Saying Good-Bye
I have a bit of sad news to share, so if you’re feeling weepy or sad maybe this isn’t the post for you right now.
We lost our beloved twelve year old cat, Louis last week. It wasn’t a long, drawn out illness so thankfully he didn’t suffer greatly, but we are devastated to lose him. I don’t mean to bum any body out, but I just couldn’t go right back to waxing poetic about a Brown Rice Tuna Salad. There’s something not right about it.
So here is my little tribute to our baby boy.
We adopted Lou from a local shelter when he was about seven or eight months old. He was kind of a little bastard in the beginning, and, let’s be honest, he kind of maintained that status through his whole life. 😉
Louis was picked up, along with his brood of brothers and sisters, when they were found roaming wild at the botanical gardens in our city. We then happened upon our local shelter looking for a grey cat. I love how grey cats look so sleek and elegant.
Louis was the last of his brothers and sisters to be adopted. That could have been foreshadowing. Either way, we both loved Louis ( or Pizzazz, as the shelter had named him. Not only did we rescue him from the shelter, we also save him from that brutal name. 😉 ) right from the start. We opened the kennel door to pet him and he started purring right away. He also started eating while purring, while I pet him. A strange habit that he kept for a long time after we adopted him. He would hang around his food bowl, meowing, hoping one of us would go over and pet him while he ate. It was so weird, but he loved it. He would drool he was so happy!
But, he was wild. He would hide behind the bookshelves, stretch his body up the back of them and jump against them. It wasn’t an issue until he did that behind a full length mirror we had propped in the corner of our living room. Joe was laying on the couch next to the mirror and Lou went behind it to jump against it. Not being heavy enough to hold his weight, it started to tip over and was headed right for Joe’s head! Luckily, I saw the whole thing and flew across the room, my robe flapping behind me, catching the mirror before anything happened. The look on both Joe and Louis’ face was priceless.
Here he is trying to get into the bathroom while one of us was in there. He hated if either one of us was behind closed doors and would panic and meow.
He also liked to chase your feet, which was awful because of his super sharp and long claws which he did NOT like to have trimmed. We indulged him in that because he never scratched the furniture and seemed to actually give himself little mani/pedis.
He did eventually mellow and the three of us settled into life. Louis slept with us every night. He liked to come to bed about an hour after me. He would jump up and tap me on the shoulder, I would lift up the blanket and he would slip into his spot, which was the crook behind my knees. It was so sweet. Sometimes he would purr me sleep with warm, furry vibrations.
In the mornings he would bump his forehead into mine, then drool all over my kneecap.
When I broke my ankle he sat with me everyday for 2 months and rubbed his face on the side of my cast.
I loved him so much and miss him terribly. My heart still pulls me in directions were he would be. I see a patch of sun on the bed and long to see him stretched out in total bliss. I do take solace knowing that we gave this cat THE life. We nicknamed him “Lord Louis” because he really ruled the manor.
Here he is in the background of this blog photo demanding something.
I am also so grateful to wonderful friends and family who reached out with kindness and understanding and to my workplace who went out of their way to not only offer me the time off I needed, but the support and friendship they showed was so appreciated.
One day, we will adopt again. Louis would have wanted it that way.
Hugs. It’s never easy to lose a furry member of the family. From one crazy cat lady to another, may his cat hair forever rest in the corners the vacuum can’t quite reach.
Bless you, Andrea. 🙂 Your humour is the perfect antidote.
That was a beautiful tribute to a gorgeous kitten!
I loved that you shared his little quirks and can identify with so many of them when it comes to Daisy. And here’s the thing about the moments you shared – they show how deeply you loved him. And that was the best gift you could have given him!
Daisy, and I send you love and comfort from afar! May your heart heal, and may you find comfort in all those wonderful memories! <3
Thank you so much Karen. I can’t even express how much I loved that little guy. I know fellow fur folks can relate. Give Daisy a smooch and snuggle from me. xxoo
I’m so sorry Sharon. What a stunning cat! You have to cherish the memories and always hold on to the fact that he was given such a blessed life by you. That’s what I’m trying to think everyday, as I come to grips with my dog Buckey who is not doing so well. He’s been with me for 13 years and has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure a few months ago. We are taking it day by day and ensuring we are doing whatever it takes so that he is comfortable and not suffering. Until that day comes, I am cherishing him and the time I have with him. Animals are too precious <3
Thanks Melissa. It’s still hard, but we do know that he was given the best life possible. I’m thinking of you and sweet Buckey. Thirteen years is a long time to have a loyal friend by your side. That’s the best part of having pets, in my opinion. 100% loyalty and the unconditional love. Sending my prayers. xxoo
Aw Sharon I’m so sorry! This was such a great little tribute to him though – he definitely sounds like he was a loveable little guy. Thinking of you!
