Sorry I’ve been absent for a while. Our valiant cat, Zackary, died. He’d been with us for nearly seventeen years. Working from home means I spent 24 hours a day, seven days a week with him for those seventeen years. So I shouldn’t be astonished at how much I miss him, but I am. My usual routine has fallen to pieces.
But I’ll be blogging again by Monday.
Nicola Griffith 
Oh guys, I’m so sorry to hear this. Take care of yourselves. Our condolences.
Thank you. Yes, we are taking care of ourselves–leaving the house a lot, just to see places where, well, we wouldn’t expect to see the cat. And friends and neighbours have brought us food and flowers and just simple thereness. We are being coddled. And I’m so thankful for it.
I’m glad to hear that you two are being coddled and taking care of yourselves. Hope you will continue to do so. Gotta take it easy on yourselves around this.
Heartfelt condolences. :-(
Sad news to hear. I’m so sorry. Amazing how the little fuzzy butts become such an important part of the family.
My sympathies and condolences, Nicola. I’m sure that Zackary was a happier cat for having known you and Kelley for those 17 years.
I’m sorry for your loss. I hope you have many happy memories of Zack to celebrate his time with you and K.Evecho
Thank you all.Yes, Zack was the best-loved -taken care of and -coddled cat on the planet. We have very many happy memories. In fact, we’re overwhelmed by them.If kitty grief is similar to people grief, those memories will slowly fade to a more manageable level, with only occasional gouts of unberableness.But, yep, he was happy, we were happy.
Nicola,I might have an inkling of how you feel. I had my cat, Jesper, almost 19 years. He was, as fate would have it,born in my living room. He was the sweetest, wisest, healthiest creature I’ve ever known – and suddenly, in October he just left us.Still, every time I go to the grocery store, my fist thought is: Have we got catfood?He used to follow me to the bus stop, and sometimes wait for me there when I came home. He went for walks with me and many people mistook him for a dog! Not that he looked like one but because he was walking beside me like one!Time may heal and fill the emptiness!Ulla
Ulla, sorry to hear about Jesper. Cats can be quite devoted.
I lost my beloved 13 year old Corgi, Harley, last August to cancer. I still expect his bark at the door when I come home from work or his laying down by the sofa and sticking his paw up to be held when I was watching televison, or him just being nearby when I was sick or just needing a quiet moment. He could make laugh with just a look, could give me a paw “high five”, and was my ears in the night. He loved wearing a fuzzy “jingle bell” collar at Christmas. I think he thought he looked very noble with it around his neck. I played Celtic Christmas music for him on our last ride to the vet. When I came back without him the day he died, I did not know my home could be so silent.He was my friend and my companion.My heartfelt condolences to you both. Zackary was fortunate to have your love for all those 17 years…he still is at your side.
Linda, I hope your friends and family treated you well after Harley died. I’m already gritting my teeth from well-meaning versions of, ‘So, you going to get another?’
Once upon a catLithe and tawnyCame the littleFeetOn a nightSo brawny.Once upon a catPurr and prowlCame the littleFeetWith a nightLike growl.Once upon a catIn my heart’sPalmPushedIt’sHeadSo insistent.Once upon a catBrookedNoResistance.Once upon a cat . . .His name was Fred.
Nicola, what a beautiful cat! You are correct, time will soften the blow . . . my 19yo Jax left us 3 years ago and I still miss her and those very same cat-eyes looking at me first thing in the morning.I’m so sorry.
My dog, my dear sweet Maggie, died a couple of years ago. but a pet can be such a part of your life that, on occasion, i still expect her to be there wagging her tail when i come home or running around the backyard when i go outside.it is an interesting relationship that we have with our pets. i was talking with a guy at work this weekend who has never had a pet. not as a kid, now as a guy with his own family. and he just could not get it..the bond that can develop between a person and their dog or cat. i would love to get another dog. i needed some time after maggie died, but i greatly miss not having a dog. sadly, my present work shedule makes it very difficult. but another co-worker and i were looking at some rescue sites…i will tell ya, all those poors critters that need a home will break your heart. i really have to figure out a way to get another doggie. :-)
I’m sorry for your loss.
Deepest condolences to you both. I would love to believe in a kitty heaven where Zack and Bella could be reunited and play together. I know Zack had a kind of heaven on earth with you guys though. We still miss our Gracie puppy angel and say goodnight to her every night nearly two years after losing her. We’ll never not miss her, but we finally got used to her not greeting us when we get home. You’re still very much loved.
Sweetie, I am so sorry for your and Kelley’s loss. Zack was a perfect gentleman in black fur the few times I had the pleasure to meet him. Please be well, and take of yourselves.
drlene, thank you. I remember Gracie, I remember how sad you and Dave were when she died. I’m so sorry. And, yes, coming home is the hardest part.la gringa, thank you. He was, in fact, a lean gentlemen–and will live on forever as El Jefe Don Gato in <>Always<>.