Hello Everyone,
Gatsby passed away this past week. He was so dear to me and I know that he was dear to many of you who got to know him on the blog and in the videos. I know all dog lovers think this way about their pet, but Gatsby was special! He was funny, mean, grumpy, distinguished, protective, loyal and so lovable.
Last November he suffered a bad bout of pancreatitis, but through hospitalization and medication we were able to get him back on track. He seemed OK for the months that followed but recently we saw another decline in his health and this time it was terminal. Anyone who has ever lost a pet knows how agonizing it can be. I was with him until his last moments and the last thing I told him before he died was that I loved him.
Now I am just getting used to life without him. You never realize how your pet plays such a big part in your life! I am reminded of him what feels like hundreds of times throughout the day. I put together a little video this week with pictures of him as a way to remember him. Thank you for all of your loving comments to Gatsby over the years. I'm sure he could feel the love.
If any of you are grieving the loss of a pet I am sending you love too. Please let me know about your special pet and why they meant so much to you. I would love to hear that.
See you next week.
Love,
Jennifer x
I am sooo sorry to hear about Gatsbys passing. It is awefull to loose a pet and I feel with you and your family. I am so very sorry, Jennifer. Putting the pictures of him together is such a lovely tribute.
ReplyDeleteSend you a a big hug! ;-((
What a sweet tribute! Thank you for sharing such a dear boy and faithful friend. ((( Hugs )))
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet tribute! Thank you for sharing such a dear boy and faithful friend. ((( Hugs )))
ReplyDeleteI feel your heartbreak. I too lost a beloved cat, who although we only had in our lives a few years, made a huge impact on us. We rescued him from a neighbor who abandoned him. He brought us so much joy, his energy remains surrounding us with his love. I know Gatsby is still with you, he loved you so.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. He was an adorable little guy. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteMy first comment even though I am a faithful viewer and love your work, but this hit me so hard. I so enjoyed Gatsby from his appearances on your blog. I'm so sad for you. I love my pets like family members. They are so important and mean the world to us that love them.
ReplyDeleteit is so clear that he was loved and cherished. I have heard the grieving for a pet is very deep and real even though not given much attention in our culture. Thank you for sharing this with us. It makes us all a little better for the sharing.
We are so, so sorry to hear this news, Jennifer! What a loss to you and your family. He was so loved by you all and impacted your lives as much as you did, his. You're in our thoughts...
ReplyDeleteZandra & Karen (Little Yellow Couch)
Peace to you. I love my dogs. They are the little furry people that share our lives in ways that no human person can. Never easy to say goodbye to our pets....who are really the dearest of friends.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. We lost our poodle of 16 years a few months ago. It was harder to deal with than I expected. It helped to write down everything I could remember about him. I found it therapeutic, and a good way to pay him tribute. Now we can talk about him more freely, and there is comfort in that, too.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I have ever commented before. So sorry for your loss. I know how devastating it is. My husband and I had 3 dogs pass away in an 18 month period. Two of them were at least quite old and we got to spend their whole lives with them: mr. Darcy & Mr. Bingley :). But Buddy the golden retriever was a rescue and it turned out he was full of cancer. Such a sweet boy and so helpful to me with my other losses. I will be praying for you and your family.
ReplyDelete- Nichole
I have followed you for years and always enjoyed Gatsby's random cameos in your videos. I am so sorry for your loss. Love and light to you and your family...
ReplyDeleteThis is my first comment, although I have followed your blog for years and love your books. I'm so sorry to hear about Gatsby. Years ago, one of our cats died unexpectedly. She used to wait by the window to greet me every night I came home from work. I still miss her, but am so grateful for the short time I had with her. My thoughts are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. We just don't get to have our canine companions long enough, do we.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear this sad news about your sweet Gatsby. Pope Francis says animals go to heaven, and I certainly believe that! Blessings and comfort to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. It is so very hard when a family pet passes away. We had a cat, Fred, for 19 years. We lost him to cancer, and one of the hardest things I've ever done was take him to the vet for his last visit. It just leaves a hole in your life. I hope you are comforted.
ReplyDeleteMary Lou
What sad news about Gatsby. He was the best family friend!.. I loved his sweet little face. And Texas Girl is right, All Dogs Go to Heaven. I know very much how you are feeling right now. I will be thinking of your and your family.
