Friday, March 27, 2015

The Loss of a Dear, Dear Friend

In Memorium
Sophie
March 26, 1999
March 26, 2015

Yesterday ... on her 16th birthday ... Sophie passed away.  Her health had been slowly declining for a few months.  She was no longer able to climb stairs or jump up on our bed.  She would usually stand next to the couch or next to my recliner & wait for one of us to pick her up.  She was no longer cleaning herself & had difficulty using her litter box.  She did not act as if she were in a lot of pain, but she had difficulty walking & she would moan no matter how gently we would lift her.  She was not very active at all & slept most of the time.  Yesterday she suddenly worsened.  She had difficulty lying down & getting back up, & even more difficulty walking.  Although she had a good appetite, she was losing weight.  She could not even purr.  John & I made the difficult decision to call the vet & have her put down.  We did not want her to leave us, but we were not going to make her suffer just for our sake.  The vet suspected kidney disease as well as cancer.

The house is empty now.  Terribly empty.  I keep thinking that I'm catching a glimpse of her walking through the kitchen or standing by the back door watching the birds.  I keep looking down to see if she's standing by my chair wanting to curl up in my lap or for me to put her on the table next to my computer.  Last night I got ready for bed & thought to myself that I needed to check to see if she had enough food & water before I turned off the lights.  Then I realized that I didn't need to do that anymore   : (

At lunchtime yesterday I gave her a bit of her favorite treat ...  a little piece of cheese.  I gave her a bigger bit than usual.  She hobbled over to eat it, then just laid down on the throw rug like she had no energy to do anything else.  At least she enjoyed a good treat before she left.

Sophie had been with us since she was 9 months old.  We were living in Michigan at the time.  Matt came to visit us for Christmas, & the day after Christmas he & I went to the pound & there was Sophie.  I took her out of her cage & she snuggled right into my arms.  I knew we were the perfect match for each other.  She has been with us for many moves.  When I'd come home from the hospital, or one of us would be ill, Sophie would be right there next to us.  She knew that we needed comforting.  

My heart is broken.  I have cried many tears.  The pain of losing her is immense. 

Here are a few photos that have appeared in past blog posts that I'd like to share again in memory of her.  

Sophie always loved to snuggle on my lap early in the morning during my prayer & Bible study time.

When she wanted to take a nap, this moving box was her favorite spot.

She liked napping & playing in all sorts of boxes.


If you put paper down on the floor, she thought you put it there for her.

Sophie enjoyed Christmas.  She'd always have a gift under the tree.

This photo was taken when Flat Phoebe came to visit last year.  Sophie, Pearl, & Flat Phoebe are watching Sleeping Beauty.

When I'd be working on my  computer, she would often stand on her back legs & put her paw on my thigh.  This was her way to tell me she wanted to either snuggle on my lap or next to the computer.
 

Of course she loved hogging all the heat by lying on the heating vent.  You can see her favorite little mouse nearby.  I love this picture of her.

Farewell my friend.  I will always ... always ... miss you.

49 comments:

Vickie said...

Oh my dear friend Shirlee. Oh how I know the heart ache. I am so sorry. What a precious gift from God our dear, sweet pets are to us.
A very big hug for you. I am praying for you and John.♥

Debbie said...

Shirlee,
So very sorry for your loss.
Our furry friends are so much a part of our lives.
I know your decision to let her go did not come easy. She is at the Rainbow Bridge.

Take care. Sending a big hug your way.

Terri said...

What a beautiful kitty! So sorry for your loss! Hugs and prayers!!

Karen said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Sophie was a beautiful kitty.

Penny said...

I am so sorry... She had a good life with you and knew she was loved. I know you are missing her.... it's the hardest thing about having pets in our lives. Wishing you comfort.

Ann at Beadlework. said...

Oh Shirlee, I know how hard it is to lose a beloved pet. I'm so sorry and wish I could say something meaningful but there's nothing really that helps. Your home will seem empty just now, you either have a very tough adjustment to an empty feeling home or you take the plunge and give another little one a home. We resolved to do the former last time round and ended up doing the latter:-) Then we added another to make it two!!

