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Barnyard Buddies:  My cat, Jack, passed suddenly yesterday...  |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 05:56:20 AM
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and I am heartbroken. He fell ill on Tuesday night, but seemed to be better yesterday morning, sleeping with his fellow cat and dog friends in the kitchen, snuggled up near the stove. My husband called me around 5:00 yesterday, at work, and said, "I'm sorry, honey, Jack is gone." He was 13, and the sweetest, toughest little boy-o I've ever known. A member of two feral cat communities in our neighborhood, his tough old dad brought him to my house for meals when he was so tiny, I could fit him in the palm of my hand. Took me a month to be able to get close to him, catching sight of him at night, always about the same time, waiting patiently under the tree out front to see when I'd set the food out and run back inside, turning off the porch light so he could sneak up. After a month, I was able to sit down, still, on the porch and when he finally climbed on my lap, I snatched him up to be my inside kitty.
Godspeed, Jack Sprat. December, 1998 to November, 16, 2011. I will miss you-- your extra long whiskers, your high pitched "mew"--so unlike the tough alleycat you appeared to be, forever written on my heart from the first time I saw you, small enough to fit in the palm of my hand.
"Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile..."
The Only Living Boy in New York, Paul Simon |
Edited by - FebruaryViolet on Nov 17 2011 06:41:01 AM |
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
2900 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 06:10:39 AM
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So sorry Jonni
That pic so reminds me of our cat Taffy from childhood, always plopping down on our homework |
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Simply Satisfied
True Blue Farmgirl
427 Posts
Emily
Montana
USA
427 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 06:11:44 AM
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So sorry to hear. It is never easy to lose a furry loved one. He was quite a handsome one. I love the white stripe down his arm it is very unique.
Emily
Farmgirl # 3591 |
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magnoliakathy
True Blue Farmgirl
453 Posts
Kathryn
Magnolia
Texas
USA
453 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 06:24:53 AM
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Hugs, prayers and sympathy for you and your family in this time of sorrow. Yes, they leave paw prints on our hearts, and it hurts to loose them, but you/all of us would take our furkids into our lives again in a split second.
When you free your mind your heart can fly. Farmgirl # 714, |
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wooliespinner
True Blue Farmgirl
1311 Posts
Linda
Manchester
Ohio
1311 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 06:24:55 AM
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So very sorry Jonni. He sure is a handsome fella in the picture.
Linda
Raspberry Run Farm
Nubian Dairy Goats |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 06:32:53 AM
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Oh, Jonni - I'm so sorry. You and your family are in my prayers. Hugs - Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
www.papercraftingwithnini.myctmh.com
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 06:35:22 AM
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Jonni, I'm so sad for you =( It's the little scrappy ones that brand themselves on your heart. My wonderful Bandit, came into my life much the same way as Jack, and disappeared from my life on 9/11/2010...I will never forget my boy. Peace and comfort to you.
Hugs
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
http://thegimpyfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
http://pinterest.com/annikaloveshats/
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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momshopsalotta
True Blue Farmgirl
232 Posts
Connie
Hertford
NC
USA
232 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 06:49:10 AM
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Jonni,
So sorry for you and your family to hear of Jack's passing. He will forever be with you in your hearts and his memory will live on through your love and care of other homeless animals. Jack, as you cross over the rainbow bridge I wish you peace,fun, and an eternity of warm stoves and tuna fish. |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 07:10:10 AM
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Thank you girls, for all the support and kind words--I can't seem to keep these tears from falling today, and I am just a mess here at work. You're so right--they leave such indelible marks on our hearts, on our homes--it was just not the same this morning, greeting all the dogs (4) and just Professor Pumpkin, alone. Grabbing just one small stainless cat bowl...
@Emily--I always loved that stripe on Jack--when he was standing, the stripe actually continued onto his other leg, like he'd been slashed with a white paint brush. He was a gorgeous boy, to be certain.