ReplyDeleteLots of love to you and your family. So sorry to hear about his passing. My cat is sick right now and I know how emotional we get. <3
ReplyDeleteOh Jennifer, I'm so very sorry. I lost a sweet little French Bulldog 5 years ago and it was devastating. She was such a wonderful companion. I still think of her all of the time and while I will always miss her, I feel so glad to have had her in my life while I did. Gatsby charmed us all, he was very fortunate to be a part of a family that loved him so much and that he could love back.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing his story with us.
What a loving tribute. I felt quite emotional watching it. I've been following your blog for years and have especially enjoyed seeing Gatsby make an appearance! He was obviously a very special pup and lucky to have such a loving family.
ReplyDeleteMany of us know the sorrow of losing a beloved pet. My husband and I have said goodbye to several furry family members through the years and it is always agonizing. Our dog is getting rather elderly and I cherish her more now than ever.
Thank you for sharing, Jennifer. I think Gatsby touched a lot of lives through your videos. Take care. <3
Watching this video is heart breaking, I can only imagine how you must feel. I think a lot of the times what a mess I will become when my babies pass away, this connection you build with them, you bathe, feed, and care for them like your own children because they are.
ReplyDeleteWhen you come into your home, they are there ready to greet you with love. It's just nauseating thinking about it, I wish you the very best. I hope you find light in this dark time and are able to be happy again, it might take a while but you will get there.
Oh Jennifer I'm so so sorry to hear about Gatsby. Sending you love from Australia xxx
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. Love and prayers.
ReplyDeleteWhat a huge loss for you and your family. I am so sorry!
ReplyDeleteWe lost three of our five dogs in less than a year and still haven't recovered. While it was difficult having four of the five be senior dogs, we managed well and prepared as best as we could for the inevitable. It was still devastating. My husband and I have been involved in dog rescue work for years, which provides an indescribable richness, ongoing education, beauty and poignancy to our lives. Adjusting to the loss of family members is never easy, so I wish you gentleness, support and love at this difficult time.
-Marina
You can see his engaging personality and intelligence in the pictures. He wore the tartan bow tie with great panache. So sorry for your loss. May your memories of him comfort you.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear of your loss. We lost our dog two years ago (her illness also started with pancreatitis, it's horrible); I hadn't realised how much quieter the house would be without her and how she was a constant presence following me throughout the day. We do have another dog now that I love so much, but I still think of her often. My thoughts are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteSending loving thoughts to you and to your family from Canada.
ReplyDeleteHow well I know. Take care.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, so sorry to hear about Gatsby. He always made fabulous cameos in your videos. I've gone through the loss of a dog as well and know how much you are grieving. This is the mindset I used to get through it all: Gatsby lived a very full and happy life, well loved by his sweet family, and we can celebrate that!
ReplyDeleteAw Jennifer love to you and your family. It's always horrid when time insists on moving forward without loved ones. I find it a blessing to know that you gave the best life possible to the pet and you made them happy.
ReplyDeleteTo your question my husband and I have 2 cats which we got at Christmas time in 2013, it was before we chose to get married and they turned us into a little family immediately. Sookie and Winky are perfect and movie night wouldn't be the same without them curled up with us.
#justlove
Katherine
As hard as it was for you to share this painful news, I feel honored that you trusted us enough to be your authentic self. I think that took real courage on your part, Jennifer.
ReplyDeletePlease know that I am holding you and your family in my prayers.
**hugs***
Andrea Winchester
Sending you and your family so much love, Jennifer.
ReplyDeleteThe way that we know how much we love someone is by how deeply we feel the loss when they transition. How blessed you have been to have so much love in your life. And he is always around, now he is pain free and with you even when you are travelling :).
Take good care of yourself.
Lot of love,
Olga
xxx
Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI'm so incredibly sorry to hear about Gatsby. I loved getting to see him in your videos. He was such a cute little guy! I know how sad it is to lose a pet. They really are more like family then just a pet, and such a major part of our lives. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, Gatsby is gone far too soon.
Sending you lots of love and prayers,
Amy
Jennifer My loving thoughts are with you and your family. Bless little Gatsby's spirit.
ReplyDeletePeace, Julie
I am so sorry for your loss Jennifer and I know how you feel, having lost pets myself. Take care and I hope you all feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Jennifer! I have enjoyed following you and Gatsby's life adventures! I am sorry for you and your family, but glad he shared his life with you!
