jadedruid wrote on Nov 23, ’10

Oh Sue I am so sorry! But better for him to have died warm and fed knowing someone cared about him. At least you know what happened to him and you tried to help. Big hug!

rosiefielding2 wrote on Nov 23, ’10

This news is very sad , so very sorry that Arnold has passed on, poor kitty, sending you a warm hug , take care my dear friend love Rosiex

astranavigo08 wrote on Nov 23, ’10

Oh, sis – I know *exactly* where you are.The foundlings are the Special Ones. Anyone can go buy a cat from the pound; there’s nothing really to it – but in both our cases, on separate coasts, They found Us.

I remember as clearly as yesterday, the day that Chloe wandered in, half-starved. Why? I’m doubting there’s an answer – but it happened.

Life is random, shitty, and wrong, most of the time. Sometimes, it’s random, and right. Little Arnold proved that.

(HUGS)

locarb wrote on Nov 23, ’10

I am so sorry.

greenwytch wrote on Nov 23, ’10

Sue, i am holding you very, very close. you know i have walked this path, too…..but PLEASE do your best to know that there is no reason for you to feel guilty! Arnold was a beautiful, wild boy who lived his life on his own terms and would never have been able to be truly happy, adapting to a more structured life. he loved you and your kits, and he knew you loved him. he appreciated you. you have to know that.i know you have to mourn now. we will be here, when you feel like sharing your thoughts again.

good journey to you, Arnold. blessed be, sweet spirit. i know you’ll find our Souci again in another lifetime.

HUGS and love to you, my dear special friend.

gileson wrote on Nov 23, ’10

Arnold was a wild animal first and foremost. He enjoyed your food much as a squirrel or a bird would, which you offered, and he accepted with “no strings attached.”
Arnold should be remembered around the campfires as the embodiment of the brave warrior whose motto was “Live Free or Die.”
I’m sorry for your loss.

lauritasita wrote on Nov 23, ’10

I’m sorry. It’s like losing a family member.

dockbillin wrote on Nov 23, ’10

Came over from Will’s page. I’m a dog person, not a cat lover. But the loss you are going through is something I can certainly relate to. Only someone who has known the love of a non-human child can appreciate the pain someone else goes through at the passing of one of his or hers.If my sympathies mean anything (since I don’t think we have ever encountered each other before), they are with you.

dockbillin wrote on Nov 23, ’10

It’s like losing a family member.

It is losing a family member.

lunarechoes wrote on Nov 23, ’10

I am sorry for your loss. I think we all know you need to mourn, and thanks to you, we understand why you’re mourning Anold, why this cat, and we mourn, too.
You did all that you could, and he had more love and a happier end than he would have had if it weren’t for you.I am sending you giant hugs and sympathy and sharing in your grief for Anold.

spaceeagle wrote on Nov 23, ’10

I know it’s hard to lose a pet. My sympathies.

ladywolf11 wrote on Nov 23, ’10

oh dear so very sorry, but I like what you said—-******
He ate his last meal and curled up, went to sleep and never woke up. He finally felt safe enough to let go. Thankfully he was warm and safe. I will never have to worry or wonder where he is; I know where he is.
****

our pets are so very important to us- and you showed Arnold so much love- hugssssssssssss
liz

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 23, ’10

Oh, sis – I know *exactly* where you are.

The foundlings are the Special Ones. Anyone can go buy a cat from the pound; there’s nothing really to it – but in both our cases, on separate coasts, They found Us.

I remember as clearly as yesterday, the day that Chloe wandered in, half-starved. Why? I’m doubting there’s an answer – but it happened.

Life is random, shitty, and wrong, most of the time. Sometimes, it’s random, and right. Little Arnold proved that.