Tricia T said...

What a beautiful, beautiful kitty. I am so sorry. {{Hugs}}

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Kidney failure is how my cat went. She did not look herself at the end at all. It was a kindness to let her go.

You have some lovely photos of Sophie to remember her by.

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Oh Shirlee, I know this is hard. I've been there too. Take time to remember all the good happy times together. {{Hugs}}

Annette-California said...

Oh Shirlee! My heart goes out to you. So sorry for your loss. Sophie brought you lots of joy, love & a member of your family. YOU loved her just as much as she loved you.
Prayers for you & Sophie my friend.
love & hugs Annette

Linda said...

I'm so sorry for your loss Shirlee. It brought tears to my eyes.

Linda

Purple Pixie Dust said...

My heart goes out to you, you have your memories and we can't keep them forever like we wish. She is in heaven waiting for you to join her when it is your turn, but God will take care of her and maybe even give her her favorite treat of cheese. Bless you big hugs and love Lynda Ruth

She was a beautitful girl.

Joan said...

So Sorry to hear about the death of your pet. I had a cat for 20 years and her death broke my heart. They are part of the family.
Love Joan (www.aviewtothefells.com)

Justine said...

Dear Shirlee, so very sorry to hear of the passing of your friend Sophie. She was absolutely gorgeous. I hope the lovely memories you have of her will be some comfort xx

Robin in Virginia said...

Shirlee, I am so sorry to read about Sophie's passing. Treasure the memories and thank you for sharing photos of her with us today. Thinking of you!

Robin in Virginia

Karen said...

Shirlee, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet Sophie. I know it's so hard let them go. {{hugs}}

Myra said...

I am so so sorry for your loss Shirlee. I am crying with you just remembering my furry loved ones. I hope all your wonderful memories of her will help you through the days ahead.

CalamityJr said...

Oh, Shirley, I am so sorry. Sometimes our furry friends are our best friends. Thanks for sharing photos of your beautiful Sophie.

Beth said...

So sorry. You have lost a very dear old furry friend. What wonderful memories you must have of all the years you spent together.

rosek1870 said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Our fur babies are truly family and take a bit of our hearts with them when they leave us. I know she is waiting for you over the rainbow bridge.
Hugs,
Rose

Angela said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you.

Wanda said...

Dear Shirlee,
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart hurts for you. What a precious kitty. I loved how you shared Sophie with us on your blog. She was truly loved.
Be well, Wanda

Daffycat said...

I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking for you.

StitchinByTheLake said...

I am so sorry for this loss. My cat's name was Jackson and after he left us I often thought I caught a glimpse of him slipping around a chair or a doorway. I think it's their way to comfort us. blessings, marlene

Maggee said...

Oh I am saddened to read this. I know Sophie was very dear to you. I clearly remember laughing at the pictures of her in boxes you shared with us. She is not in pain anymore. May you find comfort in knowing that. Know my heart goes out to you and John in this difficult time. Big Hugs!

marly said...

My deepest sympathy to you and John. It's a hurt that's hard to describe and inconsolable. So sorry.

Maureen said...

Shirlee please accept my sympathy over the passing of your dear Sophie. It sounds like you had a wonderful life together. I always got a kick out of the box pictures you posted of her. I am sorry for the heart ache you are feeling.

Michele Inman said...

So very sorry to hear you've lost your Sophie. She was lovely, and I've enjoyed seeing the photos you've posted of her during the time I've followed your blog. We had to euthanize our beloved Dude last December; the house is so lonely without him as he was always wherever we were. He was only 10, probably had cancer in his abdominal area, but to find out for sure would have involved more pain for him than we were willing to make him endure. Tears for your Sophie and our Duders and hugs for you and John.

Heritage Hall said...

What a beautiful creature was your Sophie. You gave each other
the greatest gift of love which
will carry you through this time
in just cherishing the memory of
her gentle soul....

butterfly said...


So sorry my friend , It is so sad when our little friends pass away , I still miss my Poppy and now and again when I come into the house I think she will be there.
Take care , sending big hugs.

Michelle said...

