Brittany, passed away today. She was 1 month shy of her 19th birthday. She's been my constant companion over the years. She came to me via ex-wife when we got married. Within 24 hours of meeting, Brittany and I were friends. When my back collapse made me virtually bed-ridden for 3 years, she was always with me. She's had various health issues over the years, and I've managed to keep her going. The last 6 months have been hard as Brittany developed high blood pressure and lost her sight. She'd lost her hearing a few years ago as well. She managed to find her way around by using the walls as a guide. She always was able to find me.
Last night I realized she wasn't long for the world and was able to hold her and be with her for a few hours until I had no choice but to sleep. She was gone when I awoke. Brittany constantly showed me her love in many ways. When I first met her in 1996, she wasn't a lap-cat. I set out to make her one, and after about 10 years, finally had some success. Brittany was unbelievably smart and demonstrated deductive reasoning at times. She also showed appreciation when I tended to her with medicine because she knew it made her feel better. I will miss her forever...I Love You Brinny
Comments
The loss of a friend
My heart goes out to you. When someone has shared their life with you for that long, I know it is tough. We have had several cat's that have allowed us to take care of their needs over the years. Among them were Willy (21.5), Pitti Sing (17.5), Peep Bo (13), Yum Yum (12), Luciano (15), Clipper (13.5) and Wally (19.5) who I pulled out of a wall when he was about five weeks old. Wally bonded to Pitti and was her shadow for years. When she died, he howled for days, looking for her the entire time. He had never been close to anyone else, but when Pitti died, Wally sought sollace with me. They were all special, even though Clipper was evil. Pitti's death was hard on me. I had tears for a long time. When Wally died, it was almost more than I could take. We lost Clipper to lung cancer and Wally to Kidney failure a day apart. For the first time in more than 38 years, we didn't have a cat. Three months later a brother and sister adopted us. They are Silky and Sullivan. She is Silky because she is. He is Sullivan (Sully) because Sullivan is the other half of Silky Sullivan, a notorious race horse of about 50 years ago. I hope they will stay with us for a long time. They can never be replaced, but each one is special in his or her way. Mourn and find a new friend. :) Portia
Portia
My condolances
I know how pets can make their way into your heart, and cats are special.
After your time of grieving, I hope you can find it in your heart to give another of our furry friends a loving home. I think Brinny would want it that way.
Ray
Pets
My little dog makes me smile every day. She reminds me that she needs me to care for her, just as I need someone to care for me. She sleeps behind my knees every night unless it is too hot to share the bed, then she sleeps outside but she comes in to check on me now and then and I go out to check on her sometimes. We're partners that way. She sleeps behind my chair when I'm on the computer too long and late at night she comes and puts a paw on my leg to tell me it's time to go to bed.
Pets remind us of our humanity and of our relationship with the universe. When they go, they take a piece of us with them because we gave them that part to keep it safe for us.
I feel your loss because pets are just a piece of love that the universe lets us hold. For a while. When it's time to give them back, it hurts. But still, the bargain is worth the price because we have the memory of sharing ourselves and sharing their lives and that is worth a great deal.
I've shed a few tears for your Brinny and the life and love you shared. Thank you for sharing this message with us.
Hugs,
Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
I know just how you must feel right now.
It's only been a year since my little furball had to leave me, and the pain of that loss is still in me.
If I may, go read Grover's story, "Another Cats Tale, The Return Of The Prince" http://bigclosetr.us/topshelf/fiction/9087/another-cat039s-t...
It helped me deal with the loss and it might help you as well.
My heart is with you.
Warm hugs 'n lots of love,
Catherine Linda Michel
As a T-woman, I do have a Y chromosome... it's just in cursive, pink script.
My regrets and commiseration.
I had a cat who lived a long time, or should I say that he had me? Arthur was a sweetheart and everyone loved him. He was one of the reasons I didn't commit suicide many years ago. I couldn't bear the thought of leaving him with no one and he was always there whenever I had a bad moment.
He's been gone for three years now and I still tear up and feel his loss.
But he was loved in return for the love he gave. And I'm crying right now so will stop.
Again, my condolences.
Part of your family
Frank
You have my sincere sympathies. Furry felines are part of your family, and it's only natural that you go through the grieving process when they depart this life.
I think you were very fortunate to have Brittany for as long as you did--in my experience nearly-nineteen is extremely long-lived for a cat.
In my family, we've had two pets euthanised this year, thanks to the ravages of FIV. Both were 12, and I miss them dearly, having been their human since they were wee kittens. There's only one cat left: he's 12 and FIV positive too, but the disease hasn't yet afflicted him the way it did the others. I have to medicate him twice daily at mealtimes, and we play this "You're not going to catch me" "Oh yes I am" game all the time. Eventually, hunger wins out, and I nab him and poke the pills or Incremin into him.
I hope you have some good photos of Brittany. My three used to lie on the back steps in the afternoon sun waiting for me to come home from work and feed them. One day I came home with a camera and managed to take the only photos I have of the three of them together. I've found it helpful to have some of these photos around the house.
Always remember that you gave Brittany the most precious gift of all--a life filled with love and affection.
Bike Resources
I had Brittany since she was 6
Or as the ex-wife says, I married her just get Brittany (and I did as it turns out). The one thing I'm thankful for is that i never had to make the decision whether to euthanize or not. Brittany a few years ago, was deathly ill and the Vet was about to suggest it when she rebound (I literally willed her live, and made her eat by hand). To have to make that decision ever is terrifying to me, I'm sorry you had to do it twice in so short a time span.
Thanks for your thoughts
Frank
message sent on a moonbeam
Good kitty, Brittany!
Thanks Jennifer
Although, I would be remiss not to mention, she would get really MAD when someone called her kitty...LOL..it's true
Hugs
Pictures of Brittany and her siblings (not by blood)
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=16693&id=1191987367&l=...
For those who might be interested...and yes this has my last name on the page...so what..if you want to add me as a friend on there, please do (and let me know you're from here)
huggles
Frank
P.S. I'm in a one bedroom apt, so while I still have the two little ones I won't be adding a 3rd. I supposed to get just the older two, Brittany and Katy..however due to circumstances with my ex, I got all three.
I share your sorrow
Our cats are as precious as our children, aren't they. I lost my Cassie last fall. She'd been "my cat" for 21 years and I still miss her. May Bast hold and protect your Brittany, as I'm sure she holds and protects my Cassie.
Some days you're the pigeon, some days you're the statue
The Rainbow Bridge
A kind person shared this with me, when I lost my furball. I want to share it with you.
Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone
here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and
hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play
together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our
friends are warm and comfortable.
All animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and
vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong
again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and
times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one
small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who
had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one
suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are
intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from
the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him
faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend
finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be
parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands
again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the
trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never
absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.
Author unknown
Warm hugs and love,
Catherine Linda Michel
As a T-woman, I do have a Y chromosome... it's just in cursive, pink script.
Thank Catherine
That's indeed, very pretty. I expect that if there is an afterlife, I will be reunited with Brinny as well as her siblings who are still with me.
{{Warm Hugs}}
Frank
Just want to thank everyone
For your lovely comments and warm feelings. They are most appreciated.
Hugs to all
Frank