(HUGS)

Will, how can I cry so much over a little animal? I feel so guilty that I didn’t get him to a vet sooner but I have a feeling that there was more than meets “the eye.”
His eye infection may have done him in or it could have just been his time and that’s that. And I am so relieved that he passed after a meal, curled up and safe. But it still sucks. And I remember crying with you over Chloe, that was awful. Random and right…yes, that was the little guy. They choose us for a reason, indeed they do. Thanks for the hugs, I really need them.
Sis

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 23, ’10

Thanks so much, love you.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 23, ’10

Oh, thanks, Rosie., hugs back.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 23, ’10, edited on Nov 23, ’10

Thanks for coming over, Ken.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 23, ’10

Hiya, Deb, thank you. Maybe you are correct. He lived his little life the way he knew outdoors. He was a brave, quiet little fella. Yup, I’ll be seeing him again.
You know, I used to have tow Siamese, for 19 years. When they died I was devastated. But occasionally at night, I still feel them jumping on the bed. There are indeed kitty angels.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 23, ’10

Thanks, Tim. I actually put food out in the feeding station. I couldn’t bear to see it empty. I think Orange Buddy came to eat.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 23, ’10

Yeah, sis, that little guy. When we went on vacation I had the animal caretakers put food out. Yes, it’s about 3 years I am feeding him…I just bought him 48 cans of cat food….

greenwytch wrote on Nov 23, ’10

putting the food there even now shows that you are honoring the Circle of Life. Arnold taught you very well. he is pleased. ; D

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 23, ’10

Hi Bill, nice to meet you, and thanks for coming over. What is so amazing is that this little guy wasn’t even MY cat. He just dropped by and stayed and I fed him along with my neighbors. We worried each winter and I even built him a house (which he never took to) but also a feeding station. Sometimes a person or something touches something in you and you don’t know why they entered your life. Arnold made me smile. He was just so cute.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 23, ’10

Hi Karen, thanks from coming and for the hug and sympathy, it really helps.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 23, ’10

Thanks so much for finding your way here! So nice and nice to meet you.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 23, ’10

Thanks Liz–just imagine if he really were MY pet. Here’s this little guy who came twice a day. I’d find him on the welcome mat sleeping in the sun or on a chair.
He’d visit the neighbors and follow the sun from house to house. I know there’s plenty of warm kitty spots in kitty heaven.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 23, ’10

Hi Deb, I think he was my little animal spirit guide.

greenwytch wrote on Nov 23, ’10

oh definitely, he was. and i honestly believe that his coming to you at the end was his way of telling you that he knew that you knew. what an amazing gift! ♥

lurchie wrote on Nov 23, ’10

I don’t know you, but was referred to this link. I’m sorry, but Arnold had your love, and because of you, he ‘left’ in the best possible way. Think about how lucky both of you were to ‘find’ each other, and find comfort with your other cats!

bogieface wrote on Nov 23, ’10

I am so very sorry- isn’t it amazing how thoroughly we can be touched in this way…little Arnold was in your life for a reason, I think to know that he could be loved even still …

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 23, ’10

Hi Sigurd, so nice to meet you and thank you for coming by. I just put food out for him and now it’s gone. I’d like to think his Little Arnold Angel stopped by for dinner.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 23, ’10

Hi Deb, well I do agree about his coming for a reason and I hope the little guy gets his rest. I never would ave believed this yesterday, never. He was eating until the end, grooming. I wish I knew what happened. But my husband said there was an animal psychologist on NPR today so he listened on his way home. She said when their routines change something is wrong. It did, it was. She said they choose to die when they can no longer live their best life, when something happens that diminishes them. I think he must have known he was very ill and eventually chose to go into the trap to go to the vet. I am so grateful he died there and not in some cold hole at night. I am still beside myself. When it hits I just can’t stop crying, and I’ve lost a lot of people in my life and my heart can’t seem to differentiate the magnitude.

greenwytch wrote on Nov 23, ’10

oh, honey i know how intense this is right now. as we already know, the grief will only ease after time, but it will never completely go away. there are times when the mourning still feels very fresh and raw for me, when i think about fur and feather kids who have gone to the rainbow bridge. but mostly, the memories have sweetened and mellowed. *mostly*

sweetpotatoqueen wrote on Nov 23, ’10

I have nothing to add to that might make you feel any better,my friend. While he was here on this earth a very compassionate human added some quality to his life….I’m sure little Arnie knew this.
HUGS tightly…so sorry!

