Pets
Related: About this forumIt's been a year.
This time last year, I sat with my cat, Tony, as he journeyed on to the other side. It has been an interesting year for us, but there was a part that always seemed to be missing. When I got married, finally became legal in Oklahoma, in November, I was sad because Tony wasn't physically there. I did place his picture and ashes on the table of family photos representing those at the wedding who couldn't be there. Of course, had he been there, he probably would have jumped on the table and annoyed me by batting at the candles.
I cried everyday for at least two weeks, then it got better; I'd only cry every other day for another two weeks. I cry every now and again, but the pain isn't as bad. Of course, it didn't help for almost a month, Marigny, Tony's favorite pest, one of our chihuahuas, ran around the house looking for him, then crying when she couldn't find him. Sometimes, I could swear I heard his collar jingling. Each of our pets have a distinct 'jingle' from their collars, well, distinct to me, so I was hearing his jingle. A few times I swear I'd catch a glimpse of him; still do.
I just wanted to share my memories of the cat who came into my life when I met the love of life, and became a beloved friend, and whom I miss very much, even today. He was my "bad kitty; baddest of the bad!" That was the off key phrase I'd sing to him, while I held him like a baby. I think he hated both (my 'singing' and being cradled)!
For those who have lost pets recently, it does get less painful, but the memories come back all the time...and sometimes, so do the tears.
My Tony, baddest of the bad:
CaliforniaPeggy
(149,831 posts)Behind the Aegis
(54,064 posts)He was a very special kitty. Clumsy as hell!
shenmue
(38,506 posts)What a handsome critter.
Behind the Aegis
(54,064 posts)We loved him very much.
eridani
(51,907 posts)Still sorry for your loss.
Behind the Aegis
(54,064 posts)I made it through the day without crying...until this OP...and I cried today.
brer cat
(24,663 posts)who always slept between my legs, I could "feel" her on me at nights for months; I would turn over very carefully not to disturb her. The crying of her sister while she looked for the missing one was even more heart wrenching than my own grief.
The gut-kick pain does get better with time, but we always have the memories: some make us smile again, some make us cry.
He was a very handsome boy. I love his markings.
Behind the Aegis
(54,064 posts)It really is a kick to the rubber parts when your other animals are mourning too and you can't explain to them what has happened. The worst day was when we decided to move his cage from the den to another room. All four dogs flipped out! They all started barking, crying, shaking, and all four of them jammed themselves into the carrier! I lost it.
He was a handsome boy. There was a recent commercial with a cat with similar markings...made me cry.
Phentex
(16,334 posts)Because like Tony, they just become a part of your life with their presence.
Behind the Aegis
(54,064 posts)It amazing how big a part they play in our lives!
TexasBushwhacker
(20,256 posts)when I got home from working. I'd turn my key in the lock and expect his meow FOR WEEKS! And then I'd mourn all over again. But what are we to do? We love animals, so we sign up to have our hearts broken, but a life without furbabies? Unthinkable!
Behind the Aegis
(54,064 posts)I went away one time for a job interview. I was gone for a week. When I came home, Tony wouldn't "talk" to me. He'd walk away from me when I tried to pet him or love on him. However, he also wouldn't let me out of his sight! I went to the bathroom and I see a little paw shoot under the door and hear him meowing. Soon as I opened the door, thinking the love embargo was over, he stood up and walked away! It was three days before he forgave me. LOL!
TexasBushwhacker
(20,256 posts)I had this weird electric analog alarm clock. I had it set to wake me up at 6:30, but it went off at 6:30 am and pm. Kitty learned that I got home shortly after the evening alarm. But if I came home later, like if I'd gone grocery shopping after work, she would yell at me with long, loud meows. "You're late. Where have you been?"
When she got old and arthritic, I set up a bed pillow with a heating pad set on low, covered with a bath towel. The warmth felt good on her old bones and that was her spot. If I happened to get home before the evening alarm, that's where I'd find her. She'd wake up and give me a "what are you doing here?" look. She lived to be 22.
irisblue
(33,059 posts)Behind the Aegis
(54,064 posts)I saw a commercial after he passed with a cat who had similar markings...that was hard. I turned it off faster then an abused animal commercial!
BTW...love your avatar!