ReplyDeleteI lost my precious black Cocker Spaniel, Murphy last September. I still cry and I miss him terribly. He was 12 years old and died of liver disease. I also held him until his last breaths and like you I told him I loved him.
ReplyDeleteWe are senior citizens and this was our last dog. My husband does not know how badly I am hurting. He just tells me to get over it.
I am so sorry for your loss of this lovely pet. I lost my big old dog Skip two months ago and I will never get completely over it. Which, I guess, is as it should be.
ReplyDeleteML
I am very sorry for your loss Jennifer. We are a family of dog lovers. When we lose one, it's painful. Like losing a limb. Here's a favorite poem for you at this time...
ReplyDelete“You may not agree, you may not care, but
if you are holding this book you should know that of all the sights I love in this world — and there are plenty — very near the top of the list is this one: dogs without leashes.”
― Mary Oliver, Dog Songs
Sarah
What a Sweet Boy! I'm right there with you - have had 3 4-legged children in my adult life, & have let 2 go - both were ill & both left their bodies courtesy of a compassionate vet's needle while I was holding them in my arms. Sad, sacred, & sweet. Beautiful video, Jennifer - well done! Knowing that the sweetness is what lasts for you & Mr. C. xo
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. I pretty much grew up with a family dog, usually one at a time. He was a member of the family, complete with his own Christmas stocking! The last dog we lost was Chewy, a beloved cocker spaniel. One of the cutest puppies there ever was, I keep proof in a small framed photo in my apartment home. He happened to pass away from cancer at age 11. It was tough. Even though we are such dog people, my parents waited a few years before they felt ready to adopt another puppy. Minnie is now a 2 1/2 year old beagle terrier mix who enjoys tummy rubs. I couldn't even imagine a future family of my own without a dog...
ReplyDeleteHi. Jennifer. I, too, have lost dear pets (my cat, Jaxon, and my ferret, Monsieur Victor Champignon). Loss of loved ones never gets easier, whether human or animal kind. I have even been known to mourn the loss of plants. I miss each of them but hold onto the hope that we may one day be reunited. With my sympathies, I pray for your peace and comfort in your time of grief.
ReplyDeleteHi. Jennifer. I, too, have lost dear pets (my cat, Jaxon, and my ferret, Monsieur Victor Champignon). Loss of loved ones never gets easier, whether human or animal kind. I have even been known to mourn the loss of plants. I miss each of them but hold onto the hope that we may one day be reunited. With my sympathies, I pray for your peace and comfort in your time of grief.
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer. I am so so sorry to hear that you dear dog has passed. This was such a nice tribute to him and Gatsby is such a great name. I hope all your happy memories give you comfort and help with missing him.
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that Gatsby passed away. I had named my dog as Gatsby after your dog. He looks just like him. Anyway he lives in our hearts right.
Dear Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your beloved Gatsby. We lost our two kitties we had for 15 years within weeks of each other, several years ago. I still think of them often and miss them as they were our fur babies. But I also knew they would want me to be at peace with losing them and I am confident they are in a good place. Gatsby will always live in your heart, I am sure of it. Love, Kathryn
Thank you for honoring your dog, Gatsby in such a sincere and heartfelt way, it brings honor to all dogs to show how much we grieve when we lose our beloved friends.
ReplyDeleteI lost my Shitzu, Checkers nearly 2 years ago, he was 2 weeks shy of his 18th birthday. In his last year especially, when he was the most ill, and required the most care, I gained a tremendous respect for life, and for his genuine will to live. He taught me as much about living as anyone else, all without speaking a word.
There is no replacement for my beloved Shitzu, though I have kept my heart open to other dogs. My Shitzu's soulful looks, his funny quirks, and perfect nose, belly, and tail are proof enough for me of a loving and purposeful God.
When I took comfort in the endless love that my dog had for me I could smile while I cried. Wishing you all the best during your sad time.
Jennifer I saw the news about Gatsby over on your Instagram space, I feel for you so much, I'm a dog lover too. Gatsby has many friends at the Daily Connoisseur, I'm just one, he'll be remembered always.
