...just a note with some personal stuff. We lost our beloved Stripey cat over the weekend to acute renal failure. I'm so sad to be without him and there is a definite void in our household. He had quite an easy personality and was so incredibly loving.
Here are a few photos to give you an idea how cute he was. If you want to read any more, scroll down. But I know you're not all cat people so I won't hold it against you if you don't...
Stripey hanging out, and with his catnip cigar
Stripey and Chevy napping We adopted both these boys above in '02 after losing a cat to congestive heart failure, and another to a heart murmur, both within a two week span. Feeling the huge loss and wanting to give a good home to another cat, we went to the adoption center at our local Petsmart. They allow two local shelters to bring in a few cats and leave them in an area where they are available for adoption.
I have to admit we picked Stripey immediately, partly because he was a combination of our two cats that had just passed away - chubby, orange tiger, sweet, playful, interactive, gentle. I'm pretty sure we agreed on just one but I couldn't resist this other cat too that was just a ball of energy. We took him out of his cage and he crawled all over us in his excitement to be handled. I remember my husband saying "That cat will be nothing but trouble if you bring him home" so we brought both cats home ;o) Chevy was 3 and Stripey was 8 and they bonded instantly. I'll look for a photo from their first day together in their new home and post it.
It's been an awesome 6 years having them both - we couldn't have asked for cats with better personalities, and so loving to each other and us. Although we are so sad to be without Stripey and the emotions are still raw, we feel blessed by God to have ended up with both of these guys. We are keeping a close watch on Chevy and trying to give him extra attention - he and Stripey were practically joined at the hip and spent innumerable hours a day cleaning each other, hanging out in the yard, giving our stray adoptee cat BooBoo evil looks from across the room, and so many other little moments. It makes me sob to remember it all now - I can't wait for the day when the memories don't bring so much pain.
Thanks for sharing my grief with me - I know a lot of you guys are pet people and don't have to stretch too far to feel sad for me, knowing exactly what it's like to lose what you love.
8 comments:
I so feel for you. We currently have 2 cats, but have had many that we have had to say goodbye to for the same reasons you have experienced. I only laugh because of your comment about the dirty looks with the new addition because our 2 have been at odds for 4 years. Unfortunately, our grumpy tabby has never taken to our cute little energy filled calico. Once in a while they have an endearing moment, but not often. Anyway, miss the cats that curled up together and groomed each other endlessly. Thoughts are with you and I can so relate to your sorrow right now.
Bless your heart. I'm sorry to read about the loss of Stripey. We get so attached to their unconditional love & fun personalities. My sympathy to you & Chevy.
I am a cat lover (with doggies too) and over the past few years have gone from 6 to 3 felines. I have had one 21 and currently have a 16 yo who has cancer. Its just the vet said I will know when its time as currently he isn't displaying pain. Every time hurts so bad-these are my fur children. I so understand your loss. I have never had two alike in my entire long years and I have probably had two dozen or more. He is in kitty heaven with all the others playing, chasing mice and healthy. And he was loved.
Losing a pet is a painful experience. They're integral parts of our families. My sympathies to you. ((hugs))
Vicki
Nancy, I am so sorry. Your post made me cry and go hug my sweet stray cat we adopted. I'm very thankful Stripey had such a wonderful home these past 6 years. Hugs.
So sorry about your cat-child, Nancy. I've told you that I'm very allergic to cats, so I look at them differently than many others do. However, I do know how important people's pets are to them. (I know how I felt when the stray cat our boys adopted disappeared a few years after she came. I was the one who walked all over, trying to find her, unsuccessfully.)
Evelyn in Oregon
Oh, Nancy, I'm so very sorry for your loss! I can't pretend to know how very sad you must feel. I'll be thinking and praying for you that it will not be too sorrowful for you. {{{{HUGS}}}}
I feel so sad for you. I know itis hard to lose a pet. I am not a cat person but we just lost are beloved Hailey(a Keyshound) and my heart goes out to you.
MaryS
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