Thanks Chelsea. He was a character, that’s for sure. We miss him still everyday but all of the wonderfully sweet comments have been so comforting. Thanks for taking the time. xxoo
I just happened upon your blog today and was so touched by the memories you shared of Louis. He certainly was a very gorgeous and regal kitty. I can tell that Louis had a wonderful fur-ever life with you and that you loved him very much. It has only been three months since we lost our Ryder to cancer. Like you we adopted our baby boy from a rescue when he was about 7 months old. He would have been 11 in July. The house has not been the same without him to greet me after work. Our babies would not want us to sad or to be without a fur-ever companion. We have already adopted another rescue kitty. A beautiful gray like your Louis. His name is Jack, previously called Miracle! Almost as bad as Pizzazz 😉 What is it with shelters and odd names? Jack head butts me in the mornings when it’s time to get up and curls up at my feet to sleep. They just have a special healing gift and Jack is already helping us heal with his unique personality. I pray that you will find another fur baby to share your lives and love with. Hugs~
Wow, Deb. How wonderful of you to take the time to write this thoughtful note. It means so much to us. I love that you’ve already adopted again and saved another fur baby from a ridiculous name! 😉 I adore the name Jack. I’m so sorry about the loss of Ryder. I know what you mean about coming home not being the same. It’s staring to lessen, but for the first few days, it was almost like I forgot he was gone. I would come in the door and be ready for typical barrage of meows, only to be greeted with silence. So tough. Thanks for your prayers – I’m feeling like they will lead us to the right kitty that will be like your Jack. One with healing properties. 🙂 Hugs right back to you. xxoo
I am so sorry for your loss! These little furry beasts can have such an impact and a presence in our lives (sometimes driving us crazy! haha), it’s hard to imagine what life was before them. Luckily, as time goes by, the sadness will lessen but the memories will always be there. Thank you for sharing a little bit of Louis with us. xo
P.S. Our cat also drools when she’s super happy!
Thanks Gabby. It’s so true. Living without him now is so strange, we wonder how we did it before! Twelve years is a long time and he was such a huge part of our daily lives. I miss the drool! Lol. Thanks again for the sweet note. Give your kitty a scratch on the cheeks for me. xxoo
Aw, I’m so sorry Sharon! He was a beautiful cat 🙂 We lost our kitty a few months ago after having her not quite two years and that was hard, I can only imagine how you feel 🙁 It looks like he had such a great, happy life 🙂
Thank you Heidi. He was a beauty, that’s for sure. Our handsome prince. Sorry to hear about your kitty. It’s extra hard for the kiddos. 🙁 That’s life, I guess. I’ve said goodbye to so many pets, but this one is a little tougher as he was Joe and I’s “baby”. Sigh. Thanks again for leaving such a sweet comment. It means so much. xxoo
Hi Sharon,,, a touching tribute to Louis. You and Joe were in love with him from the beginning. He was lucky to have you as his people, you spoiled and pampered him treating him like a little prince. He really did have the best life and was truly blessed the day you arrived at that shelter. Much love to you and Joe xoxoxo
He was quite a prince. If he wasn’t such a spaz, I totally would have dressed him in a princely little coat and crown. 😉 Thanks for the love and for checking in us so much to make sure were coping. Both of us greatly appreciate it. Who can I spoil, now? Joe says him. Lol. 🙂 xxooxxoo
Oh, I’m so sorry Sharon. This nearly brought me to tears! It’s so sad when a pet dies, since they’re always there for you. I am sending good thoughts your way and hope that you can get through this hard time. xoxo
Thanks mama. Don’t cry though! I can’t take any more tears. I’ve been so weepy and I’m just over it. 😉 I like how you put that … they are always there for, aren’t they? I miss him like crazy but am feeling much better. I’m a survivor. Cue the Destiny’s Child. 😉 Thanks again for the thoughtful comment. xxoo
What a wonderful and beautiful tribute and what great memories LOL, Louis sounds a lot like a cat I had named Jasmine!! But he likes like my DJ looked 🙂 I loved them both dearly as well!! You gave Louis a wonderful happy life <3 Thank you so much for sharing your memories and tribute with us!! Hugs!! Kaylee
Thank you so, so much Kaylee. I love the community of fellow cat lovers out there! They are such special animals and truly become members of the family. Looking forward to becoming a fur mama again one day. Thanks again for taking the time to write such a touching message. Much appreciated. xxoo
Sharon – I am so sorry for your loss. Louis must have had a rather large personality and will certainly leave a void. I am glad you plan to adopt again when the time is right. I hope you find comfort in your sweet memories.
Thank you so much Donna. He did have personality, that is for sure. 🙂 I miss him greatly. I appreciate your taking the time to leave such a nice comment. xxoo
What a beautiful post and beautiful tribute – brought me to tears. You were so lucky to have found each other, and you definitely gave him an incredible, loving life. Thinking of you <3
Thank you Kaitlin. The kind words are very comforting and so appreciated. xxoo