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.
And he loved lounging on the screened-in porch.
There was that time he thought he could get away with stealing an entire steak.
And the time he did a balancing act on the molding in the kitchen.
All those times he lounged on my keyboard and activated the “Cat-like Typing Detected” software
The way he would steal your seat as soon as you got up, and be like, “What?”
“I’m Officer Krupke from the Department of Health. This is a random refrigerator inspection.”
How he could curl up into a perfect circle.
The chair he totally destroyed over the years.
How he liked to explore places he should not be, like the dryer.
And how he’d beg for a piece of whatever you were eating.
And he loved laps.
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 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.
Jaime says
May 3, 2016 at 8:37 amI am so sorry! I lost my 17 year old cat last year for similar reasons. You gave him a wonderful, long, happy, comfortable life.
Jennette Fulda says
May 4, 2016 at 11:25 am@Jaime – So sorry about your kitty. Chronic kidney disease really sucks.
Jenny says
May 3, 2016 at 8:45 amWhat 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.
Jennifer says
May 3, 2016 at 9:01 amI 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.
jez says
May 3, 2016 at 9:02 amSo 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.
Jennette Fulda says
May 4, 2016 at 11:25 am@jez – I’m so sorry about your kitty.
Rebecca says
May 3, 2016 at 10:05 amJenette, 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.
KathleenC says
May 3, 2016 at 10:12 amI 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.
Shauna says
May 3, 2016 at 11:02 amWhat a gem, and such a handsome chap. I’m so sorry he’s gone, thinking of you!
Melissa says
May 3, 2016 at 11:15 amSo 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.
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 🙂
Amy says
May 3, 2016 at 11:24 amI’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!
Kalyn Denny says
May 3, 2016 at 11:26 amDefinitely 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.
Karen says
May 3, 2016 at 11:38 amMy 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
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.
Pam says
May 3, 2016 at 11:40 amSo 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.
fc says
May 3, 2016 at 12:26 pmso sorry to hear the news. 🙁 happy you have so many great memories, though.
Cristy says
May 3, 2016 at 12:30 pm♡
Jean says
May 3, 2016 at 1:10 pmI am so sorry Jennette
Shirley @ gfe says
May 3, 2016 at 6:37 pmHow 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
Nora says
May 3, 2016 at 7:12 pmJennette, 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.
Jennette Fulda says
May 4, 2016 at 11:23 am@Nora – I’m so sorry to hear about Myles. *hugs*
AquaMarine says
May 3, 2016 at 7:19 pmMy 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.
Mollie says
May 3, 2016 at 9:39 pmI’m so sorry for your loss Jennette. I bet he was a wonderful companion these many years.
How is Java Bean doing these days?
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.
Rebecca in SoCal says
May 3, 2016 at 10:47 pmWhat a nice tribute. I’m sorry for the empty spot Officer Krupke left in your life and heart.
Sandra says
May 4, 2016 at 4:05 amI 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.
Deb says
May 4, 2016 at 9:23 amSo sorry your furry friend is gone. May his memory be a blessing. Big hug.
Kelly says
May 4, 2016 at 9:31 amHugs to you and Java Bean as you mourn. What a lovely tribute you created here, I hope it helped at least a little.
Wendy says
May 4, 2016 at 10:39 amSo, so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful tribute to a fabulous kitty. <3
Rebecca J Hoover says
May 4, 2016 at 11:00 amWhat a beautiful tribute. I’m so sorry for your loss.
P.S. Love love love the cat in the lamp photo
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.
Becka says
May 4, 2016 at 2:07 pmI’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.
Tina says
May 4, 2016 at 10:54 pmJennette, 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.
tony says
May 5, 2016 at 2:49 pmJennette – 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.
Lori says
May 6, 2016 at 11:24 amJennette, 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!
fal says
May 8, 2016 at 12:20 pmSo sorry to hear about your loss! Sounds like he was a wonderful pet, and such a cutie too! *offers awkward internet hugs*
Pam says
May 8, 2016 at 4:58 pmOh, so sorry. I know how you feel. It’s rubbish. Sigh.
Elaine says
May 8, 2016 at 10:24 pmSo sorry for your loss. What a nice tribute to your cat.
carole says
May 9, 2016 at 9:17 amI 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.
Vanessa says
May 11, 2016 at 9:11 amI’m so sorry for your loss. It’s like losing a friend. Thinking of you. *hugs*
yas says
May 14, 2016 at 10:56 pmI 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?
Donna says
May 22, 2016 at 12:15 pmI 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.
Judi Sanchez says
May 26, 2016 at 2:24 pmI 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.
Darlene Payne says
May 30, 2016 at 12:34 amI’m so, so sorry. I enjoyed reading about Officer Krupke in your books. It hurts so much when pets pass away.
Rhonda says
June 22, 2016 at 1:56 amCatching up on your blog, and was sorry to hear of Officer Krupke’s passing. Hugs to you as you remember him.
anji says
July 26, 2016 at 7:04 pmIt’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*
Sheryl says
August 29, 2016 at 6:03 pmHe 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.
Ardis says
September 4, 2016 at 9:22 pmHe 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!