Bud was our mascot, and he took his job seriously. He loved laying on the tile in the middle of the garden shop so he could see everyone and, of course be seen. Bud was a beloved member of the Creek Side Gardens Green Team.
We are sorry to report that Bud passed away last month after a long illness. He was well loved and cared for. Being a business community cat, Bud’s care required his own team of caretakers that generously donated their time and attention to Bud’s care.
Six years ago, during the height of Covid, Bud was diagnosed with diabetes. Thank you to Coal Mine Animal Hospital and staff for helping us give him the best life possible. He required insulin shots twice a day for the rest of his life. You can imagine the dedication from the Green Team to make sure this happened. Every day of the year, morning and night, no matter the day, no matter the weather, a Green Team member happily came to his care. Because of this, Bud was an integral part of the Green Team’s days.
Here are their memories…
Selina M.
It was a cold winters night when I was sitting with Bud at the break room table doing our regular routine while brushing his beautiful fur as he purrs so loudly as usual, when we heard the sounds of foot steps in the gift shop. Bud immediately stops purring and our attention was to the break room door. Bud was so alert with his ears focused to the sound, I yelled “who’s there?” No response. Bud then growled! I yelled again, “anybody there?!” Nothing. Super freaked out now I cuddled Bud close and said to him, “is that the Creek Side ghost?” I miss Buddy so much!Kelly E.
I have always loved cats. But Bud was just simply different from other cats. He was a grounding force on hard days. If the stress or anxiety of work or life was too much, all it took was 10 to 15 minutes of Bud purring like motor on your lap to reset. Spending each morning and evening with him was almost a meditative experience. Time taken out of your day to simply sit, be still, and be together. There was nothing better than sitting down after a long day and having that sweet kitty force you to scratch his chin, or holding him each morning as employees filed in the room to say good morning to him with pets and kisses. I will never forget him tucking his head into the crook of my elbow and falling asleep on the quiet, winter nights- purring through it all. I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend with Bud and so glad to be a part of his long life. It’s difficult to express just how impactful one kitty was on so many lives- mine included. He will always be loved, and he will always be missed.
Holly B.
I started with Creek Side 15 years ago and Buddy was already a seasoned employee. Hanging with the horses next door, chasing mice and hanging out with customers. I have to say my favorite memories are how he pushed my buttons (endearingly so). Buddy was always laying the mats in the gift shop that were for sale. It drove me crazy and I was always shoeing him off. Next day, same thing and he would just give me that look of mischief. Even so, loved him dearly.Megan K.
Bud was my morning conversation, an excellent start to a long work day. I’m often the first one in the store before the nursery opens. An always hopeful Bud would call out upon hearing the door open, wondering if I was the one who would be providing breakfast. Alas, no, I would reply. Then we’d chit chat. I’d ask him how his night was. Bud invariably had a lot to say and was extremely animated and opinionated. It was the most fun back and forth. Then the person who would be feeding him would arrive and off he’d go, his little puff ball haunches bouncing to the break room. The rest of the day he could be seen on a cool bench, illegally lounging on the forbidden door mats, or sprawled out on the tile floor purposefully in the way of the carts. I think we all still look for him in those favorite places and I will always call out Hello to Bud upon opening the doors to Creek Side. I imagine he still has a lot to say. Kelly M.
Buddy’s quick reflexes were very impressive – he could catch butterflies and hummingbirds in his mouth! Of course we discouraged this behavior but it was amazing to watch. He was also a big fan of a head and ear scratchin’ which we all were happy to provide- We miss him so much around Creekside!Will K.
In the olden days…Bud was in and out all day and sometimes night long. As he got a little older, he spent more time indoors and spent every night inside the store. I tried to be cognizant of Buds whereabouts throughout the day. Making sure he was in at night. If he was out at closing time, I could whistle him back into the store. I think he knew the whistle meant it was his last opportunity to have dinner.
My best personal memories of Bud were the evenings we spent together in the office. Working on late night business plans and writing the newsletter each week. My little Buddy laying in his bed next to my desk. Keeping each other company. A little meow with each pat on the head. Patiently waiting for me to finish up and feed him dinner. ‘Cause you know it was all about dinner! I still look for him and I miss him every day.
PS – I believe Selinas story…
