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May 3, 2016 49 Comments

Fourteen years and a day with Officer Krupke

Paw prints in snow

Date: April 20, 2002, 11:02pm
To: Jennette
From: Cristy
Subject: Re: Calling you tonight.

We found a stray cat in the police department [where I work as a clerk]. Now I have to take it to the animal shelter after I get off work at midnight. It’s an adorable cat, very well behaved, and really friendly. Unfortunately, we can’t keep it b/c the apartments don’t allow it. So that sucks. It’s too bad you don’t live closer, I’d bring you a cat.


Date: April 20, 2002, 11:27pm
To: Cristy
From: Jennette
Subject: Meow

I probably shouldn’t get a cat until I get a job, as I’m leeching off my parents as it is. Cats cost money to keep alive. But it would have been nice if I could have adopted it. What’s s/he look like?


Date: April 20, 2002, 11:29pm
To: Jennette
From: Cristy
Subject: Re: Meow

It’s adorable. It has a little black spot on his nose….and a white stomach…..and a striped back. It’s adorable.


Date: April 22, 2002, 5:52pm
To: Jennette
From: Cristy
Subject: Je suis une petite chat. Meow…Meow!

So I left a message on your answering machine earlier. The animal shelter won’t take Officer Krupke because they have too many cats already. And I can’t keep him, I’ll get kicked out of my apartment. So, my choices are to take him to the Humane society, where they’ll kill him, or find a home for him, or keep him until the animal shelter isn’t as full. So, my first choice is to try to place him somewhere. And you are of course my first choice. So I am going to try to convince you to take him. (if you can’t though…I’ll figure something else out)

1. He is an extremely friendly cat. He loves sitting on laps.
2. He is litter box trained.
3. He has a very quiet meow.
4. He has a cute little black spot on his nose.
5. He routinely helps old ladies across the street.

So please, please, please think about it. He is a really great cat…and I would hate to see him put down.


Date: April 22, 2002, 4:42pm
To: Cristy
From: Jennette
Subject: Okay!

Got your message on the answering machine and I would be happy to give Officer Krupke a home. Did you say you were free on Wednesday? We could rendezvous in Kokomo to divide up the drive time.


Date: April 22, 2002, 9:15pm
To: Jennette
From: Cristy
Subject: Re: Une petite chat! Il est beau!

Let’s meet at the southern McDonalds. It is the one across from the White Castle. I will probably stop at White Castle before I go to the McDonalds. I am a huge White Castle fan.


Date: April 23, 2002, 8:41pm
To: Cristy
From: Jennette
Subject: Re: Une petite chat! Il est beau!

I’m so excited to meet Officer Krupke tomorrow! I hope he likes me.


And that is how Officer Krupke came into my life at the McDonalds across the street from the White Castle in Kokomo, Indiana. And fourteen years and a day later, I’m sad to say he passed on, though he’ll never really leave my life. He overcame hyperthyroidism and a thickening of his heart wall, but he could not beat chronic kidney disease. He died surrounded by people who love him, and I guess that’s all we can hope for when we leave this world.

I’ve spent a lot of time crying about the loss of my little Krupk-cake. I’m talking hysterical, hyperventilating, double-breath, sobbing here. It’s not fun. But I’ve tried to focus my thoughts on all the good memories I have of him and all the photos and videos that I’m so glad we took over the years.

He LOVED to stick his head under the table lamp.

Krupke under the lamp

And he loved lounging on the screened-in porch.

Krupke on the porch

There was that time he thought he could get away with stealing an entire steak.

Steak thief

And the time he did a balancing act on the molding in the kitchen.

Krupke balancing act

All those times he lounged on my keyboard and activated the “Cat-like Typing Detected” software

Cat-like typing detected

The way he would steal your seat as soon as you got up, and be like, “What?”

Chair thief

“I’m Officer Krupke from the Department of Health. This is a random refrigerator inspection.”

Random fridge inspection

How he could curl up into a perfect circle.

Krupke curled up in bed

The chair he totally destroyed over the years.

Krupke vs. chair. Krupke wins.

How he liked to explore places he should not be, like the dryer.

Krupke in the washing machine

And how he’d beg for a piece of whatever you were eating.

Krupke wants your food

And he loved laps.

Krupke on my lap

I loved how Krupke would meet me at the door when I came home and stretch his body out on the carpet as if to say, “You may pet me now.” If he was grooming himself in my lap, I could stick my face out and he would give me rough sandpaper kisses. He was a sweet, sometimes persnickety, but always lovable kitty.