@Annika--the scrappy ones really do brand themselves on our hearts. Jack and my husband had a politely indifferent relationship because when my husband moved in, Jack spent about a month trying to strategically drive him from the house by pooping in his shoes, but they soon settled in to a pattern of avoidance that seemed to work with both of them. Even though it was distressing, I'd always wag my finger at Jack and say, "you naughty, naughty boy--you should have worked for the CIA with all your secret tricks." because I'd have to marvel--there was never a "sign" that he'd been anywhere NEAR the shoes until my husband put his foot in....
@Connie--that was lovely. I hope when he crosses the rainbow bridge, there will be lots of paper bags to lie on, too.
"Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile..."
The Only Living Boy in New York, Paul Simon |
Edited by - FebruaryViolet on Nov 17 2011 07:11:20 AM |
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 07:38:27 AM
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sending you hugs and love my friend. so very sad. i hope today is a peaceful one for you. its probably good your at work. keeps your mind busy. sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 07:47:10 AM
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Thank you so much, Sherry--it does help to keep busy. I kicked myself for being at work yesterday, not realizing I was saying good bye for the last time, but I think we all go through that, with pets and humans alike.
"Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile..."
The Only Living Boy in New York, Paul Simon |
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ClaireSky
True Blue Farmgirl
1792 Posts
Julie
Arcadia
WI
USA
1792 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 08:19:09 AM
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I am so sorry to hear about your precious Jack. God Bless you for taking in a homeless cat.
Julie
Farmgirl Sister #399
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. |
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MEWolf
True Blue Farmgirl
358 Posts
Margaret
Byers
Colorado
USA
358 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 08:37:25 AM
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Oh Jonni, I am so very sorry for your loss. The loss of a beloved pet is very hard. **Hugs**
Margaret
“Kind hearts are the gardens, kind thoughts are the roots, kind words are the flowers, kind deeds are the fruits. Take care of your garden and keep out the weeds, fill it with sunshine, kind words and kind deeds.” ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1808-1882)
Farmgirl #3020
www.grey-wolf-farm.com |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 09:01:29 AM
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It sure is, Margaret--it was so awkward picking up the two bowls this morning and then remembering that I only needed one. Made me a little late to work because I needed to get a hold of myself!
"Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile..."
The Only Living Boy in New York, Paul Simon |
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one_dog_per_acre
True Blue Farmgirl
1572 Posts
Trish
Sandpoint
ID
USA
1572 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 09:32:10 AM
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So sorry, Jonni.
“It always looks darkest just before it gets totally black.”-Charlie Brown |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3324 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3324 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 09:33:59 AM
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Oh Jonni....That made me cry. Take care dear friend.
Melody
Farmgirl #525 |
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acairnsmom
True Blue Farmgirl
1319 Posts
audrey
cheyenne
wy
1319 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 09:56:38 AM
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Oh Jonni, I am so sorry! We have had far too many of our furry friends leave us lately. Jack looked like a beautiful kitty. I know you will miss him greatly. I know what you mean about picking up only one bowl for dinner. When my Hobbs passed I had a real hard time fixing dinner for DH and me and not getting Hobbs' bowl out to fill. Their passing leaves huge, gaping holes in our lives that take a long time to fill.
Audrey
Good boy Hobbs! I love and miss you. |
Edited by - acairnsmom on Nov 17 2011 10:02:08 AM |
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Lieberkim
True Blue Farmgirl
839 Posts
Kimberly
Sunnyside
WASHINGTON
USA
839 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 10:14:39 AM
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Well you've done it. I'm now in love with your Jack! Sorry for your loss, I understand how deep they get into your heart. You would have liked my Havoc. He got the name honestly. We always joked that he not only had black fur but a black heart, blood etc. But he loved to be held like a baby in my arms. Maybe your Jack and my Havoc are bestfriends somewhere.
Your Jack is gorgeous.
Excuse the mess & the noise, my children are making happy memories |
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Beverly Gill
True Blue Farmgirl
1114 Posts
Beverly
Marlborough
USA
1114 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 10:44:48 AM
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so so sorry....my cat is very old and I know the day is coming he will go to rainbow bridge to join his mother, sister, and brother....sadfor you, particularly at this time of year.
