Our Baby is gone. We'd thought it was just a variation on the feline asthma theme his sister has had for years, but no. It seems he had a fast-growing tumor on his palate that was compromising his breathing. Had to let him go. Hearts breaking breaking breaking. Born in our attic closet twelve plus years ago and weaned on our heart and soul. When we left him this morning at Angell Memorial's emergency room 'round 5 a.m. we gave him a cheek cuddle and said we hoped we'd see him soon, but Tuck, our ever-faithful driver and cat whisperer in residence, assumed we'd be seeing the little fellow at the end of the day and never had a chance for a final farewell. His heart is breaking. Tears without end.
Shocked and saddened.
I cry with you, dear Blogmother.
Posted by: pb | December 27, 2008 at 07:36 PM
No. Oh, no Sissy. Tears are falling for you. Many hugs in thought are sent your way. Sabby is sitting here in solemn respect for the most beautiful Babe ever seen on this computer monitor.
Bless you and yours.
Posted by: LauraLaura Lee Donoho | December 27, 2008 at 08:05 PM
Tears and virtual hugs from me and my three girl-kitties. Princess (the oldest) turned 13 in September-- not much older than your precious Baby. How is Tiny, by the way? Her heart must be breaking, too. Peace and blessings to all of you.
PS. Just read Elisson's kind words-- what a good friend he is!
Posted by: Connecticut Yankee | December 27, 2008 at 08:29 PM
You and Tuck have been in my thoughts all day. I wish I had words, but I do not. *sigh* I'm so so sorry.
Posted by: Teresa | December 27, 2008 at 09:28 PM
You were there to support us in our times of loss, and I hope that my words of support can be of comfort to you in yours.
-ls
Posted by: Laurence Simon | December 27, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Sissy, my heart is breaking for you. I am so sorry for your loss. I first found your blog several years ago through Instapundit - he'd linked your "first rate catblogging" of the mouse pics and I've been hooked since. I am truly sorry.
Posted by: Kathy Nashville | December 27, 2008 at 11:10 PM
Tuck contributed this to the "Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of Mary L. Jameson" when our mother died:
William Penn wrote:
And this is the comfort of the good, that the grave cannot hold them, and that they live as soon as they die. Death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity. Death is but crossing the world, as friends do the seas; they live in one another still.
Let us have a Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of Baby. Born a cat, died a gentleman.
Posted by: Susie | December 27, 2008 at 11:28 PM
Many will share your tears for the beautiful Babe, the giver of inexpressible pleasure to your readers with his antics and allure. We'll all miss him. I hope you are comforted in your knowledge of the wonderful life he had with you.
Posted by: Barbara Lee | December 27, 2008 at 11:59 PM
The fog comes
on little cat feet.
It sits looking
over harbor and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on.
Posted by: B....... | December 28, 2008 at 12:52 AM
Sisu, I am so sorry for your loss. Baby was a beautiful cat, a light of the blogosphere.
I hope that in time, you will be comforted in knowing that you gave him a wonderful life, and in your memories of him.
We will all miss him.
Posted by: Rahel | December 28, 2008 at 12:59 AM
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss of Baby. There are many who enjoyed him, and we will all miss the pictures of his lovely face and your entrancing stories about him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: iamfelix | December 28, 2008 at 06:02 AM
Oh, Sissy. I have no words for such grief. You and Tuck are in my prayers and have my deepest condolences.
Posted by: pam | December 28, 2008 at 08:33 AM
I'm weeping for you Sissy.
Baby was a charming guy.
I've been there this year too with Shady.
Purr-ayers and head-butts from Sasha Kitty and Sheldon Tabby.
Posted by: annoying little twerp | December 28, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Very sorry to hear of your loss.
Chester and Cali send their prayers, head butts, and chirps.
Posted by: Gravypan | December 28, 2008 at 10:28 AM
I am so sorry for your loss. I always looked forward to the latest 'Baby' photo. He was a gorgeous cat and will be missed by all who follow the cat blogosphere.
Posted by: plum | December 28, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Lord Almighty God, this animal brought sunshine to us and was a vital part of our lives.
His passing has created a void in our hearts that cannot be filled.
We do not question the will of God, but ask Him to be merciful in our loss.
Amen.
Posted by: Mrs. Who | December 28, 2008 at 11:17 AM
We're sorry for your loss. Baby was a beautiful cat. Maddie and Ivy send purrs.
Posted by: John | December 28, 2008 at 06:04 PM
So sorry to hear about Babe, he was a beautiful cat and a pillar of the cat blogosphere.
Sending prayers to you for your loss.
Love & Purrs,
ML and KC
Posted by: ML | December 28, 2008 at 07:27 PM
we are so sad that Babe has gone to the Bridge. our hearts are breaking and we are crying with you.
Posted by: The Meezers | December 28, 2008 at 08:51 PM
I am so very sorry for your loss...
Posted by: Parker | December 28, 2008 at 09:29 PM
Oh Sissy we are so sorry about Babe!!! He will be missed by us!! Samantha, Mr. Tigger and Mom Chandra send our purrrrs and purrayers to you!
((((((((Hugs from our house to yours!))))),
Your FL furiends,
Posted by: Samantha & Mr. Tigger | December 28, 2008 at 09:43 PM
We are so very sorry. It is so hard to lose a loved one, so hard. You are in our thoughts and we send gentle purrs......
Posted by: The Cat Realm | December 28, 2008 at 09:59 PM
We are so sorry for your loss! we will putt and Pray for you!
Posted by: Angel | December 28, 2008 at 10:14 PM
purrs and headbutts to you. we are sorry for your loss.
Posted by: The Zoo | December 28, 2008 at 10:51 PM
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Sending prayers that your love and memories of your sweet Baby will help carry you through.
Posted by: PJ | December 28, 2008 at 11:41 PM