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 23, ’10

Thanks Sweetie, and YOUR compassion adds to the quality of MY life.
I think he knew how I felt about him…I put food out again and it’s empty. I’d like to think he came by for his dinner. He hadn’t in a few weeks.

lauritasita wrote on Nov 23, ’10

Saw this poem and thought of you:
http://lauritasita.multiply.com/journal/item/1613/Poetry_for_the_loss_of_a_pet_Rainbow_Bridge

shoppingdreams wrote on Nov 23, ’10

Sue, I was at work when I read this on my phone. Somebody walked into my office just then, and I burst into tears. That should give you some indication of how much your story and little Arnold touched us all.I can’t say anything that will make you feel better today. Anybody who has been through this knows how very painful it is.

I do want to say something though, that I hope you will think about in the future. Your description of Arnold’s condition sounded like much more than an eye problem. Having the third lid down, that is quite serious. And if he wasn’t eating for an extended period, that isn’t because of his eye. An eye infection, or eye injury, on its own, doesn’t make them stop eating. I think it’s certain that he had something else wrong.

You said something about him being your spirit guide. I’m inclined to think that was mutual. Arnold was sick, and he needed help, and he came to the one person he knew would help him. Because of you, he didn’t die, alone, and cold, and under a porch. He was safe and warm and knew he was being cared for. I think what you said about him feeling safe enough to let go is true. He came into your life for a reason, and you came into his for a reason. You gave him comfort and warmth in his last hours here. I think you were his spirit guide too.

He ate a meal, went to sleep, and didn’t wake up. That is the gentlest form of passing, and he had that because of you. I am sure he would have died overnight outside, but he would have been cold and afraid and alone. You intervened on the day he needed you the most.

I’m rambling, and I hope you will forgive me, but I feel strongly this was the case. You were an angel for that little cat, and he knew it. He touched all of our hearts because of you. I’m going to make a donation to an animal shelter in his memory.

My condolences my dear friend. I’m so sad and sorry for your loss.

fluffyj wrote on Nov 23, ’10

He was so lucky to have you to care about him. So sorry Sue. -janeen

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 23, ’10, edited on Nov 23, ’10

Dear Shopping, now I am crying again!!! I am so exhausted. And part of me feels terribly ridiculous for crying over Arnold who was “just” a cat. But he was JUST. Very gracious, and dignified, courageous for sure. I think I felt most moved by his going through his life alone and doing the best he could. Yes there are people in worse circumstances,yes there are folks who suffer through illness and poverty, he was just another visitor at the door, waiting on the welcome mat for whenever I’d get out with the food tray, or sitting on the porch chair in the sun. Sometimes he’d just stretch out in the driveway and fall into a deep sleep, so deep that the neighbor across the street came running over to see if he was OK. Everyone took a liking to him and several put towels on their welcome mats for him. I always wondered where he went in the dark, where he slept, if the raccoons bothered him. He was a small guy with a big round face and lemon eyes, one pupil a little smaller than the other.My cats like to sit at the back slider door where they can watch the birds and squirrels; Arnold would sometimes come to the door and visit and they all seemed to greet him or at least talk among themselves…”There he is, isn’t he lucky he can climb the apple tree or play with the bugs?”

What is strange is that he began to eat less, not a good sign for winter when he needs more fat and fur. He was somehow diminished since the eye thing–maybe even before, yet yesterday he seemed so hungry. Maybe he knew he was going on his last journey. His fur looked nice, he washed his face.
I guess that’s why I was so surprised and then shocked. It was his decision, I guess. And maybe that is why deep down I knew, for days, to get him to the vet, it was urgent, fear in my gut for weeks.

Condolences for a stray cat seem so overgenerous, but I will gladly take them with thanks and appreciation.

I am going to pick up the trap tomorrow with my husband. I hope I don’t fall apart. I know I will.

