I debated whether to even do this post or not. As a rule, I'm a very private person when it comes to personal matters. But I've come to think of you all as friends, so I decided to go ahead and share my heartache.
I introduced you to this precious guy back in February. To read the sweet story about how he came to be in our lives, go here.
These pictures were taken just last week...
We knew that Cole was older and had some health issues. He had 3 vets and an eye specialist stumped as to what was causing certain symptoms. But he didn't seem to be doing TOO bad, so I was totally unprepared when he suddenly took an unexpected turn for the worse literally overnight a few nights ago. I was devastated that we had to say 'goodbye' to him the very next day. It all happened so fast.
I won't go into details, and I don't want to be depressing. But he was my little snuggle buddy and I miss him dearly. I just wanted to give him a little tribute because he was so special.
I'm trying to focus on the good memories from the short time we had with him (just under 3 years) and find comfort in the fact that he is out of his pain and suffering. My family and friends have been a wonderful support network for me and I'm so grateful to them. I'm trusting God to heal my broken heart.
On a lighter note, we still have this little girl (Bob) who's happy to be queen of the castle again...
I'm heading out of town to my friend's for our annual 'Girls Day' of junkin and the Country Living Fair. Hopefully lots of retail therapy will be just the distraction that I need!
Thanks so much for being with me through the ups...and downs...of life.
I'm so so sorry. I love my pets and have suffered greatly when I have lost one. They are angels sent to us from God. I shall pray for God to heal you and remind you that your sweet friend is in his loving care.
ReplyDeleteGod bless,
Lisa
Leeshideaway.blogspot.com
I'm so sad to hear this news, Susan. It's devastating to lose a pet- they are part of your family. I'm glad you shared...we are here for you in good times and bad. I hope the distraction of a fun trip eases your heavy heart for a bit. xo
ReplyDeleteSo so sorry for your loss. Not only was he a friend to you but, you to him. There is nothing better.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. I had to put down our 5 month old kitten just today. He developed FIP, a fatal virus and went downhill very fast too. We've cried many tears in the last couple of days and are also praying for God to heal these wounds. They certainly do tug on our heartstrings, don't they? Sending you a virtual hug and prayers for healing and sweet memories.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Nici
I follow along your blog through bloggers reading list Susan, I must admit don't often leave comments on the blog list as I have so many I read through. I simply had to leave one today. I am so sorry for your loss. Our pets our just as loveable as our human relatives, sometimes it's more easy to love our animals than people. They give back such unconditional love.
ReplyDeleteI have a little schnoodle, Poppy, she is my cuddle buddy and I understand fully how much you must miss that. Poppy is here beside me right now, curled up like a kitten. She is a dog but sometimes I wonder if she got a bit mixed up as she curls up like a cat on my lap and tries to lay across my laptop while I am blogging. She is very small for a dog as she has toy poodle and miniature schnauzer in her.
I am pleased you have another cat to help you get through this difficult time, I have tears in my eyes thinking about it. I lost my mum last year and any sad things I read bring it flooding back, animals or humans, they both mean so much to us. Non animal lovers or owners wouldn't understand this. Your little love is not in pain or suffering anymore, this is the only compensation we have but it doesn't really help does it.
Time will heal and God will take away the pain and leave you with the fond memories, it just takes a long time :(
Thinking of you,
Lee
PS I see there is another Lee above and the same spelling, which is unusual for a girl, usually it is "Leigh".
Aahhh...I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank goodness you have lots of "animal people" around you to help you through this. I have lost so many over the years and it's always hard. He had a wonderful loving family his last few years. I hope you have a wonderful trip!
ReplyDeleteI hope you find comfort in the fact you gave him a life and he didn't die outside alone. He knew he was loved! It is so hard to lose a feline baby I know...thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteSusan, they are such beloved friends, and no matter how long we are lucky to have them, it is always such a loss when it's their time to go..Have a good shopping trip..Take care..Judy
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. (((hugs))) I have been there also many times. Our furbabies are a part of our family and it is so hard to lose one. I miss having a sweet kitty or two, but due to allergies I am pet free now.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your trip.
oh Susan, I know just how you feel. I've always had kitties and they can be our best little buddies. It's a true loss of a sweet friend. sending hugs your way!
ReplyDeleteI am just so sorry for your loss. I'm glad that you felt you could share this with us too. I will be thinking of you during this difficult time. I hope this weekend will bring you some much needed happiness.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs from a friend that has been there!! These precious friends don't get to stay with us as long as we would like for them to stay. That retail therapy may be just the thing for you. Big hugs from a friend that has been there!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. It's terribly hard to lose our pets.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss.....it is so hard to lose them when we love them so dearly....
