Our Buddy is Gone

This morning we lost our buddy Spud.  For however long they inhabit our lives, our pets leave indelible images on our hearts.  Here's some of our favorites images of this sweet girl who was part of our lives for nearly 17 years.

This has been our screensaver at the store for a number of years

She LOVED boxes - sitting in, sitting on, just give her a box and she was happy!

The best of both worlds: a heated kitty cup under a chair!

Wha???
 

Playing with her new Christmas toy
from Whisker's Animal Benevolent League

When temperatures dropped, under the covers she'd go!

We used this "best gift under the tree"
image in one of our store emails during December 2009

Such a cute face!

Spud
Our Spuddy Buddy
September 1994 - August 12, 2011
Age 17

Comments

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Russell, I don't think you ever get over it completely. Spud comes up in conversation quite often...a good thing.

[Russell]

I am sorry for your loss. We lost our patches to cancer last year and I am still not over it.

Russell
editor - www.catnews.org

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Lori Ann, Beth, Marianne - thanks for your kinds comments. We've had quite a number of friends come forward to assist us in finding another cat. Thanks all for your kind offers!

[Marianne Russell]

I can empathize with you, having recently lost "Kitty" who was my cat pre-marriage, pre-children, etc. I had him, also, for 17 years. It has been a month, and I still wait for him to come walking around the corner and jump onto my lap while I'm working. All pets are part of the family, but some are very difficult to lose. What a beautiful cat, and I am so sorry for your loss. --Marianne

[Beth Batchelder]

I'm sorry for your loss.Have you ever heard the poem Rainbow Bridge?
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 the 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...

[Lori Ann Christina]

So sorry to hear about SPUD. Each of the cats that have shared my life and moved on have enriched me in various ways. 17 years is a long time for a kitty but its never enough time is it?

What a cutie with just the white chin.

I volunteer at for the Saratoga County Animal Shelter Cat Annex If and when you are ever ready to add a new furry friend their are too many lovely adult cats looking for forever homes. Everyone wants the cute kittens.

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Ellen, Dawn: thanks so much.

[Dawn Fine]

Hugs to you- it's so difficult to loose our furry friends. What a beautiful cat she was. I am sure she had a wonderful life with you!

[Ellen]

Nancy, it has been my experience that the "surviving" cat often exhibits changes in their behavior or personality after the death of his or her companion... even if they were not particularly close. In other words, your other cat may surprise you!

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Thanks everyone for your nice sentiments. The house is very different with our Spud. What we're missing the most is her affection. Even though we still have a cat in the house, she's not as affectionate as Spuddy was and we miss that! Not every cat shows affection but Spuddy was an EXPERT in showing affection and we truly miss it.

[missing moments]

Such a sweet gal ... she will be missed. sigh
Just discovered you blog and I'll be hanging around more often.
Love the birds!

[Kimberly Buechner Fouse]

Nancy and Lois,
I know what a special place our animals hold in our heart. My sympathy to you both.

[Renee]

Nancy and Lois,
I know how much Spud will be missed. Even though I am not a pet owner, I know loss and when there is loving relationship, it doesn't matter if it is a husband, a sister, a parent or a pet; it leaves a hole in your life and in your heart. Love you both,
Renee

[Dad and Ginger]

Hi Nancy - We're so sorry about Spuddy. We know how much you and Lois loved her. We still miss our Luke after nearly 3 years. When I see a shadow at the sliding doors, I still have to look to be sure it's not him.

Love to you both, Dad and Ginger

[Marilyn]

so sorry to hear about Spud. I have a 12 year old (Bobby)cat, one 7 and a baby 1 year old that is my family. It is so sad to lose our furry friends.

[Bobbie Reeners]

We just had to say good-bye to our Belgian Shepherd, Chloe. And we can still hear her - and see out of the corner of our eyes. They never leave us!

[Liz Wanko]

Awww, what great pics you have of her. Looks like she was very spoiled, as it should be with our babies. So sorry for your loss.

[Margaret]

So sorry - such a lovely kitty.

[Ellen]

Oh, what a cutie. She looks a lot like one of my cats. I am so sorry for your loss!

[Amy]

Nancy, I'm sorry for the loss of beautiful Spud. Hugs.

[Julie]

Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. I will be thinking about you and all who will miss Spud.

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

OChums - our pets blur the line between animals and children, occupying a special space in our hearts that non-pet-owners may have not experienced. Thank you for your nice words.
Sarah - she WAS loved, so much. Thanks for your kind words.

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Thanks so much Sue. We'll really miss her.

[Sarah]

She was loved. Sorry for your loss. Sarah

[Opposable Chums]

So sorry for the loss. Looks like a real cuteypie.

In my life, I've sometimes found that people don't understand the loss of a pet; "it's just an animal.". Here's hoping that your experiences are different, and that your loss is perceived and grieved for for what it is.