ReplyDeleteSending my love across the miles.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Jennifer. I have lost many pets over the years, and whether they die after a full life or unexpectedly, in their prime, it is always difficult. We have parrots, and one of the reasons I selected them (besides my love for birds) is that they have long life spans. And yet... I have still had a couple die. One, Millie, died of egg-binding, even though we took her to the vet, and he tried everything he could, the egg was just too big to pass from her body. She went into shock on the operating table and died. And Kai, who my husband found outdoors when he was at work, and managed to seduce with pieces of fruit and capture. I have no idea how old he was or what his circumstances were. We never found his previous owner. We suspect it was an old man who died; Kai used to imitate this hacking, old man sort of cough. In fact, he had an amazing repertoire of sounds and sayings. He died very unexpectedly, when a klaxon a couple blocks away from us started bellowing out a tornado warning. He panicked with the rest of us. The only difference is that he didn't survive his panic attack. This hit us very hard. I felt that it was my fault; if I hadn't panicked, he may have remained calm and would still be alive. Of course, we had no way of knowing this would happen; our other birds didn't suffer any ill effects, and he had passed a physical at the vet's only a couple months before. We grieved for many months... something that other people just did not get. But our birds are family. In fact, I would say they are more our family than our actual human relatives are.
ReplyDeleteSo, Jennifer, take time to grieve, and do not let others belittle the process. You have lost an important member of your family, and that should be respected and acknowledged.
You are in my thoughts.
Dear Jeniffer,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sad for your loss.. and I fully understand you.. I lost my beloved Shedog Trast 3 years ago.. and as you I was with her till the last moment and I will never forgett how she looked at me in her last sight.. I was saying her thank you and how much I loved her... I'm sure that there is a heaven for all our pets.. and I'm not going to lie to you .. you will remember Gatsby everyday of your single life but with time the memory it's sweet .. Those of us who has experience such love and intimacy with pur pets knew how speciall they are.. ho simple beautiful their "souls" are..
Sending you a lot of hugs from Spain
PS: I have missed your videos soooo much
I am very sorry for your loss Jennifer. It is courageous from you to gather strengh and post your weekly video. I am sure there are no words to describe how you feel. Prays for you and your family! Rest assure he is is heaven.
ReplyDeleteI watched your you tube video yesterday and cried with you, it's so sad when we have to say goodbye to our animals. We lost a beautiful black and white working cocker spaniel to cancer just before she was 3 and it broke our hearts. I put loads of photos and some videos onto a memory stick and plugged it into an electronic photo frame which sits at the top of our landing so she is always there, running around in the videos and lighting up our landing at night time. Being at the top of the stairs we can take a moment to remember her whenever we are walking by, it's never been turned off since she died. We later on bought another pup who has the same dad as our old dog, thinking somehow we would have some sort of connection with her but he couldn't be more different! He is so naughty but also so loving at the same time! We adore him, his fourth birthday is coming up this November so I hope he will have a long and happy life like your lovely Gatsby. The tears come and go for a while but eventually you remember them with a happy heart x
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI'm so so sorry to hear about Gatsby. I was just thinking recently that I hadn't seen him in your posts lately. Your tribute to him was lovely. Such wonderful pictures! I know it's very hard to lose a pet but I hope you'll be comforted by all your great memories. Thank you for sharing with us. Sending big hugs. Charlene
Sending you a wish so full of peace. My best dog died many years ago now and I still tear up. xxx
ReplyDeleteI know how very painful losing a beloved pet is. I had to put my cat, Rufus, down 9/1/10. He was 19 and had cancer. It was the hardest thing I think I've ever had to do. I still miss him terribly and dream of him often.
ReplyDeleteThey're not just animals, they're friends. I'll keep you in my prayers.
Jennifer
I'm so sorry to hear about Gatsby and know how difficult it is to go through the loss of a pet who is just a small sized member of the family. Coincidently our cat went to the hospital last night and has also been diagnosed with pancreatitis, along with a brain tumor, which he is being treated for. You and yours are in myh thoughts.
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer, Gatsby seemed like such a sweetheart. You must miss him terribly.
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry that you have lost your beloved Gatsby. It's so difficult to say goodbye to our beloved little pets, who are members of our family.
We had to let our sweet little dog Tosca, go from our lives, just 5 months ago. She was my "little heartbeat at my feet" for a little over 14 years. I still cry for her at times. I cried today for you and your loss.
You take care and always remember the sweet times you had together, and the fact that you gave her just what she wanted, which was you and your family.
