After 17 years of devotion, we had to say goodbye to our dear Malory this morning. I knew it would be hard but I underestimated how grief-stricken I would be. Malory entered our lives during the summer of 1993 and captured the hearts of everyone who knew him. Even people who weren’t fond of cats liked Mal. He was more like a dog in many ways. He never played the usual coy cat games but would come when you called his name, no matter where he was. He loved to be held like a baby and was truly the most tolerant cat I’ve ever known.
The kids were 6 and 9 when Malory entered our lives as a stray. At first I only agreed to let them feed him on the front porch but before long he was in the house and we were wrapped around his little paw. I honestly can’t wrap my mind around the idea that he is no longer with us. He was a constant presence in our lives and will be greatly missed.
He lived a long life for a cat. Just remember the good times. We had two cats that lived a good long time; miss them, too. They are unique creatures!
Thanks, Bryan. I know you understand. Malory did indeed live a long and happy life. We had him 17 years and he was at least a year old when he showed up, maybe more. It's just hard to think of him not being here anymore.
I'm so incredibly sorry about your loss, Deanna. You guys took him in and gave him a very happy, long life and you should be very proud, and I am sure you are. But cats (and all pets) become part of the family, and I've been through this before. I can relate to how you feel, and my heart hurts for you all today.
The picture with him under the covers is just so precious. I too am a cat person, currently have 4 and still have the ashes from my previous two. My cats are my family, as Malory was to you. I know you are grieving. Try to remember the happy times. I bought a wonderful book for my girls when they were little called "Cat Heaven". It's worth reading as an adult as well. {{{HUGS}}}
He was a beautiful soul, Deanna.
I'm not really a cat person, but these pictures melted my heart! What a wonderful earthly life you provided for Malory. Thank you for sharing this with us.
I'm so sorry about your loss. You've had a rough few weeks with your four-legged family. Malory was lucky to have chosen such a loving family.
I love the photo of Malory in bed with the kids – priceless!
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown…
Thanks, everyone. Your kind comments do help. It's amazing what a huge hole a small cat leaves behind.
We have a cat who we are sometimes convinced he is actually a dog in disguise. I just found your blog today, someone posted your Paris entry on Facebook. Amazing , enjoy! I think I will have to spend more time reading through your site. So far I love what I've read.
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