Here’s the final picture I took of my handsome boy.

Krupke's handsome face

Krupke was a few months shy of 15 years, born sometime around August 2001 and adopted in April 2002. Krupke was older than smartphones and older than YouTube. He was older than all my blogs and older than my parents’ divorce. He saw me through so many different times of my life, from college to living on my own, from my first real job to working for myself, from shy twenty-something to more self-assured thirty-something. It will be strange going on without him. I was hoping he’d make it to at least 16, but I’m happy for all fourteen years and a day we got with him.

He was also the star of a video I made for school in 2002. I love you Krupke and I will miss your shenanigans. You will always have a furry little place in my heart.

Officer Krupke stars in “Cat Scratch Fever”


By the way, yes, I still have emails from 2002. In fact, when I was looking for these emails as part of my mourning process, I learned I have emails going back to 1997, the year I first got my own email address. I am my own personal NSA.

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Leave a Comment (49) Read more about: cat, death, grief, Krupke, memories, mourning, officer krupke, pets

Jennette Fulda is the author of:

Chocolate & Vicodin: My Quest for Relief from the Headache that Wouldn't Go Away

"Smart, unflinchingly honest, and laugh-out-loud funny."

- Lisa Genova, New York Times best-selling author of Still Alice

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Comments

  1. Jaime says

    May 3, 2016 at 8:37 am

    I am so sorry! I lost my 17 year old cat last year for similar reasons. You gave him a wonderful, long, happy, comfortable life.

    Reply
    • Jennette Fulda says

      May 4, 2016 at 11:25 am

      @Jaime – So sorry about your kitty. Chronic kidney disease really sucks.

      Reply
  2. Jenny says

    May 3, 2016 at 8:45 am

    What a sweetie pie! I’m so sorry for your loss, Jennette. This is a beautiful remembrance of your wonderful kitty and I do hope your good memories bring some comfort.

    Reply
  3. Jennifer says

    May 3, 2016 at 9:01 am

    I am SO sorry, Jennette. This is the absolute worst part of having a furry family member. That precious little guy had an amazing life with you, and I want to thank you for sharing him with us.

    Reply
  4. jez says

    May 3, 2016 at 9:02 am

    So sorry to hear that! I always liked his name and he was such a cute cat. My kitty of 12 years (around 15 years old) passed away in September and it was devastating. Luckily (if you can call it that) he passed away right after I moved in with a friend and said friend has a dog. I don’t think I could have handled living alone and being alone during that time. As it was, I had to take the next day off of work. Big hugs to you.

    Reply
    • Jennette Fulda says

      May 4, 2016 at 11:25 am

      @jez – I’m so sorry about your kitty.

      Reply
  5. Rebecca says

    May 3, 2016 at 10:05 am

    Jenette, I am so sorry for your loss. My two sweeties turned 14 on May 1 and while they are currently in good health, I dread the day I will have to say good-bye. I am glad you were able to give him a home and love for so long.

    Reply
  6. KathleenC says

    May 3, 2016 at 10:12 am

    I am so very sorry about Officer Krupke. I have lost loved pets and I know the pain you’re talking about. He sounds like he was a total sweetie pie. And he was a lucky cat to be loved so well.

    Reply
  7. Shauna says

    May 3, 2016 at 11:02 am

    What a gem, and such a handsome chap. I’m so sorry he’s gone, thinking of you!

    Reply
  8. Melissa says

    May 3, 2016 at 11:15 am

    So sorry for your loss. I lost my 22 year old cat last month. She was a part of my life for so long it’s hard to imagine being without her. Older then my marriage and my kids she saw a lot of my growing up process. It’s a hard loss.

    P.s I used to meet my brother at the McDonald’s in Kokomo when he was at ball state. Funny to think it’s a landmark.

    Reply
    • Jennette Fulda says

      May 3, 2016 at 11:30 am

      @Melissa – Cristy picked that McDonald’s because her friend from Ball State was going to meet us there as well just to visit. It’s easy to get there since it’s right on state road 35 which you take from Ball State. So, I think a lot of Ball State rendezvous might have happened there 🙂

      Reply
  9. Amy says

    May 3, 2016 at 11:24 am

    I’m sorry for your loss. I lost my first pet after 18 years and the struggle is real! It looks like you gave him a wonderful life, and he returned the favor in lovable cuteness! Enjoy the pictures, videos, and memories!

