometimes hurt. You know just what to say to make them feel welcome. I need a kitty like you at the bridge to welcome the new arrivals. Sometimes when they get there they don't understand why they are there and you can tell them it's a fun place where they are young again and free from pain. You can explain that they can run and play in the grass and watch the birds. There are only wagging tails and happy whiskers there. Before they get tired of playing, the people they loved will come and get them and take them across the bridge with them. You see, a year is only a moment there at the bridge so they never get lonely. You're a special kitty, Bos, and you have done so much good work here. I need you at the bridge."

But what about all my work here, welcoming new kitties and telling all the people thank you for all they do?

"I think Charlie or Scar can handle things here. They've been your good buddies for many years and I'm sure they have learned so much from you. The people will love them and they can tell everyone what's going on and all the nice things people do for the shelter."

I have been very tired lately and some days I haven't been feeling very well.

"I know, Bos," the angel said. "We've been watching you for a long time and admiring all the good you have done. Now, tell all your friends goodbye, and thank them for taking care of you for all these years. It's time to go to the Rainbow Bridge. Bosworth, I really need you there."

Will there be any little kittens there? You know how I feel about kittens.

"Oh, Bosworth, we know you loved every one of them."

Well, yes, I did, but don't tell anyone. I have an image, you know.

"Oh, Bosworth, you silly boy."

June 25, 2002 - Bosworth went to take up his new post at the Rainbow Bridge today. He came to us on 9/18/93 and gave us 9 years of special memories. The above photo is of Bosworth at the Grand Opening celebration of the move to our new shelter (our current location). With him in the photo is Mae West. She also was a permanent resident of Cat Welfare and is now at the Rainbow Bridge with Bosworth. Both are buried in the shelter's memory garden. We still love you Bos & Mae West.

For a photo memorial and special memories from the staff and volunteers click here

To read about the Rainbow Bridge and how rescuers help stray and forgotten animals there click here