Syka Hya Muchka ("gray hair lady" in Russian) called Mrs. Muchka for short. She was the best therapy cat anyone could want. She crossed over 7/18/06 and is sorely missed by all who met her.
Muchka
In loving memory of Muchka
By Kathryn Gress
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 on people with psychological challenges.
Muchka worked herself in crowd, with group therapy, in a family or couple sessions, and with individuals. Muchka supported many women in their needs, and was highly sensitive to children, particularly children with hyperactivity, autism, sadness, 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 many 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 her shortly before Nana's passing. Muchka certainly made the rounds with TV shows, radio talk shows, fairs and 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. She 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. 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