So sorry for your loss Shirlee - sending you a hug xx Have you read the poem Rainbow Bridge - its lovely xx

Sally said...

I am so sorry Shirlee. It's always hard to lose a dear pet as they are family. Hugs x

Marilyn said...

Oh Shirlee, I'm so sorry.
Sophie was a beautiful kitty and faithful companion to you.
Always remember the good times with her. You gave her a good life.
Take care.
Marilyn

Susieq said...

I'm sorry for your loss. I'm dealing with the same right now. I had to let my dear friend go about a month ago. Blessings to you.

Maggie said...

Oh I am so sorry, i'm sitting here crying too for Sophie, to have to make that decision is hard I know, we had to make the decision for our dog Flo, many years ago now, and yes I saw and heard her, (as did the kids) around the house many many times afterwards.

She will have known that with you she was loved and had a wonderful life.

Thinking of you xxx

Carol said...

I'm so very sorry, Shirlee! I know the empty feeling that you write about. Our sweet Shadow went downhill in just the same manner you described. Even though we know the decision to say goodbye to them is the right one for them, it sure hurts. Sophie was lucky to have you and you were lucky to have her for so many wonderful years. You will be "seeing" her for quite a while--it's been seven years since we said goodbye to Shadow and I still tear up when I think about him...

Take good care of yourself now and think of all the happy days with your sweet kitty.

Frances said...

I'm so sorry to hear that you lost your beloved kitty. She was so pretty and I know you loved her dearly. Our pets truly are our sweet family members.

Dawn said...

I am so sorry for your loss of Sophie, I know that is the hardest thing to do. Hugs to you and John.

bettyj said...

So sorry. The pain is immense when we lose our fur babies. It takes so long getting used to not having them. I still miss my Dasko.

Anne said...

Awwwwwwww SOPHIE! My heart breaks for you Shirlee and John. I felt like I knew her, as did Titus. I told my husband and he was really sad too. We know the pain of loosing a fur baby. The house will seem so empty for a long time. Sending you Hugs and prayers.xoxoxo

Kaisievic said...

Oh, my dearest friend, Shirlee. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember how devastated we all were when our dear Coco passed away after 16 years. Please take joy in all of the wonderful times you had with her. Furio and Milo send furry hugs and purrs. And I send you and John all my love, Kaye

Robin at The Primitive Hutch said...

Shirlee ~ All those memories of your beloved Sophie are in your heart and will last a lifetime.
So sorry to hear about your loss ~ prayers and thoughts are with you today.
Blessings
Robin

Julie said...

Oh Shirlee, a lovely heartfelt post you have put together in your time of sorrow, that must have been so hard to do.
The loss of a much loved pet is so hard to bear, I hope that your heart will soon heal and you can remember the good times with a happy smile on your face and not the tears in your eyes.
love and blessings to you and Jon. xxx

Trace4J said...

Good Morning Friend
Oh my so very sorry to read this.
Praying you and John can find some peace in all your treasured memories with your beautiful fur baby.
Sending you a big giant hug and lifting you in prayer.

NanaPeggy said...

A wonderful memorial for a dear friend. She was lucky to have you as her human in this life.
Hugs,
Peggy

Pam in IL said...

Aww, I'm so sad to read about Sophie. Keeping you & John in my thoughts and prayers and sending hugs.

Sparky said...

I too love cats and we have one who we keep saying is giving us a long goodbye, YOUR post was heartfelt and sadly one of the hardest things to let go...our precious sweet friends that bring us hours of comfort, warmth, and love. xx

Alyssa F said...

Shirlee, so sorry to hear about the loss of your furbaby. I lost my Greysen last year, so I know exactly how you feel. He declined pretty close to the way it sounds like Sophie did; it's so sad to see isn't it? But in the end it is better to let them go than see them suffer. I know he was ready to go when we took him for the last time. I've never cried as much as I did that day. I hope your heart can heal soon, although we never really get over the loss of our dear friends.

Krista said...

I am so very sorry for your loss, Shirlee. The loss of a furbaby is not easy, they are family. I hope you find peace and can smile with the special memories you have of Sophie. She was a very pretty kitty.