Beverly Gill
There's no place like home |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 10:57:19 AM
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@Audrey--way too many--these last months have sure been hard on farmgirl hearts and homes.
@Kim--no doubt I would have loved your Havoc--there is just something special about those rag tag boys who leave your home and heart in shambles. My husband, even though he and Jack were never truly "friends" feels just terrible, and even made sure that he buried and him and put him under his favorite tree as I requested. I do hope Havoc is showing Jack the ropes and that they both have very full tummy's and a warm stove to sleep by.
@Bev--thank you. This Christmas will be tough for me--I even told Jack on Monday evening, "you know, Santa will be coming and that means a live tree for you, Jackaroo, to lie under and pretend you're in the wide outdoors.."
"Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile..."
The Only Living Boy in New York, Paul Simon |
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acairnsmom
True Blue Farmgirl
1319 Posts
audrey
cheyenne
wy
1319 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 11:27:50 AM
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(blubbering)...this will be the first time in 37 years that neither Santa Dog nor Santa Cat will be stopping by our house
Audrey
Good boy Hobbs! I love and miss you. |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 12:12:08 PM
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So sorry, Audrey--this will be a very tough year for your family. Santa Dog and Santa cat will still come to our house, with the 4 dogs and 1 cat we still have, but I will sure miss seeing Jack's giant green eyes under the trees, lying between the wrapped Christmas packages.
"Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile..."
The Only Living Boy in New York, Paul Simon |
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acairnsmom
True Blue Farmgirl
1319 Posts
audrey
cheyenne
wy
1319 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 12:23:44 PM
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Yes, I'm afraid it will be a sad Christmas for a lot of us farmgirls. But we will all have wonderful memories of our beloved pets in happier Christmas'. I bet Jack used to attack the wrapping paper on Christmas morning. He looks like he might have been a bit of a scallywag!
Audrey
Good boy Hobbs! I love and miss you. |
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Tea Lady
True Blue Farmgirl
645 Posts
Lorraine
Morris
IL
USA
645 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 12:30:52 PM
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Oh Jonni - that is so sad. He was a handsome boy - and I could see his extra long whiskers in the photo. :o) I'm so sorry for your loss. But he had a good life with you and you are blessed with so many good memories. Take care...
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
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Apache Lady
Farmgirl in Training
47 Posts
Erika
La Puente
California
USA
47 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 12:33:13 PM
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| I'm so sorry for your loss. Our beloved pets take a piece of our hearts when they leave us, but remember, they're waiting for us on the other side of the rainbor bridge. One day we shall all be reunited with our loved ones, no matter how many legs. What is it about cats and reading material? Moms calico, Cindel, conveniently plops on anything you happen to be reading. |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Nov 17 2011 : 1:38:34 PM
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Lorraine and Erika--thank you both so much for posting. Yes, he really did have extra long whiskers, Lorraine! They were so amazing, and so pretty. He did have a good life--and the night before, when he was feeling sick, he was lying on a blanket and my daughter, who is 2 and 1/2, decided to read her book about "Owls" to Jack because it would make him feel better. I went into the kitchen and over heard her say, "Hi Jack. I read you this story. Once a time...(which is how she starts EVERY story :) and then she babbled a bit, turning pages, because well, she can't really read. And then I peeked my head in and heard her say, "this a good story, right Jack?" He knows he was loved, and surely he knows how much he is loved still, with all these tears I've shed today. I'm an absolute mess and it's been a totally unproductive day, honestly.
Erika, I'm not sure what it is about reading material--newspapers, books, even paper bags, Jack was right on them as soon as you set it down, lay it down, what have you.
I will also miss that when the water bowl was empty, he would head-butt it into the wall repeatedly, "thump, thump, thump" until I noticed and filled it up.
"Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile..."
The Only Living Boy in New York, Paul Simon |
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Barnyard Buddies: My cat, Jack, passed suddenly yesterday... |
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My cat, Jack, passed suddenly yesterday...