    Reply
  10. Kalyn Denny says

    May 3, 2016 at 11:26 am

    Definitely an adorable cat; I can see why you got so attached to him. So sorry you have to go through this. It’s always difficult, even when the person or animal is old enough that we think we are prepared for it. We never are.

    Reply
  11. Karen says

    May 3, 2016 at 11:38 am

    My heart goes out to you. Lost my own sweetie last week and it hurts. Even my dogs feel the empty space she left behind. I wouldn’t have given up a single day, though. Was worth every minute even if there’s a tear for each one of them. I wish you happy memories. Karen

    Reply
    • Jennette Fulda says

      May 4, 2016 at 11:24 am

      @Karen – I’m so sorry for your loss. They really do leave a big, empty spot in your life.

      Reply
  12. Pam says

    May 3, 2016 at 11:40 am

    So sorry for your loss, Jennette. Those kitty cats sure can worm their way into your heart, can’t they? I know Officer Krupke had a wonderful and long life with you, but it’s never enough time, is it? I hope it comforts you to know how happy you made this little homeless kitten for her 14 years and a day.
    P.S. The pictures are wonderful and even more precious now I’m sure.

    Reply
  13. fc says

    May 3, 2016 at 12:26 pm

    so sorry to hear the news. 🙁 happy you have so many great memories, though.

    Reply
  14. Cristy says

    May 3, 2016 at 12:30 pm

    ♡

    Reply
  15. Jean says

    May 3, 2016 at 1:10 pm

    I am so sorry Jennette

    Reply
  16. Shirley @ gfe says

    May 3, 2016 at 6:37 pm

    How special Officer Krupke was, Jennette. I love that you have his history recorded this way. Sending you my deepest sympathy and lots of hugs, Jennette! All of us who have been through the loss of a dear pet know the hole that is now in your life. But I’m so glad you can look back at his antics and smile and laugh later though. All the photos are wonderful, but the video is especially priceless.

    More hugs,
    Shirley

    Reply
  17. Nora says

    May 3, 2016 at 7:12 pm

    Jennette, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your post brought tears to my eyes. Officer Krumpe was so fortunate to have you as a Mom. Our pets teach us about love and loss – and how to give unconditionally. Officer Krumpe lived a full life and he will be missed. I lost my dog Myles last year after 12 years together and I still miss him. But I take comfort in remembering the times we had together and all the love that was shared between us. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

    Reply
    • Jennette Fulda says

      May 4, 2016 at 11:23 am

      @Nora – I’m so sorry to hear about Myles. *hugs*

      Reply
  18. AquaMarine says

    May 3, 2016 at 7:19 pm

    My condolences on the loss of your Officer Krupke. It looks like you and your family provided him with a very wonderful life. Our little companions play such a big part in our life.

    Reply
  19. Mollie says

    May 3, 2016 at 9:39 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss Jennette. I bet he was a wonderful companion these many years.

    How is Java Bean doing these days?

    Reply
    • Jennette Fulda says

      May 4, 2016 at 11:22 am

      @Mollie – Java Bean is doing well. He is only 8 years old, so hopefully he’s got many years left in him.

      Reply
  20. Rebecca in SoCal says

    May 3, 2016 at 10:47 pm

    What a nice tribute. I’m sorry for the empty spot Officer Krupke left in your life and heart.

    Reply
  21. Sandra says

    May 4, 2016 at 4:05 am

    I am so sad to hear about Officer Krupke crossing the rainbow bridge. I hope he’ll find my beloved Fred there and be best mates. They get right inside your heart and stay there.

    Reply
  22. Deb says

    May 4, 2016 at 9:23 am

    So sorry your furry friend is gone. May his memory be a blessing. Big hug.

    Reply
  23. Kelly says

    May 4, 2016 at 9:31 am

    Hugs to you and Java Bean as you mourn. What a lovely tribute you created here, I hope it helped at least a little.

    Reply
  24. Wendy says

    May 4, 2016 at 10:39 am

    So, so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful tribute to a fabulous kitty. <3

    Reply
  25. Rebecca J Hoover says

    May 4, 2016 at 11:00 am

    What a beautiful tribute. I’m so sorry for your loss.
    P.S. Love love love the cat in the lamp photo

    Reply
    • Jennette Fulda says

      May 4, 2016 at 11:22 am

      @Rebecca J Hoover – He LOVED sitting under that lamp. We have several photos of him under there, but I liked that one the best. We got is cremains back yesterday and placed them there for now because that was one of the places he liked best.

      Reply
  26. Becka says

    May 4, 2016 at 2:07 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss! I was actually thinking of Officer Krupke today because I was thinking about your books. He was such a great cat.

