In loving memory,
No one else can truly understand the bond Mrs.Muchka and I shared so intimately
for over 21 years. It was and still is one of the "hardest and most difficult experience to say"Goodbye."
Mrs. Muchka's beautiful memories will comfort all of us, as she was a "true angel sent from above to help "take care " of
us. Mrs. Muchka, came to me as rescue cat, from a lady who's Russian grandmother had died. Hence the name,
Syka Hya Muchka-meaning "gray haired lady".
Muchka was a purebred blue Persian, cat, who came and had 4 beautiful kittens,
at her young age. Muchka, really began to "shine" when she would "meet & greet" all the people, in the neighborhood,
the community, and in counseling sessions.
Muchka was my cornerstone, she started my Animal-Assisted Therapy program. Muchka,
Brutus, and Ziggafouse were my triad, my dynamic group of animal co-therapists that worked their "magic" with people with
psychological challenges.
Muchka worked herself in crowd, with "group therapy", in a family or couple session,
and with individuals. Muchka supported many "women" in their needs, and was highly sensitive to children, particularly
children with hyperactivity, autism, saddness, and grief.
You could find Muchka "helping people" in the ER, at the bedside of a hospice
patient, at many educational workshops and seminars. Muchka had the "outfits" from her Santa Claus suit at Christmas
time, to her Mennonite bonnet and scarf, made by a kind lady in Kutztown, to her pink straw hat for spring.
Muchka would walk on the leash through the neighborhood, down the hospital
hallways, into client's room, and make herself at home right on the hospital bed, while she attended to her patient.
My own grandmother, Nana, loved Muchka, and Muchka, visited my Nana, shortly
before my Nana's passing. Muchka certainly made the rounds with TV shows, radio talk shows, and fairs & presentations,
always inviting people to experience Animal Therapy up close & personal with Mrs. Muchka.
Mrs. Muchka was like a mother to all of us, always taking care of us..
Muchka charmed the people by her affectionate ways, calmed by her purring, awed by her grace,
and fascinated people with her extraordinary personality. Muchka won many cat shows, and was "People's choice
or Judge's choice for many cat-show awards.
Muchka's favorite sayings for the people in therapy was " The Greatest Contribution
which any of us can make to the world, is just to "Be Ourselves at our Best!" Muchka lived up to her motto, and was
a high motivator for others. Particularly, while she lived on with end stage ,kidney disease, was on kidney dialysis
for over 2 1/2 years was deaf, and had Alzheimer's disease, and still continued to take care of our family.
Muchka was an inspiration and in her gentle but "fun" way, spread the word......Animals
Helping People & People helping Animals. Muchka taught me about life, enjoying it, take charge, spreading goodwill,
and was a Great ambassador for promoting Animal-Assisted Therapy. Muchka, your spirit will live on, and all round me
is your"beauty" and "love". Muchka, I was honored to take care of you, hugs & kisses for all you did to "heal" people,
and your pawprints on forever on my heart.
Muchka, thank you for always knowing when I needed a friend, for your
sensitive personal cat wisdom with my clients, for the trust you gave to others, and your "unqualified acceptance
of the human race. Even, The Great Pyrenees respected Mrs. Muchka, as Muchka, you were always "in charge" or the
living room. And you always seemed to know the "spots" for a great massage. I'll miss the way you would sleep
so gently right on top of me. May I share your lessons of life with others. Thank you, Mrs. Muchka. KG