Bettina
I am so sorry for your loss. Oddly before I saw your post, I just wrote a post myself on losing a beloved dog. I am thinking of you, you have lost a loyal friend and dear companion. Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, I am so sad to hear about Gatsby. I wish you much peace and comfort.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about Gatsby. Dogs are our beloved loyal friends and such a loss is difficult to come to terms with. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteGod bless,
Pixie Hill x
I'm very sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry for your lost. I know what you feel.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved family member. My husband and I have two cats, both of whom we love deeply. Having limited family support in my life, my cats give me the unconditional love that pets are so well known for. However, my cats are more to me then "pets" they are apart of my family with very different personalities and I know my life would not be the same without them. Again, I am so sorry for your loss and hope that the good memories help keep him alive in your heart.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about Gatsby! It's so hard to lose a beloved pet who's been with you for years. We had two cats while I was growing up and we lost them after 17 and 19 years, and the one thing that really comforted me is that I was with them until the very end both times. I hope knowing you were with Gatsby and could reassure him of your love with bring you comfort as well.
ReplyDeleteGatsy was a very handsome dog and had so much personality. I know you'll miss him greatly. Thank you for sharing and yes, it is very hard to lose a beloved pet. They are so special and their spirit stays with us for a long time after they're gone. Hugs to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, I am very sorry to hear of your loss of Gatsby. My heart was breaking while watching your video. Gatsby was one fortunate pup to have been loved so well. Although, the loss is devastating, you are fortunate to have had a little furry friend, touch your heart, who could evoke such grief by his passing. We are so blessed to have friends who inspire such love that we cannot bear to part with them. May you and your family be comforted by beautiful memories of Gatsby during this challenging time. Know that when you are ready, Gatsby will send a new friend to light up your hearts once again. All the best!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about the passing of Gatsby. I know exactly how you feel. My husband and I adopted Josie, a little Maltese cross Poddle just after we married. She was our baby before we had our child. Like you, I worked from home and Josie was with me all the time. She lived to the ripe old age of 18 years. It is very sad when you lose such an important member of your family, who was by your side through all the significant moments of your life. My sympathies go out to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI cried watching this. I am so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteJennifer,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that you lost Gatsby recently. I know the devastation that comes from losing a pet. Our Dalmation/Shepherd mix Roxy died unexpectedly at age 10 from bloat.(like Marley in the movie Marley and Me). It all happened so fast, one minute she was fine and the next she fell ill. We had to make the heart wrenching decision to have her put down. I think I cried every day for a month, but knowing that we gave her a great life and a loving home eased the pain somewhat. 7 years later I still miss her but we have another dog now Jenni who has her own special place in our hearts. I'm sure in time you and your family will be ready to welcome another sweet pet into your lives.
Take care,
Linda in San Diego
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDear Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you and your family during this time of great loss. Loosing a part of your family who has been there with you day and night for years can be so much more emotionally challenging than many realize. This month is the two year anniversary of loosing our dear Maxwel. He was part Chihuahua, part terrier, and was with me during my teenage angst, dating my future husband, many moves, and the birth of our first child. I feel like God used Maxwel to show me His great love for me. Maxwel saw the purest, most authentic form of me and loved me despite all of my short-comings. There was nothing I could do to make him love me more or less. If I could feel such unconditional love from a dog (albeit, a sweet, cute, smart, funny dog), how much more could my Heavenly Father love me?
I already have so much respect for you as a person, but the strength you were able to show creating this video for Gatsby is so inspiring! To be able to record such a great tribute to his life so close to his passing is a true testament of your love for him.
May God comfort you and your family. Rest in His peace, knowing that you gave Gatsby a warm, loving home for his short life here.
Hugs,
Ashley in Roswell, GA
Through tears I am writing to share my sadness and send my condolences to you and your family upon hearing of Gatsby's passing.
ReplyDeleteAs one friend said, "Most animals are far preferable to humans," and I tend to agree. It's hard to define this power of love we have. It's not easy when we open up our hearts to love, but we'll do it again and again. This is our strength.
I am grateful to you for sharing Gatsby with us and his beautiful video here. This is a most heartfelt tribute to his sweet, steadfast nature.
I have a 17-year-old cat and Chase is my best friend who sat with me through rests after my chemotherapy, and is my loyal, nonjudgmental friend. We are now helping him as signs of his aging take place and reading your story here truly helps as we are all part of this shared family of loving our furry family members so very much.
