topic Re: Tribute to a little guy - the story of a cat in Pet Lovers

Tribute to a little guy - the story of a cat

beach-mom — Thu, 04 May 2017 05:40:39 GMT

When DD called and told us she had found a cat starving and she was bringing him home because "Dad would find a home for him," I was annoyed. ANOTHER cat? When would it stop? When DH first laid eyes on you, you were emaciated and near death; we thought you were a geriatric cat. After cleaning you up, it turned out you were less than a year old. I told the technician we were going to find a home for you. She said, "I think he's already found his home!" It turned out she was right.

So you came home with us. We'd never seen a cat like you. You held your bushy tail curved and high in the air. We never saw you put it down until this past weekend. You didn't sleep curled up; you spread out - all of the time. It didn't take you long to fit in. When little sister joined the family, you got in the middle of a "disagreement" with big and little sisters, and you got bit because of it. There you were - with that elizabethan collar on. What an indignity for a proud boy.

You were a cuddler, and you loved food. Even DH would slip you some of his chicken once in a while! You loved to finish the little bit of milk in the bottom of my cereal bowl in the morning.

You had a loud purr, which was constantly going. We wondered about your earlier life, but of course we would never know. We started realizing how blessed we were DD found you.

You quickly adopted DS. You followed him like a dog. Throughout his school years, you would sleep with him and sit with him if you could. He adored you. When he came home from college, he would call you and you would go right to him and fall into your old habit of sleeping with him. You stopped sleeping with anyone else, preferring his bed or the downstairs couch.

You loved being brushed. And you loved to watch the birds and use your scratching post. You adopted our sunroom fountain as your personal drinking fountain. And what would my morning have been without you joining me in the bathroom and waiting for me to turn on the sink so you could get your drink!

When little brother joined the family, HE adopted you. We would watch the two of you for hours, cuddling together in front of the fireplace, washing each other. You'd put up with it for a while, then you'd let him know he could leave. The two of you would wrestle and chase each other around, but somehow always end up bathing each other.

You were our only truly nocturnal kitty. You would let out a loud meow in the middle of the night, and little brother would jump off the bed and run to you. He misses you. He is walking around crying and he can't settle down. He can smell you, but not find you. The night before you left us, he sat down next to you. You didn't feel well, so you ignored him. After a while he left. Even little sister is walking around kind of forlorn, although you know SHE would never admit how much she misses you!

You loved to walk across my books and papers when I was studying or working, and of course one of your favorite things to do was to sit on the desk in front of my computer. Your bushy tail would brush the screen, and it would do all sorts of wonky things. I would get you and put you over my shoulder for a hug. That was all you needed. You would jump down on your way to something else.

You loved to watch TV with me. I would cuddle under the blanket, and in no time at all you would appear to anchor it next to me. You loved sleeping by the fire. When you heard the beeps of the fan going on, you'd be right there. That was your most favorite thing - a ritual you enjoyed last week on a cool, rainy day.

You loved to play the game "find the treats." We would hear your bell as you would run around and look everywhere for your favorite ones that we had scattered. And when the others couldn't find theirs, you happily showed them where they were - of course they would sit there while you ate them!

You were our people cat. You went to school for pet day, and put up with the indignity of DD's dressing you up for Halloween. Everyone loved you. Teenage girls would hold you and teenage boys would pet you. You posed for many pictures. The only thing YOU didn't like was the doorbell ringing. We would hear your bell running up the stairs and you would disappear into one of the bedrooms, usually under the bed.

We didn't expect to have to say goodbye so soon, but the disease you had took you quickly. I was hoping we would have you for another 10 years. But that last day you looked exhausted. You were tired of fighting. You didn't even let us know you were sick until the end. We had to let you go.

I didn't want to. I wanted to grab you and run with you. But I knew I couldn't do that. I wanted you to feel how much we loved you, and I think you did.

The house is empty. I see you everywhere I look, and I see how sad the rest of your family is too. But in time we'll remember you cuddling, running and playing, and of course eating - always eating! And we will smile instead of cry. Now you're with the big brother you adored and the big sister who tolerated you. Rest in peace my sweet boy.

(Thank you for letting me put my feelings in this post.)

Re: Tribute to a little guy - the story of a cat

Drythe — Thu, 04 May 2017 05:53:50 GMT

Dear @beach-mom ,

I am here crying with you, I feel your pain, and I am so sad for your loss.

Please hold on tight to those beautiful memories and all that unexpected love you were so blessed to share.

Sending you {{{{{soft hugs}}}}}, and the hope that soon the joy you shared will outweigh the pain of your loss.

My hopes are pinned on The Bridge.

Re: Tribute to a little guy - the story of a cat

mzlg — Thu, 04 May 2017 19:12:14 GMT

@beach-mom, Your tribute is quite touching and I am sorry for your loss ... did your "little guy" have a name?

Re: Tribute to a little guy - the story of a cat

Kachina624 — Thu, 04 May 2017 07:03:49 GMT

Absolutely beautiful tribute @beach-mom . It's such a sad time when we have to say goodbye to our furfriends. Thank goodness we have memories to sustain us. Your boy must have been very special.

