Down on the floor, in a small cage, was a small kitten, all by himself. The lady who took care of the cats said that he had to be in a cage by himself, because he was so wee and small the other cats ate his food.
The Wonderhub picked him up and this tiny little kitten the size of his hand just melted into him. So we took him home and named him Neemo.The adoption papers said, "Remember, you are making a lifetime commitment..." That was eighteen years ago.
For the longest time no one even knew we had a second cat. Neemo hid under the bed most of the time and rarely ventured out. And so the years passed, the Boy was born, and Neemo lived a quiet cat life, loved by his people.
Then about three years ago Neemo got sick so we took him to the vet and they kept him for a couple of days. They said he was very friendly. When he came home he was a totally different cat. He started sleeping in new places, venturing out in the garden from time to time, drinking out of the pond like a mighty lion of the Savannah. He found that if he yelled at us loud enough we would feed him chicken and extra snacks.
As an old man cat he became completely bossy and ran our lives like a retired British Colonel. He kept us on a strict schedule, morning, noon and night.
Yesterday, he passed away and there is a giant hole in our hearts, left by the tiniest of old man cats.
--
What greater gift than the love of a cat? ~Charles Dickens
I am so, so sorry, Marilyn. You have my deepest sympathies. These pictures are lovely - he looked like a beautiful cat and it sounds like you guys were just awesome for him.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to you all, I'm sure this is such a loss after 18 years. Nice to know Neemo got to travel a little in his old age.. x
ReplyDeleteOh, Marilyn! I was so sorry to read about Neemo. He looks (and sounds like) a beautiful and exceptional cat. What a wonderful tribute you have written to a precious companion. Having said goodbye to three dear cats in my lifetime, I know this is a heartbreaking experience. Will be thinking about you.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteKaddish for a Beloved Pet
by Rabbi Steve Kirschner
“Those who die go no further from us than God, and God is very near.” - Anon.
You, Who are Exalted,
You, Who are Holy,
You, Whose great name we praise
in times of grief,
Please bless my pet, who too briefly
blessed me here.
Keep him near,
Hold him close.
You, Whom we revere,
You, Who are wise,
Look kindly on him with Your eyes.
Keep him safe from hunger, cold and fear.
His needs are few.
You, Who are all
our hopes and dreams,
You, to Whom we pray and weep,
Make space beside You where he can sleep.
A little place will do. He’s small.
I pray that in Your peace-filled
Realm, he finds peace, too.
You, Who know, show him that
Pain is short, that play’s preferred.
Make him strong and sturdy, once again.
For all this I pray. Amen. Amen.
© Steven J. Kirschner May, 2001
http://www.ritualwell.org/lifecycles/sitefolder.2006-10-25.0669142154/PrimaryObject.2006-03-20.1747
I'm so sorry Marilyn... I know how this feels. Our corgi passed away... I guess it was almost 2 years ago now... but she definitely left a hole in our world for quite a while. I felt so lucky to have her as a friend though:)
ReplyDeleteThinking about you guys, Sara
I am sorry for your loss. What a lucky cat though, to have found a sweet life home with you.
ReplyDelete18 years: he recognised a good rescue team when he saw you people. Good job well done with happy memories.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing a touch of the joy that Neemo brought to you, to us. Here's to a place of soft grass, great snacks, cool drinks of water and streams of butterflies to chase. Here's to Neemo!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Neemo brought you so much joy. He was loved and happy. Of course there is a hole where he once lived but remember the good times and happy memories.
ReplyDeleteWe lost our Jack Russell in June after 16 years so I know the empty place you have in your heart.
Your story of Neemo made me cry. I'm so sorry that you've lost him.
ReplyDeleteI still cry for Sheba, my dog who loved only me, and protected me from all danger, imagined or real, and so I cry for your loss too, because I know the pain you feel. I read somewhere that "God made the cat in order that man might have the pleasure of caressing the lion." Indeed, you knew that pleasure, also. Your little lion is with God now, and God's blessings to you and your family.
ReplyDelete