Thanks a million again, and to everyone who is so very kind. So very, very kind.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 23, ’10

Thanks, Janeen, very much, I am lucky to have you out there.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 23, ’10

Please visit my sister’s blog, it is gorgeous:
http://lauritasita.multiply.com/journal/item/1613/Poetry_for_the_loss_of_a_pet_Rainbow_Bridge

shoppingdreams wrote on Nov 23, ’10

Dear Shopping, now I am crying again!!! I am so exhausted. And part of me feels terribly ridiculous for crying over Arnold who was “just” a cat. But he was JUST. Very gracious, and dignified, courageous for sure. I think I felt most moved by his going through his life alone and doing the best he could. Yes there are people in worse circumstances,yes there are folks who suffer through illness and poverty, he was just another visitor at the door, waiting on the welcome mat for whenever I’d get out with the food tray, or sitting on the porch chair in the sun. Sometimes he’d just stretch out in the driveway and fall into a deep sleep, so deep that the neighbor across the street came running over to see if he was OK. Everyone took a liking to him and several put towels on their welcome mats for him. I always wondered where he went in the dark, where he slept, if the raccoons bothered him. He was a small guy with a big round face and lemon eyes, one pupil a little smaller than the other.

My cats like to sit at the back slider door where they can watch the birds and squirrels; Arnold would sometimes come to the door and visit and they all seemed to greet him or at least talk among themselves…”There he is, isn’t he lucky he can climb the apple tree or play with the bugs?”

What is strange is that he began to eat less, not a good sign for winter when he needs more fat and fur. He was somehow diminished since the eye thing–maybe even before, yet yesterday he seemed so hungry. Maybe he knew he was going on his last journey. His fur looked nice, he washed his face.
I guess that’s why I was so surprised and then shocked. It was his decision, I guess. And maybe that is why deep down I knew, for days, to get him to the vet, it was urgent, fear in my gut for weeks.

Condolences for a stray cat seem so overgenerous, but I will gladly take them with thanks and appreciation.

I am going to pick up the trap tomorrow with my husband. I hope I don’t fall apart. I know I will.

Thanks a million again, and to everyone who is so very kind. So very, very kind.

Sweetie, it’s not strange. I don’t believe grief is less when the one we love is an animal. In some ways, it can hit harder. He touched me from far away, and I cried at the news. I can’t imagine how you are feeling.He may have had a tough life, but he knew where to turn for help, and he was loved. That is what matters. I hope he is finding a world full of sunshine and lots of good things to eat. Until you meet again. Love you girl.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 23, ’10

“He touched all of our hearts because of you. I’m going to make a donation to an animal shelter in his memory.”
That is so nice!!! I just gave a donation to the most wonderful woman; she is a retired speech pathologist and she began an organization to care for stay and sick cats. She is paying for all of this out of her pension money because she can’t get a grant. She has 30 cats in a special structure behind her home and 200+ more on Long Island. She spends over $3,000/mo for food and has gone through over $100,000 of her own money becay=sue she believes so strongly in helping animals.
Tourniquet Inc.com http://www.s232193690.onlinehome.us

sharons7th wrote on Nov 23, ’10

As others have said, you had a connection with that little guy. So to cry over the loss of the connection isn’t a small thing. It’s not the cat so much that you mourn as the feelings you got from the connection with the cat, and there’s nothing silly, or bad or wrong about experiencing that. I know you know this, so don’t beat yourself up over crying about your kitty.
You may have provided for him, but he provided for you as well. You were lucky to have each other.
Big Hugs.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 23, ’10

Thanks Sharon, that helped me losts. Love to you.

ruraldiva wrote on Nov 24, ’10

Dear Sue….so very sorry for your loss. Yes, it is true..you came into each others lives for a reason. He found love and comfort from you and you enjoyed his bravery and company. Take care. hugs..

spacestevie wrote on Nov 24, ’10

Sue, I am so sorry for your loss. I just recently got me a special Friend. Flash is a cat that a friend of mine had cared for for approximately a year or two. He was a victim of a couple who divorced and the guy tossed him out and the wife never came back to check him out. He was declawed and left to fend for himself out in the world without anything to defend himself. Now he is loved and warm and cared for. Believe me, I know what it is to love someone special only to loose him. He’s special and our caring is mutual. Sometimes though, I get the feeling if I ran out of treats, Flash would disown me.I am glad that Arnold had someone who love him in his last hours of life. You truly have a special heart and made Arnold comfortable and feel loved.