Sending love, hugs and sympathy your way, Jennifer.
Vicki ^..^
Oh, Jennifer, I am so, so sorry to hear that Gatsby passed away. Your video made me cry! You are in my thoughts, and I know that you and your family gave Gatsby a beautiful, loving home for the last nine years. I lost my cat, Mele, earlier this year in January after having her for nine years, as well. It was so sad the first few weeks -- the house just felt so empty without her. She always followed me around and meowed at me all the time. I still miss her! But she was sick, too, and I was just so lucky to have had her in my life. A few weeks or months from now, you'll be able to look back on all the posts and photos you shared of Gatsby and always remember him. I'm so sorry again. Losing a pet is just so sad. :(
ReplyDeleteAdd my profound condolences to the 73 so far. We love our pets so much.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry! Please accept my sincere condolences for you and your family. Our pets are our little pals. To me, like babies (who can't talk), their love is so clear and sincere even though we never get to speak to them.
ReplyDeleteHugs.
Lucia
I offer my condolences to your family. Sometimes there are blessings for animals. St. Francis of Assisi had a blessing for animals. Gatsby sounded like a very special animal. Bless your family in this time of grief.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I lost my beloved beagle, Sable, this past April. She was two-months shy of her 16th birthday and I had her since the day she turned six-weeks old. She was my first baby, "Nana" from Peter Pan to my boys and my parents' first "grand baby". She will always have a place in my heart and my boys' hearts. So please know that it is truly okay to grieve and be sad for as long as you need. When we lose our pets, we lose members of our families... ones that always loved us unconditionally. My youngest took it the hardest and it has helped him to draw pictures of Sable and talk about her. I keep photos of her around the house and we talk about her often. There are still moments when her passing hits me hard, but I know she is in a better place and isn't in any pain anymore. Gatsby may be gone, but he will never be forgotten for he shall live on in your heart forever.
ReplyDeleteGatsby is such a handsome pup. Thank you for honoring him with a video tribute and sharing these joyful moments with us. I know how sad you must feel, Jennifer. My angel Leila passed away this week too and I'm devastated. Leila was a yellow lab and so much more. She was my: baby, pillow, friend, nurse, study partner, hide-and-seek playmate, running buddy, and shadow for the last 10 years. We're a match made in heaven. We even look alike :) I couldn't comment right away because I have been having trouble admitting that she's really gone. My heart aches for our sweet friends. Know you are not alone in your grief. Take care.
ReplyDeleteRest in peace sweet Gatsby. I feel like I know him so well through your blog. Best wishes to you and your family Jennifer. xxx
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Gatsby. I hope you find peace & comfort in your memories of him.
ReplyDeleteLove & hugs,
Diana
I'm so sorry for the loss of your Gatsby. We just lost our favorite kitty two days ago (Thursday evening), so I do very much know how you feel. Our cat was rescued from a hoarding situation about 2 years ago. She came to us on the brink of starvation, and so of course we pampered her, fed her well (even the occasional organic home cooked chicken), and gave good medical care while she lived with us. Our Annabelle was unlike any of our other cats. She was so grateful for attention and love. We would hold her like a baby, and she'd fall limp in our arms and look straight in our eyes with such gratitude. She always chose affection over food and was the most thankful, sweet kitty. I always wondered what she must have gone through before she came to us. We knew we wouldn't have her long because she was elderly and had so many health issues, yet her death still came unexpectedly. The day she died she had stayed overnight at the vet's due to health problems. I went to visit her and was shocked how weak she was. The workers had the radio blaring so loudly which I immediately turned off. Then I played her favorite music from my iphone...Hilary Hahn and Natalie Zhu performing Mozart. I know it may seem crazy, but we played this very album over and over when we she first came to us and nursed her back to health, and ever since it was her special music. So when she heard it, she raised her sweet little head and gave me such a sweet look and lifted her paw and put it on my hand. This was about all the energy she had; it was one of my last moments with her. A most tender moment where God allowed her to comfort me while I was comforting her. I never knew a pet could touch my heart so much, such a blessing from God. It is so sad to lose a very special pet friend, and I'm so sorry again for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry that you've lost your sweet Gatsby. Nine years is a long time and such a short time to have him in your life. Grieve the way that you need to grieve and know that he will always bring a smile to your heart whenever you think of him.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you,
Karen