*The oldest of my five cats, Miiru, died last Wed. at the age of 16. We adopted her when I was only 5 years old, so I can't remember a time without her, nor do I want to. She had a malignant tumor on her stomach that we were too slow to notice, and the doctor gave her about half a year. That was almost a year ago, and she was doing incredibly fine until a couple of days ago, when she managed to break the skin on one of the lumps and it started bleeding a little. We took her to the vet , and he said a surgery would not probably help, and recommended putting her to sleep now that she was still happy and in a relatively good shape instead of waiting for her to become more sick. We buried her under an appletree at my grandma's place that she used to climb - she was a very chubby cat, and couldn't climb the taller trees. She loved it whenever we took her to grandma's, and would never have wanted to leave. Here's a photo of Miiru, outside where she loved it best. I'm glad spring arrived, so she could enjoy the sun and warmth a few more times before she had to go. -Riikka-
*Thank you all that sent such gracious messages of support. Shadow left us this past Friday, and we believe that it was the only thing that was right. It makes it no easier-I keep listening/looking for her. I've packed up her belongings tonight and know that we will be ready for another addition to the family at some point. I envision her at the Rainbow Bridge with my other family pets and know that she is healthy, happy, and having fun in the warmth of the sun. Many thanks, Kathleen
21 comments:
This is a big posting, but Riikka and Kathleen, I felt it appropriate to post Miiru & Shadow together. You both lost your sweet kitties so close together. We are still thinking of you and know the heartache you're experiencing. Take care! And may the support from this site help you in your grieving. Hugs & Purrs
Dear Riika and Kathleen,
Sharing your love for Miiru and Shadow with us is very touching. A wonderful memorial to both of them and greatly appreciated by all of us who love our furry family members so much. It is very hard in the beginning but Miiru and Shadow will always be in your hearts and you will have many happy memories. Bless you both.
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. MY KITTY WILL BE 19 IN AUGUST AND IT IS HARD WATCHING HER TRY AND JUMP AND NOT SUCCEED. YOUR MIIRU LOOKED LIKE A LOVING COMPANION. ALL MY BEST TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
riikka and kathleen - my heart goes out to both of you. it is so hard to lose a loved one. our babies are a part of our families. take comfort in knowing Miiru and Shadow will be waiting happy and healty at the rainbow bridge for you. cherish the memories for they are forever. may you always be blessed with little wet kisses and warm purring hearts.
Goodby Miiru and Shadow. You were such loving, and loved, baby-kitties. Rikka and Kathleen, I too send my sympathies. Losing a furry friend is so amazingly difficult. It is hard to lose that unconditional love. They will always--always--live on in your hearts.
Kat, this is a very special posting today and well done.
Riikka and Kathleen,
I am so sorry to hear about your babies passing. I am sure that they were loved very much. They were both beautiful animals. I'm sure they loved the time they had with you. I read the blurbs that were written and started to cry. They are at the rainbow bridge, looking back at what a great life you gave them. It is hard to lose a loved one. Our thoughts are with you both. Thank you for sharing.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your babies. I know from experience that time will heal your heartbreak, and eventually you will be ready for a new fur baby to share the love you had for the ones you lost, the ones you lost may even send a new fur baby to you. That happened to us, when I was a teenager and we lost our 9 year old kittie fur baby, and my mom swore we would never have another, a month later a new fur baby showed up on our doorstep, we took her in knowing our fur baby that passed had sent her to us, to help us heal.
Riika and Kathleen
My sympathy to the both of you in the loss of your friends. They will live on in your hearts and when most of the hurting is gone you will smile when you think of some of the antics and good times they gave you. There will be another fuzzy that will need you and that you will love even though they will not replace the ones you lost.
RIIKKA AND KATHLEEN--
My sincere sympathy to both of you. Miiru and Shadow were both lucky cats; they both had long lives and good homes with people who loved them. I have been where you are now, and my heart aches for both of you.
Eventually, the pain will ease, and you will smile and laugh at the memories of the fun times and the funny cat tricks. My personal belief is that they will play in the sun at the Rainbow Bridge until you go to join them. I hope this helps.
You with both be in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days. Please keep in touch with us here at Kat's Cat.
I saw this post a bit late, but I want to send my sympathies too - for both Miiru's and Shadow's humans. I have five fur-buddies waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge, so I know what you're going through. It hurts terribly, but the hurt does let up in time. And no one can ever take away the good memories.
A lot of people just can't understand what it is to lose a pet. A friend here where I work went through the same thing when she lost her dog. People just couldn't understand why she wasn't back to normal in a few days. Grieving takes time and grieving for a pet is just like grieving for a friend. I'm glad you'll get some time to yourself to help you recover. Take care.
Dear Riikka and Kathleen;
I'm feeling genuine empathy and sympathy for the both of you.
It's a lovely thought that Miiru is resting by her favorite appletree at Grandma's - it's an inner vision easily seen when I close my eyes...
Kathleen, I was reading your comments about Shadow when you were posting on TDK. The last posting, when you so clearly let us share in the moments you took Shadow out to feel the sun and sniff the air is again, now, bringing tears to my eyes. These two furbabies knew they were blessed to be with the two of you, and I'm so waiting for the day I see my furbabies again at The Rainbow Bridge...please, allow yourself the grieving process, regardless of anyone trying to tell you to "get over it"...God allowed these incredible creatures to share their lives with you, and the memories are as real as anything can be...My candle will be lit and prayers sent for you...
Kat's Cat is a special place where all the healing energy you need can be found...
Have Blessed Days, Riika & Kathleen,
Rose
Hi Kathleen,
Do you know if your coworkers have a special cat or dog? Or maybe they've never lost a pet? If not, I don't think they'll really understand. Take as long as you want to grieve and phooey on them.
Thank you, Rose, you put into words the feelings I cannot express. Thinking of Riika placing Miiru near her favorite apple tree and the care Kathleen took in taking Shadow out to feel the sun and sniff the air one last time...that is love. And love lasts forever. These kittens were indeed blessed with humans like yourselves, as you were blessed to have them share your lives.
Take care and know that we are here for you, in this wonderful place Kat has created.
I'm with the rest of the above Kathleen. Take your time in the grieving process. Four days is not enough. I'm with Donna.......Phooey on them.
How funny. In my previous post I almost told Kathleen (and Rikka) that one day a new fur-baby will choose them as their new family and that you'll know it when it happens. I guess you're already aware of that :-)
What beautiful kitties. I'm so happy that they both had the purrfect kittie lives - they were loved by their families and gave much love in return. I wish that all animals could have that.
When my Grandmother was alive, she loved and took care of any and all kitties that came her way. I'm sure she's still doing that with all the fur babies that have passed on.
Rikka - I know just what you mean about wanting Miiru to feel the sun. I had the same feeling when my Jeremy had cancer. I just hoped he would get one more spring to sit in his favorite window and smell the garden - and he did and I was very grateful. I'm very glad Miiru could enjoy the sunshine too.
Rikka and Kathleen - Donna's right. The pet you're meant to have chooses you! And that pet will let you know for certain that you're the one.
My best thoughts to both of you.
Kathleen & Rikka,
I just wanted to add my condolences on the loss of your fur babies. I can tell that they were both just adorable and must have been very loving. I know what it's like to lose a pet. I lost my kitty 5 years ago, and his name was Shadow too. I cried at work when I found out too though I tried not to let it show too much. Some people just cannot understand until they go through the same thing. Anyway I'm keeping both of you in my prayers and I hope that someday soon you will be able to find another fur baby who will help you to heal.
i am so sorry for your losses. how sad :(
That's a great story. Waiting for more. »
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