skeezicks1957 wrote on Nov 24, ’10

This is very terrible indeed. Hands Sans a box of kleenex and a cup of tea. Listens. . .

watersong wrote on Nov 24, ’10

Cats especially seem attuned to their natural life cycle. Sounds like the old gentleman passed gently through your life after a rough patch. Animals do leave imprints – I remember how Chloe seemed to soften our friend Astra’s heart despite his resolute independent lifestyle. It’s a touching testament that something in animals reaches deeply into our human experience of this world. Condolences to you.

opossumd wrote on Nov 24, ’10

I’m heart-broken, Sue. Let me shed tears with you. It reminds me of how transient life is, but investing in love is never wrong. Love goes on after we’re no longer here. Hugs, sweetheart.

expressiveespressojo wrote on Nov 24, ’10

Aw, Sue, I am so sorry. He was more than “just” a cat. I think animals have souls just like people do. At least he knew he was loved. Hugs to you.

nomadtraveller wrote on Nov 24, ’10

Sad, but he had care at the end and must have passed away in comfort. The alternative (under your deck) doesn’t bear thinking about. Hugs.

rooanns wrote on Nov 24, ’10

Sue, so sad to hear your news. You have NOTHING to feel guilty about. You went above and beyond and Arnold was lucky to have found your backyard. I know that does not ease the sadness and I would not try to do do that, for nothing I can say will ease your deep feelings. That is what the grieving process is for. So grieve and remember Arnold- I know he will always live on in your heart. (((HUGS))) to you. Now I have to go hug my little Isis who has come to us flea bitten from the side of the road and will soon rise to Queen of the household. (If Charlotte let’s her).

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 24, ’10

Kathy, I haven’t seen you in ages and I;ve missed you. I am so grateful you came by!

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 24, ’10

Oh my, people coming from all over, how nice! So very nice to meet you Stephen. It’s an animal lovers convention. Thank you for the visit and the kind words.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 24, ’10

Ahhh Mary Ellen, quite unpredicted, eh? So stunning. Thanks for being here. I am totally out of tissues, and running out of tea.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 24, ’10

Hi Cris, thanks for being here. I know about Will and Chloe, I was one of the mass of followers and we all cried together. Sigh. These thing shappen but the shock of the unexpected was so great.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 24, ’10

Dani!! Thank you. Look at how this Little Animal has brought some life back to Multiply through his passing!! All these friends coming together again!! Just hope I don’t cry too much into the turkey stuffing,

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 24, ’10

Thank you my Jo, They do, they really do have little souls. My 92 y/o mom called this morning to tell me he was in kitty heaven and to stop crying NOW!!!
(OK Mom!)

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 24, ’10

Yes, that is exactly what is keeping me on track. It was windy last night and the thought of him out there shivering and dying is horrendous. Thank you, Neil.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 24, ’10

Ruthie, Isis, and Charlotte, thank you for coming by and making me feel better, thanks so much.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 24, ’10, edited on Nov 24, ’10

Whoever said that Multiply had become a wasteland is wrong. Everyone came out with love and support. It’s beyond blogs, it’s beyond words, it’s all about love. Look at what is going on here, look at all these wonderful people!

The spirit of Little Arnold is indeed here, he brought out all this love. So while you are here with the tissue boxes, tea and hugs, all wrapped around me, please accept my loving wishes for a beautiful Thanksgiving holiday. We all have lots to be thankful for, I know I do.

With gratitude,
Sue

opossumd wrote on Nov 24, ’10

Well, happy Thanksgiving, Sue. Hope the stuffing won’t be too watered down 🙂
It really looks like a miracle to see all your friends back here like in the old days. Thank you, Arnold!