    Reply
  27. Tina says

    May 4, 2016 at 10:54 pm

    Jennette, I am so very sorry about Officer Krupke. I know how hard it is to lose a beloved pet. Thank you for sharing him with us. That video was adorable.

    Reply
  28. tony says

    May 5, 2016 at 2:49 pm

    Jennette – loved both the video and the photo of “cat-like-typing”. I lost my Felix to cat leukemia years ago so I commiserate with you. Felix was also a rescued cat. Officer K. had many good years with you, and you saved him from a very uncertain fate. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  29. Lori says

    May 6, 2016 at 11:24 am

    Jennette, so sorry for your loss! I have been reading your blog for several years and always enjoyed reading about Krupke’s antics. What a fun and funny guy he was, with such a cool name!

    Reply
  30. fal says

    May 8, 2016 at 12:20 pm

    So sorry to hear about your loss! Sounds like he was a wonderful pet, and such a cutie too! *offers awkward internet hugs*

    Reply
  31. Pam says

    May 8, 2016 at 4:58 pm

    Oh, so sorry. I know how you feel. It’s rubbish. Sigh.

    Reply
  32. Elaine says

    May 8, 2016 at 10:24 pm

    So sorry for your loss. What a nice tribute to your cat.

    Reply
  33. carole says

    May 9, 2016 at 9:17 am

    I love everything about Officer Krupke, including his name and nickname! Darling video (I tell my sister that her two cats behave similarly while she is at work), and though I am sorry for your loss, you did get to experience his sweetness and mischief for 14 years…that’s a good long time.

    Reply
  34. Vanessa says

    May 11, 2016 at 9:11 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s like losing a friend. Thinking of you. *hugs*

    Reply
  35. yas says

    May 14, 2016 at 10:56 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful cat, a cool filmstar and I loved how you wrote about him. He lived a pretty long and healthy life for a formerly stray cat! I’m glad for him and you that you made it work with both of the kitties.

    When my cat died 1.5 years ago (fell asleep at only 6 years old because of a serious heart condition), I was devastated – and I’m still sad and grateful at the same time when I think of him.

    Wish you all the best. How is Java Bean coping with being a single cat?

    Reply
  36. Donna says

    May 22, 2016 at 12:15 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. Is this the first pet family member you have lost? I don’t recall you ever writing about having a dog or cat or other pet growing up.

    I’ve said goodbye to many furry family member over the years, and the grief is just as real and intense, sometime more so, than losing a human family member. You have the right to grieve just the same as for a “real” person. He was a real person to you.

    Officer Krupke had the best possible big fur-less kitty mama. Thank you for loving him and caring for him so well.

    Reply
  37. Judi Sanchez says

    May 26, 2016 at 2:24 pm

    I am so sorry to hear about your painful loss of Officer Krupke. But I am so happy he was lucky to have a loving home with you. I’m also glad you have fond memories of him.

    Reply
  38. Darlene Payne says

    May 30, 2016 at 12:34 am

    I’m so, so sorry. I enjoyed reading about Officer Krupke in your books. It hurts so much when pets pass away.

    Reply
  39. Rhonda says

    June 22, 2016 at 1:56 am

    Catching up on your blog, and was sorry to hear of Officer Krupke’s passing. Hugs to you as you remember him.

    Reply
  40. anji says

    July 26, 2016 at 7:04 pm

    It’s been years but… Sorry to hear about Officer Krupke! I lost my sweet baby Uma three years ago to leukemia, which I didn’t even know about until after she died suddenly. They are amazing creatures, with an ability to hide their pain from us…

    *hugs*

    Reply
  41. Sheryl says

    August 29, 2016 at 6:03 pm

    He was a pretty boy! You gave him a great life. I lost my previous male kitty to kidney disease at age 18. Maybe after you move and settle in, a new kitty needing a home will show up.

    Reply
  42. Ardis says

    September 4, 2016 at 9:22 pm

    He was such a sweetie. And a handsome boy too. He stood by you through thick and thin
    ( ok, fat and thin?).
    It is so difficult to lose a beloved pet. I had 3 cats that all lived into their teens- and all 3
    developed hyperthyroidism. I try to focus on happy memories of them and the love and
    joy that they gave me.
    Just finished your first book, Half-Assed. You write so well. You capture so much of what
    goes on in my head about my weight. Kudos to you! Looking forward to reading
    your second book.
    Thanks, Jennette!

    Reply

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