01/10/2025
Yesterday, I had the solemn honor of helping a beloved member of our community, Googey, cross the rainbow bridge. Googey was more than just a cat—he was a friend, a greeter, and a source of comfort and joy to everyone who walked through the doors of BookMarx.
Googey touched countless lives with his sweet, loving spirit. His gentle presence made BookMarx feel like home to so many. Whether it was a soft nuzzle, a warm purr, or his unmistakable charm, he had a way of making everyone feel special.
To his beloved family, I want to say: your love for Googey was evident in every moment you shared. Your bond was truly beautiful, and I hope you find comfort in knowing how deeply he was loved, not just by you but by an entire community.
To all who knew and adored Googey, take a moment to honor his memory today. Share your stories, hold onto the joy he brought, and remember that he now rests peacefully, forever cherished.
Googey, you were a beautiful boy and a true gift to us all. Rest easy, sweet one. We will miss our Captain Springfield. ❤️
- Dr. Sam Sellers
On Thursday our beloved Googey passed away peacefully home here in the bookstore with his family (human & Squash). Anyone who has visited Bookmarx in the last decade and met Googey knows what a special cat he was. Googey first showed up to a book club a decade ago sneezing blood in the care of a shelter worker who was giving this sick kitten some extra attention for the night and by the end of the discussion of Stephen King’s “It”, we knew we wanted Googey to stay forever.
I dont really have the capacity or words to articulate, right now, how important Googey was to me personally and to my life other than to say everything important and good in my life—my family, the bookstore, my sobriety—would have not existed without Googey. He appeared at a very dark period of my life and helped me maintain enough of the part of myself that I like while I was struggling with addiction and gave me unconditional love when I didn’t deserve it, and stayed with me until I made it to the other side.
And while Googey means so much to me personally, I also know that Googey was and is The People’s Googey (2023 Captain Springfield, 2023 Christmas Parade Grand Marshal!), and that he meant a lot to so many people, and I really struggled with the decision handling Googey’s end of life because I know how many people care about him and would have loved the chance to say goodbye, and know how much everyone meant to Googey, but that it would be easiest on Googey to be free from suffering longer.
Googey passed at home with the help of Peaceful Crossings who came and made the experience kind and humane, and Googey lovingly and peacefully went to rest in his home where he will continue to exist spiritually while Phoebe Bridgers “Funeral” softly played (NOT specifically chosen, it just came on, so that’s God playing DJ looking down on his beautiful servant).
Googey, I’m sorry that in all our years, I never took a photo of you in an angel outfit to post for this occasion, but we love you so much, you brought me more joy than I thought possible, thank you for everything. I hope you enjoyed your time as much as we all enjoyed being with you. I’m so lucky you came into my life.
Also, give Squash some extra love, because for all the Squash The Villain theatrics, while Googey was hospitalized Squash took Googey’s absence hard and on our last night together Squash was incredibly kind to Googey and let him eat first and patiently waited, which I assure you never has happened once in history.
A memorial for Googey is going to be held at the store on Sunday January 19, more information to come on that.