Life is never black & white, but eight years ago I was touched by “it.” The contrasting colors caught my eyes and I was forever a changed person. Tuxedo, the runt of my cat litter, had a lopsided “got milk” mustache, white booties and soul-loving pretty green eyes; the rest of his body was pitch black. His brothers (there were three others) did not have any markings; so he was special from birth.
There is no way to soften my heart; he was put to rest Monday. About a month ago, he was diagnosed with cancer of the kidneys. He was given steroid shots to address his discomfort, but eventual that horrible disease took him from us. Cancer… damn, damn, damn you!!! I whispered to him in his final moments that I was deeply sorry having to make that decision for him. I really, really hope he forgives me. I like to think that we are of one thought when I told him that I did not want him to suffer. I could not bear the thought of him being in pain. No, not any animal.
I miss you.
My emotions ebb and flow with a flood of tears and a down turn smile in its wake. To lessen the pain Dr. Seuss said, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” Didn’t Seuss like cats too?
I miss you.
It will take time to adjust making one less bowl at dinner, or to call his name when something does not sound right in the house.
I miss you.
Respectfully, I would like to continue the “Tuxedo, the Sophisticated Cat” (www.sophisticatedkat.wordpress.com) blog in his memory with the same voice as in the past. I know it denies his passing, but he was so special that I would like everyone to see the world through his voice.
I miss you.
Tux left me with a lesson that I will not forget– how to live. As he lived a happy life, he died with dignity surrounded by his two favorite servants, mom and dad.
Tux, you are loved and missed. By continuing this blog, I hope you bring joy to others as you have bought joy and love to us.
I love you sweet, sweet TUX.
Maralee
As I said on his blog too, I am so sad to hear this dear Maralee, Tux was so beautiful I loved too even in the photographs. Rest in peace.
Thank you, Nia.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Maralee. Our pets are dear to us. Put away your guilt. You gave him comfort in the end. Who could hope for more than that?
Thank you, Christine. He will always have a place in my heart. I’ve been thinking about you a lot in the past couple of months and how difficult a time it is for you. You are in my thoughts. Take care.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s a difficult decision we have to make for our four legged friends. We had to make that decision 8 years ago with beloved King Charles Spaniel, Bugsy. I couldn’t bear to watch him suffer. Tux was a very lucky cat indeed to have you as his mother. This was a beautiful tribute.
Thank you, Edith. Our pets are very special and it’s a tough decision to make. But ultimately, it is the best thing for them, even if it hurts us humans.
I’m sorry for your loss. Words seem so inadequate at times like these, but I think that you made the right decisions all the way around.
Thank you so much. As difficult as it was, it was the right decision.
Oh, Maralee…I am so sorry. You were the best parents to Tux and doing what you had to do at the end is the ultimate in unselfish love. My tears are flowing for you as I know how much you’ll miss your boy. Keeping the blog going in his memory is a wonderful idea.
This is the hardest part of opening our hearts to our furry friends. If it goes as it usually does, we only get them for awhile. But that awareness also makes the time we have so very special.
Again…so, so sorry.
Thank you, Carissa. I think we are better for having loved our furry friends. I think it makes us much kinder and gentler people. So even though it’s a difficult decision to make in the end, we are better of for having had them in our lives.
I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad you are continuing with the blog name. Now every time I visit your blog I will also be remembering your beautiful TUX. He lives on because of it and now in the hearts of others. What a tribute you have giving TUX. Hope you are comforted by others sharing in your loss.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Thank you, Francine. He will live on in our hearts forever.
Tux was beautiful…his eyes remind me of my kitty Minnie’s eyes. She had a sister who was a tuxedo kitty too…her name was Sachmo…Minnie is a tiger striped kitty but they both have white chests and white tummies. We lost Sach about 10 years ago and Minnie will be 18 this May. I worry over her as I love her so much….sending hugs.
We have three of Tux’s brothers to go on with us, but none of them look like him. :-). You are fortunate to have had Minnie for such a long time. I hope she stays healthy for a lot longer.
I’m so sorry about your cat. He was beautiful and from what you’ve told us, he was very special. 🙂
Thank you, Inga. He was very special and will always be in our hearts.
Very sorry to hear, despite it sounding like the right decision.
. . . I still think I see our Kitty when a movement or a shape catches the corner of my eye. The memory won’t leave, but the pain and sorrow eventually does. And you are right . . . we are better for having known them.
It’s the little things that I will always remember . . . his silent meow, his answering to your every call (he was like a dog that way), and just the way he would look at you while sitting on your lap.
Maralee, I am so moved by this post, and deeply saddened to learn of your loss. What a special and beautiful boy he was. I’ll be thinking of you during this difficult time.
Thank you so much. He was a beautiful kitty taken much too soon, but he will always be in our hearts.
Time to walk down memory lane and joys Tux brought to your life. We mourn for the emptiness the loss has left in our lives. Tux lives on in your magnificent photos!
Thank you so much. He will live on in our hearts and his blog. We will always have the memories.
Sorry to hear about Tux, I know exactly how you feel. I cried more when we had to put my cat Button down 4 years ago than I did at any funeral I’ve been to.
I think our four legged furry friends have such a special place in our hearts because they give us such unconditional love . . . something most humans don’t do. Thank you for your thoughts.
Very sad, but so eloquently written….
Thank you.
Maralee,
I am so sorry to hear about Tux. I know how you loved him so. I am sure he is in cat heaven and still with you in spirit. He was such a special cat!!!! I share you pain as I too had to let go of my little Kia several years ago. Losing our pet is one of the hardest things we go through in life. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Carol
Thanks, Carol. He was pretty special and we will miss him. How are you doing? I hope we can come and visit sometime soon. It’s been 10 years since I’ve been back.
I am so sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories.
He was beyond forgiving you… I’m sure he was thanking you for loving him so much. I’m sad for you and appreciate your thoughts here. I’m sorry I’m so delayed in reading this. best, wendy