ReplyDeleteOh how pretty he was. I'm a cat lover and know how heart-wrenching it is to lose one. There truly is a grieving process but hang in there. Keep focusing on the good times with him. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteAw, I'm sorry for the loss of your dear cat. Pets are such a comfort and a part of the family too. Blessings, Pam
ReplyDeleteThinking of you! Go and enjoy your time with friends! Take care!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you have something fun to do at this sad time and loss. I know you must be feeling a real hole and emptiness in your heart. I'm so sorry!
ReplyDeleteMary Alice
We will be making a donation to our local animal shelter in memory of Cole. My husband and I are firm believers in the power of receiving an animal's love. Gentle thoughts for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. I looked at your earlier post about Cole and know how you will miss that nighttime ritual with him. Every cat we've ever had has been one that walked up the drive and found us. I am glad he had you for the rest of his life, short as it was. I expect Bob will miss him too, really.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog and I'm sorry to hear the sad news. I have two kitties myself and know I would be heartbroken if I lost one of them.
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower. I look forward to reading more about your "junk". Sending kind and caring thoughts your way.
-Khammany
Hi Susan,
ReplyDeleteYou know my heart is breaking for you but I wanted to leave a comment on your tribute to Cole. He was saved by an angel and given a wonderful life these past 3 years. You gave him a life time in the short time he was in your family. He was truly loved and went out truly loved. You and Keith lost one of your babies and this is so hard. I am glad you did the post to help you grieve your little buddy. I hope this is helping you with your grief. You know I love you and I am praying for strength and better days ahead.
Kris
Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet Cole. Our pets are with us for such a short time, and I'm sure he knew how much he was loved. Bob looks sad. The Country Living Fair sounds just like something you need right now.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that you lost Cole. It is so difficult to lose a beloved pet, they are indeed family. I have lost furry family members and still hold them in my heart. I do pray that the Lord will ease your pain.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your trip with the girls, they will cheer you.
xoGinger
It is always so hard to lose a beloved pet, they become family members and have their own personalities and create such memories in your heart. Makes me remember losing our pets as a girl - lots and lots of tears. Have so much fun on your trip!
ReplyDeleteso sorry Susan. it's always hard to deal with losing a furbaby. (((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeletewe lost my Emma Kitty a couple of years ago, and i still miss her feisty-self!
we have a new Kitty named Luci now and just today, i was playing and teasing and talking to him, and i heard my self say "you are my favorite kitty, next to Emma, of course . . ."
yes they really do become part of our family, aren't they?
and we do miss them, but we also remember the joy they brought into our lives. you will remember your sweet little Cole for the 'snuggle buddy' that he was to you.
junking is excellent therapy for times like these.
Oh I hate hearing this, I bet Zeb and Cole are having fun right now as we speak, since Zeb was most likely the one who sent Cole to you! You know I often wonder why God made our beloved pets life span shorter than ours. When ever I lose a pet I always think "I'm not getting another pet until I am old enough that the pet outlives me....Of course that lasts until another one "Finds" me. Enjoy your retail therapy, so timely, you need it
ReplyDeleteCarol
Oh Susan, I'm so sorry. Our pets hold such a special place in our hearts. I hope your memories will bring you comfort instead of pain. God's peace and comfort.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss I feel your pain. You filled his last years with love and joy and he knew how much he was loved. Xo
ReplyDeleteBless your heart! Our pets bring us so much comfort and joy - worth it ALL - no matter what!
ReplyDeleteOur little furry friends are too important and fully a part of our families. Losing our dog this past summer still leaves a hole in our hearts.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Bob and savor the sweet memories.
So sorry for your lost of Cole. I just know that he felt your love for the few years that he was with you. He will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.
ReplyDeleteAre you heading to the Country Living Fair in Columbus? I've gone there for several years, but last year I went to our huge Flea Market that is here in town. Trying to decided which show I want to go to this year, since they are on the same weekend.
A junking trip is great therapy for times like this.
hugs,
Cindy
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about you losing your dear little friend. It sounds like he had all the love a kitty could want with you. Praying comfort for your broken heart.
ReplyDeleteJeanette
As one who share her home with four-legged friends, I can completely empathise with how you are feeling. They bring such joy to our lives, and their passing hits us very hard. We will always miss them, but gradually you will be able to focus on the happy times you had, and not the sadness that comes at the end.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, my dear! I feel your pain. I hope you can focus on all the good moments.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Nina
I'm so sorry for your loss. Two weeks ago I lost the little pet Maltese Dipsy. He was old and sick, and now I imagine that he is in a better place without pain. They need to be remembered with a smile, and be grateful to them for giving us so much happiness in life.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Tonka
Sorry about your loss. Alaina
ReplyDeleteI lost my Jakie almost two years ago and like you I debated whether to share or not. I'm glad God compelled me to because the outpouring of love and understanding that came as a result went far in helping me to get through the pain.
