Comments on: “GOODBYE, PRETTY GIRL”

By: Gayle Miller

Gayle Miller — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 21:03:27 +0000

Rick, my dear: I didn’t see this until today but I’m kind of glad I didn’t. Because I’m sitting here in this very proper law office with tears running down my face.

My little Rocky was diabetic and at age 15 he flimflammed the vet into letting him come home from the hospital. That night he slept with me as always and sometime during the night, his little heart just stopped. He was the sweetest creature I have EVER known.

His littermate BooBoo managed to survive another 3 years (spoiled ROTTEN) until it became clear that his organs were shutting down, at which point I took him to the vet where his suffering was quietly ended. I was holding him the entire time.

I swore I’d never get another cat again.

Then, quite by chance (I really was looking for a desk for my apartment) I spotted an ad: Free to good home! I went to the house and there was Sam. 16 months old and in his 3rd home - where they didn’t want him either. His first home - he’d been abused. His 2nd home - he’d been ignored and was basically a street kitty. Nobody had ever even given him a name. And I don’t think he, justifiably, thought much of humans. My heart absolutely turned over in my chest and suddenly all prior resolutions were inoperative.

Sam is now 6, utterly pampered, deeply loved, completely spoiled, GORGEOUS. He is intolerant of visitors to my house since he wants me and only me and all the time if possible. There are a few humans he TOLERATES but with me - he is the most devoted, protective and loving cat you can imagine, despite his nickname “Jaws”. He is a (mostly) Maine Coon cat, weighs now 28 very muscular pounds and would tear anyone who threatened me to shreds. And at night he sleeps with me, curled as tightly against me as he can manage, sound asleep and purring most of the time. And yes, it is a love affair of sorts.

I do not understand people who don’t like pets, cats in particular. Do they not understand why we have cats and dogs? They are to give us a slight hint of the kind of love God gives us unbidden. Your Ebony will be waiting for you some day and when you arrive at your ultimate destination, she will be able to TALK and tell you how much you meant to her. I fully expect to encounter Boo and Rocky and eventually Sam and I will tell them again, as I always have, how much they enhance my life.

By: clarice

clarice — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 18:33:30 +0000

Oh, Rick, I just saw this and am filled with sorrow. A few months ago we got our very first cat and love her so much that the thought of her passing before we do is too sad to think of.

By: Phil

Phil — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 16:03:18 +0000

My cat has been my best friend for 13 years. I dread the day you describe. I am so sorry.

By: busboy33

busboy33 — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 22:27:04 +0000

My condolences.
May the mice in Heaven be fat and slow
May the catnip fields always be in season
May the sun shining thru God’s window always land on the perfect napping spot

By: Pam

Pam — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 15:43:09 +0000

I know it hurts and words don’t always help to comfort, but for what it is worth, I am so very sorry. I lost my dog after 16 years a few years back and never thought I’d get over it. They are truly the best friends one could have.

By: Melanie

Melanie — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 22:55:15 +0000

My condolences for the loss of your beloved pet.

By: The New Centrist

The New Centrist — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 16:47:16 +0000

Rick, my condolences. I know how much love pets bring into folks lives. Take care.

By: Zim

Zim — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 05:57:39 +0000

Sorry Rick

By: GW

GW — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 01:33:08 +0000

My condolences on your loss. And you have composed an elegant eulogy.

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 23:18:50 +0000

I’m so sorry, Rick. We’ve been through the same thing 4 times in the past, and it seems to get harder every time. Every time we lose one of our furry friends, I swear we’ll never get another as the pain is too much to bear. Every time, we end up with another one; the joys outweigh the pain.