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 24, ’10

It’s terrific, Dani, indeed.Today we went to pick the trap up from the vet and when it came out empty I couldn’t stop crying, it was dreadful. I was given a bill. I asked what if anything was done for the animal. NOTHING. No one even looked at him until the next morning and then it was too late. I told them that even if they were busy to PLEASE help him, he was SICK. I suppose that because he was part charity and a stray he had to get in the queue and wait his turn. I feel sick over this, guilt ridden. My neighbor just called and she feels rotten too. I am only grateful that the poor thing was safe and secure when he passed but someone should have checked on him.
What a world.

Anyway, trying to think positive but it isn’t easy.

shoppingdreams wrote on Nov 24, ’10

Sue I have no words for that vet. I’m too angry.What I will say is that if little Arnold was so near death that he didn’t make it through the night, I would guess that he was not going to make it even if they helped him. That doesn’t excuse them, but I do think, in terms of what happened, it was inevitable at that point, and he was warm and safe when it happened.

Seeing the empty trap would have made me cry too.

You know there was something special about that little cat. I have a feeling you have a furry guardian angel for real now. You did a good deed, and you eased the suffering of a fellow creature and helped ease his way on his last journey.

I know you are sad. I am even sad. But I’m also so touched by what you did. You give me hope.

lvlila wrote on Nov 25, ’10

I saw Will’s message and being a “cat person” wanted to at least acknowledge your sadness.I too have been adopted by cats.. two of them in fact. They are both now an intrinsic part of my life and I know it would break my heart if anything bad should happen to them.

Take comfort in the fact that for a while you were part of each other’s lives. I would seem he knew his time had come. Knowing that he died peacefully in his sleep is a blessing.

philsgal7759 wrote on Nov 25, ’10

Hugs

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 25, ’10

Thanks, Narice, to you too.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 25, ’10

Hello and thanks for your visit, Mila, your words are a comfort. What is it about cats? They seem to know who to choose, don’t they. I asked my tarot reader friend why these cats I have taken in picked me and the cards seem to indicate a reunion. They may even be my Siamese cats from years ago. Hey, you never know, right?? They do touch your heart, don’t they. And this little guy was my outdoor friend for three years. I hope he’s rolling in bright green grass on a sunny day, catching butterflies. OOOps starting to cry agian!

lurchie wrote on Nov 26, ’10

Hi Sigurd, so nice to meet you and thank you for coming by. I just put food out for him and now it’s gone. I’d like to think his Little Arnold Angel stopped by for dinner.

Maybe he did, to let you know how much he loves you?

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 26, ’10

A sweet thought, no? I’ve been putting out food and it disappears, probalby one of the orange guys who comes by but I’d like to think it is my little black angel.
Nice to see you again, Sigurd

lurchie wrote on Nov 26, ’10

Saw this poem and thought of you:
http://lauritasita.multiply.com/journal/item/1613/Poetry_for_the_loss_of_a_pet_Rainbow_Bridge

This is a sweet, comforting poem. The Rainbow Bridge is definitely from Norse mythology. (I should know, I’m the hero Sigurd in it.)
In the Poetic Edda, the bridge is mentioned in the poems Grímnismál and Fáfnismál, where it is referred to as Bilröst. In one of two stanzas in the poem Grímnismál that mentions the bridge, Grímnir (the god Odin in disguise) provides the young Agnarr with cosmological knowledge, including that Bilröst is the best of bridges.People believe they’ll meet humans that they loved, in heaven. Why not the animals they loved? I have a friend who has a cat with whom she has a psychic bond. I believe if one ‘left,’ the other would, too. They live alone together, and that makes a lot of difference.

pestep55 wrote on Nov 27, ’10

Sad. A peaceful way for him, warm and safe. Just read this and brought tears, reminded me of my Tiggy who was in there care of a vet when I lost him. The 1 am call was a shock. Hugs for you.

sanssouciblogs wrote on Nov 27, ’10

Hi Pat, well I sent the HEAD vet of the group of nine a letter with PHOTOS, maybe I’ll even post it–he is away until Monday– I am asking for accountability as to
why the animal WAS NOT SEEN nor taken from the trap. How do you like that one?

shoppingdreams wrote on Nov 27, ’10

I didn’t know they didn’t take him out of the trap. What is wrong with those awful people? 🙁