ReplyDeleteI'm truly sorry for the loss, but take joy in the time you had.
Blessings,
Debbie
Very sorry for your loss. Losing a dear pet is crushing. I hope your other kitty won't be too sad. Our dog has hit 70 now, and I'm always worrying about him.
ReplyDeleteAwe I hope this finds you feeling better. I know how hard it is to lose a family pet. I know in the near future my time will come with my Scruffy dog. He is quite old and each day I check on him I wonder if this is the day? Can't wait to see you junkin finds..
ReplyDeleteSusan I am so sorry to hear of your loss....All of us that love our animals can relate to that. How wonderful that there are people like you in this world who take such wonderful care of their animals. Chrsitine from Little Brags
ReplyDeleteI am sad too... cats are such wonderful friends...Barbx
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. It's never easy, little rascals just step right in and steal our hearts. May you find comfort in knowing he's well and sleeping in the sun in heaven! May you find great comfort from the Savior above who brought hm to you!
ReplyDeleteso sad--hugs to you, susan:)
ReplyDeleteGod bless you for loving him & taking such good care of him. I hope you take comfort in knowing you did all you could for him while he was yours. Both your cats are beautiful. Mary
ReplyDeleteoh, Susan....I'm so sorry to hear this. We don't have children, so our furry babies have been our kids. We grieve terribly when we lose one. But we feel better knowing that they no longer suffer the pain they were going through in the end. Certainly Bob (the mad-looking kitty) will miss her pal, too. I hope your comfort comes with the good memories of this sweet baby.
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry for your loss. You must know that you gave this little one a wonderful life for the past three years and he brought you joy when you needed it most. It was meant to be. He will remain in your heart forever. Prayers and hugs.
ReplyDeleteLosing one of our four legged friends is just heart breaking, I am so sorry you are having to go through this.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to share heartaches such as these with friends...it's kind of a cleansing of your soul. You shared your home with Cole for a wonderful 3 years for him. Though he was suffering, he felt loved and cared for. My prayer group believes our "buddies" all go to the "Rainbow Bridge"...so think of Cole as whole and healed and running around with new friends.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean by "Queen"...lol...I feed 5 stray or abandonded cats outside my trailer...the one I name Miss Olivia has turned out to be the alpha cat...she "rules" as who gets to come and eat...until they pass "muster"...my inside/outside cat Gus is terrified of her...tho I have never seen her fight or abuse him...she just swats him as he comes in or out...kind of like a mom who is asking her kid "Where have you been!" Hugs
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss! I know how much our furry family members mean to us and how difficult it is when they're suddenly gone. I'll be sending prayers that your heart finds peace. Have a wonderful time at the Country Living Fair! I'm sure the outing with friends will help somewhat. Take care. Hugs, Leena
ReplyDeleteReading this dear friend, brought tears to my eyes. I am so very sorry for your loss!!! I know how loved and close we get to our pets. We just dote on our two mini doxies. We love them so completely. Hang in there sweet friend. I hope God gives you strength during this time!
ReplyDeleteCynthia
Susan..so sorry for your loss...the loss of a dear pet is truly a devastating one...I hope "Bob" will make you feel a bit better....and the retail therapy too....the CL Fair is a great one! Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan, we do get attached to our pets. So sorry! We had two cats at our previous home. I missed them so much when they were gone! Have a fun trip and bring home lots of goodies!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
I tried my best to give you a slight reprieve from the sadness - you know how much I understand your loss! Love you!!
ReplyDeleteI missed this. I am so so sorry. I lost my sweet little Misty Cat 3 years ago this week and I still miss her. My heart aches for you-it is a dear loss when we lose a pet- xo Diana
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about your sweet fur baby. They really do become like family. Thinking of you! :)
ReplyDeleteSusan I am just catching up to my reading and just saw your post.I am so sorry to hear about your loss of your sweet furbaby.I know how devastating it was for you.When our Cleo passed away it was very similar.Fine one day and the next terribly ill.Although Cleo was 14 years old.It took us a long time before we adopted again.It really broke our hearts.But our daughter who loves animals wanted a pet so we adopted Tabitha and we are so blessed to have her in our lives.
ReplyDeleteKeeping you in our prayers.
xx
Anne
I have been through the same loss many times. I am always with my dear little ones at the end so they go being held in my loving arms. I cry but am comforted by the fact that they gave me me so much and I provided care and love. The sorrow is worth all the benefits in having them enhance my life.
ReplyDeleteOur fur babies are so precious to us. My pupsters are the light of my life. I'm so very sorry for this loss that cuts us so deeply.
ReplyDeleteBrenda