Re: Tribute to a little guy - the story of a cat

Poopie — Thu, 04 May 2017 07:26:40 GMT

My heart aches for you! I have tears running down my face from reading your beautiful tribute to your boy, as I don't know his name. I have had to go through the same thing so many times over the years, as I too, have always had a cat. It is one of the hardest things to do, when the time comes, & you can always tell when that time is. I hope you & his brother & sister cats can find some peace soon & remember all the happy loving memories of your beloved friend! They are such a part of the family & hold a special place in our hearts forever! 💔💔

Re: Tribute to a little guy - the story of a cat

CareBears — Thu, 04 May 2017 09:25:34 GMT

@beach-mom I am so very sorry for your loss, your tribute is just beautiful, we are all crying with you, those of us who have been there know your pain.

Like others have mentioned hold onto your memories, you gave your baby a beautiful home, and you showed him a life full of unconditional love.

Again, I am so very sorry for your loss!

Re: Tribute to a little guy - the story of a cat

lolakimono — Thu, 04 May 2017 09:48:46 GMT

@beach-mom

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Re: Tribute to a little guy - the story of a cat

KingstonsMom — Thu, 04 May 2017 12:00:00 GMT

@beach-mom

Re: Tribute to a little guy - the story of a cat

IamMrsG — Thu, 04 May 2017 12:13:35 GMT

@beach-mom Your beautiful tribute can touch the heart of anyone who has loved a cat. I am sorry for your loss.

Re: Tribute to a little guy - the story of a cat

NickNack — Thu, 04 May 2017 12:58:29 GMT

That was a beautiful tribute @beach-mom. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Re: Tribute to a little guy - the story of a cat

Sammycat1 — Thu, 04 May 2017 20:36:08 GMT

You told us so many special, wonderful things that I'll have to gently edit your touching tribute's title, which says "the story of a cat" and put the word "great" in there in front of "cat."

He clearly cherished you and you definitely treasured him, and when that magic with a cat happens, there's nothing quite like it in your life. Know that our family's prayers for your magical, fantastical boy and your grieving family are with you.

When you feel up to it, please tell his name. I'd like to look up in the night sky and send a special wish his way.

((((Beach-mom and family))))

Re: Tribute to a little guy - the story of a cat

LyndaGee — Thu, 04 May 2017 20:48:12 GMT

Beach-Mom: I am so sorry for your loss. He sounded like a very special boy. I'm so glad he was part of your family.

Re: Tribute to a little guy - the story of a cat

newtoallthis — Thu, 04 May 2017 21:11:28 GMT

What a beautiful tribute to your beloved boy. I am sorry for your loss.

Re: Tribute to a little guy - the story of a cat

beach-mom — Thu, 04 May 2017 22:32:25 GMT

Wow - thank you so much everyone for your kind words, thoughts, and prayers! As the wife of a veterinarian, I have certainly been through this before, but this time it really hit me. I was sitting here depressed missing him, and I just poured my heart out last night. Thank you for listening and letting me do that.

His name was Pocono. DD found him when she went up there with friends during a high school break. After checking with the owner of the place they stayed, to see if anyone owned him, she rode the whole long trip home with him sitting on her lap. His name seemed to fit him, but he was always MY little guy, although he was far from little!

I know most, if not all, of you have been through this. I hope our "children" are meeting over the rainbow bridge! (((HUGS)))

Re: Tribute to a little guy - the story of a cat

Lapdog — Thu, 04 May 2017 22:46:52 GMT

beach-mom,

I was always concerned that we would not "see" them again. Then one day I read Billy Graham's column and he said we would.

That sealed it for me and I never worried again.

I worked for a veterinarian most of my career and by work they say if you love your job it will never be work.

I am of the belief that we are blessed that we can send them on ahead of us and that we are blessed to be able to shorten their suffering as much as possible.

Take care.

Re: Tribute to a little guy - the story of a cat

Tinkrbl44 — Fri, 05 May 2017 01:24:44 GMT

@beach-mom

Oh, what a sweetie .... and so sorry for your loss.

This is one of my favorite photos ......

Re: Tribute to a little guy - the story of a cat

homedecor1 — Fri, 05 May 2017 03:02:19 GMT

@beach-mom

beautiful tribute to a life of a loved & happy kitty!

Its strange how our pets bring out all the love in joy in our ❤️s.

Hugs

Re: Tribute to a little guy - the story of a cat

plc123 — Fri, 05 May 2017 18:39:06 GMT

Thank you for the wonderful tribute. I just lost my beautiful black persian on april 29th. !4 years old and had a bad heart and it was too tried to go on so i totally understand what your going through. Always remember them.

Re: Tribute to a little guy - the story of a cat

plc123 — Fri, 05 May 2017 18:39:58 GMT

14 years old not 4. Sorry for the typo

Re: Tribute to a little guy - the story of a cat

beach-mom — Sat, 06 May 2017 01:33:06 GMT

@plc123 wrote:
Thank you for the wonderful tribute. I just lost my beautiful black persian on april 29th. !4 years old and had a bad heart and it was too tried to go on so i totally understand what your going through. Always remember them.

@plc123 - I'm sorry for your loss too. We once had a beautiful black persian. She was a rescue who was a gift to my late brother from his girlfriend. When he died at 28, my mom took her. When my mom died 10 years later, she came to us. She was a beauty.

You've had the kind of week I have had. I'm thinking of you. (((HUGS)))