Wednesday, August 24, 2011

A Loss

 

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This is one of life’s little adventures we and I am sure everyone can do without but is unavoidable.

Today, we finally lost our best friend, Oreo. He was as the saying goes a different breed of cat and I mean that in the personality sense. Gayle and I have shared space with quite a few cats in the past nigh on 29 years. Despite what dog owners may think cats are all different, each with his or her own personality.

We loved them all. Some were more of the standoffish variety and some were more people kind of cats, if you know what I mean.

For us, however, he was a cat of a different color. When I picked him out of the carrier at the humane society some 15 or so years ago he immediately draped himself around my neck and purred. He did the same with Gayle, although, he sneezed in her face. He also did it with the air conditioner repair guy who happened to be in our house on a job.

He was the only cat who would come to you when you whistled for him from wherever he might be in the house. While we always had at least two cats at any time he would seek us out to play with him. He chasing us and we him. Him hiding behind a doorway and leaping out at you when you walked by. You get the idea.

He seemed as though he tried as hard as he could to understand what you were saying to him and, of course, we all talk to our friends. He didn’t talk so much to us at first but as he grew older and especially after we started full timing he talked to us a good bit. He liked very much going outside and sitting on the picnic table or a chair we had for him and he would tell us about this quite often nagging us at the door and looking at you with that hopeful expression.

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When we traveled in the rig he had to ride in the lap of the passenger whoever that might be.

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In other words he was a people cat of the highest order. I don’t want to bore you with all of it as we can only stand so much cuteness.

Of course, he has another buddy who will likely be missing him as well on those cold nights and when he wants to play.

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I use to find myself sort of hoping that he would outlive me although I realized that meant an early demise for me because I always dreaded this day.

So, from the blog some of you know he has been sick for awhile but his quality of life seemed good until these last few weeks. It became worse in the last several days although for some silly reason we were hoping he would make it back to Erie with us. The real truth being we hoped he would never die.

But all good and bad things come to an end and so it was today with our friend.

Luckily for me I married well and made at least one good choice in a buddy. He will be truly and sorely missed but never forgotten.

18 comments:

  1. HI....So sorry for your loss. Pat

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  2. So so sorry to hear of the loss of Oreo. Pet owners, whether dogs or cats ( and we have had both and now only have the cat,Juniper )surely do understand all you have blogged about today. Fifteen is a good life span for a cat, and it looks like he had a wonderful life with you.

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  3. We are so sorry for your loss. We understand what you are feeling. Out two cats--good friends to us and each other--died in August and October last year. We miss them. Goodbye, Oreo.

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  4. We are so sorry to read about the passing of Oreo! As I was reading your blog today I had to nod in agreement! It is so hard to say good-bye to our furry family members. If only they could live as long as humans do. They put so much life and love into so short a time. You all were blessed because he was a part of your family! Thinking of you!!

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  5. Sorry to hear about Oreo -- may you find comfort in your memories. God bless!

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  6. This is such sad news. Your write-up about about your furry friend is a wonderful tribute. I'm sure you're right when you say he'll never be forgotten.

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  7. What a wonderful tribute to him. He sounds like a fantastic cat. Wish I could have met him. I would love to have heard all the stories you could tell about him.
    What a great personality. I'm really sorry for your loss.

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  8. It's always tough to lose a family member but you'll always have the great memories.
    Every time I've seen a picture of Oreo it's reminded me of a cat we had years ago, Bagel, he could have been Oreo's twin. Of all the pets I've had he was the smartest hands down.

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  9. So sorry to hear about your loss of Oreo. He will really be missed by all that knew him.

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  10. What a special cat you had in Oreo and I enjoyed your tribute and photos of him. He surely will be missed by all.

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  11. Sorry for the loss of Oreo. Pets are an important part of our family and their loss must be hard.

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  12. I just now found your blog, Pat. I'm so sorry for your loss. Oreo looks like he was a wonderful part of your family. Rainbow Bridge is for cats, too, you know. I hope you'll take comfort, during this difficult time, in the fact that you gave him a wonderful life.

    You'll never replace him, but he is safe in the comfort and warmth of your heart, now--and quite content.

    Again, so sorry-brings tears to my eyes.

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  13. Jim and Gayle, thank you for the lovely tribute to Oreo. I don't even want to think about losing my Little Black Sambo. What a comfort these little critters bring to our lives. Your love and respect for Oreo is so obvious; losing him is so sad.

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  14. Carol & I are terribly sorry about your loss. We know how much Gopher adds to our life so we can certainly feel for your loss. Last year, our two dachshund buddies, Balou & Bagera passed away at 17 years old.
    Take care:
    Ed & Carol Daniels

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  15. I am so sorry for your loss. I missed your post yesterday as I was having a crisis with my dog (he's okay for now) so I know how you feel. It is so hard to say good bye and each little fur kid takes a piece of your heart with them. What a wonderful tribute you wrote and how nice it is that Oreo had such a loving family.

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  16. Your tribute to Oreo was so touching....it brought tears to my eyes.

    I know you've had a great loss...just know we're thinking of you.

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  17. Hi, Jim and Gayle - Just read your tribute to Oreo, and you both have my deepest sympathy. I'm so glad he was still around when you were in Bloomington earlier this month, and I was able to meet him. What a truly special friend.

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