How should we remember someone who has spent his life in service of others? There are awards banquets, testimonial dinners and plaques for such occasions. Can we do the same when the one who dedicated himself in this manner is one of our four-legged friends?
From his birth as a kitten of an unwanted cat from Milford, he came to us as a stray. At 6 weeks, he came to live at M.A.S.H. - Main Street Animal Services of Hopkinton, where he would affect both humans and animals.
We have many "service" dogs, who help humans, such as seeing-eye-dogs; service cats are much less common. Radar served humans and animals in many ways. It was Radar's job to evaluate greyhounds for placement in homes that had cats and other small pets. For 14 years, both Greyhound Friends and then later Greysland would utilize his keen ability to judge whether a dog could co-exist with cats and other small animals. This was important in deciding whether to place particular dogs in certain homes. Over 1000 Greyhounds came to the clinic to be evaluated by Radar. As each greyhound entered the waiting room, Radar would watch (and communicate) with the greyhound. If the dog was safe, Radar would walk on the floor towards the dog. If not, Radar would stay up on the counter away from the dog, or leave the room altogether. He was never wrong in his assessments and he therefore saved many of his furry friends. Both organizations paid him recognition over the years.
Not only with greyhounds, but as a gentle and confident cat, he would introduce himself to new puppies and kittens to encourage them to get along with others in positive harmony. Many puppies, and grown dogs, who met Radar, would look find him and play with him on their next visit.
Throughout the years, he attended veterinary career days in many pre-schools, grade, middle and high schools, including Sunshine Pre-School in Hopkinton, Hopkinton Center, Middle and High Schools, Solomon Schechter Day School in Newton, Cambridge School of Weston, the Montrose School in Natick, NIPMUC School in Upton, and Ashland High School. He also "attended" the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine acupuncture courses. He would always confidently walk around the room, allowing every person to pet him. Everyone would always comment on his outgoing and beautiful nature.
He loved to be photographed. He was featured in the Hopkinton Crier and Middlesex News on many occasions. He was even part of Stonewalk, as part of the Defenseless Animals Killed in War photograph.
He was also a blood donor for sick cats. He would help train new technicians and owners on how to give fluids and medications, and how to properly restrain cats.
Radar was a permanent fixture at M.A.S.H. where friends would find him curled up in the cookie basket on top of the counter until it was time to go to work. We will all miss those beautiful blue eyes and confidence.
Early on May 1, 2004, after sneaking out of the clinic, Radar was struck and killed by a vehicle on West Main Street, right in front of the place he called home. Sadly, no one stopped to help him. No one called the police. He was right in front of the clinic, but no one called. Unfortunately, hit and run accidents happen, but when it happens on a street where one can stop, not to have stopped to help an injured animal seems so uncaring. If the person who hit Radar knew him, he or she would have done whatever they could to help. Maybe Radar could have been saved by those who loved him.
There is a loss in Hopkinton for all those who knew Radar and his good works. Yes, he was just a cat, but he had an admirable 14 years of life that affected many.
In his honor, we are setting up a Radar of M.A.S.H. Fund to encourage and continue the holistic approach to animal health.