Saturday, May 25, 2013

I Am Heartbroken



I'm very sad to announce that my beautiful, sweet, loving cat, Bo, passed away suddenly on Friday. He had been showing his age lately, as he was fifteen years old, but his sudden passing was a shock and heartbreak to us.


Thankfully, he did not suffer. He did not greet us when our morning alarm went off, as he faithfully did every day, and my husband and I immediately knew something was wrong and went to look for him.  We found him lying on his side, unresponsive and quivering a little, near his litter box.  We took him to the vet as soon as they opened and the doctor said there was nothing we could do to save him, that he probably had a massive stroke.  He told us cats of his size and age often have cardiovascular problems and that it was best that he now be put down so that he did not suffer. My husband and I were with Bo to the end. Our hearts were broken to lose such a good, faithful friend and loving companion.



We adopted Bo when he was six years old, nine years ago. His first owner had to give him up because her future husband was very allergic to cats. The moment Bo came into our lives he brought us joy! His favorite activities were eating, sleeping and purring.  He was always very affectionate and loved to sit on our laps. He greeted us every morning and every time we would come home he would be by the door.  He asked for nothing but food and love and gave us so much in return.


I'm glad Bo lived long enough to move to Colorado with us! We bought a large carrier for him so he could stand and turn around in it, and we were able to fit a small litter box and food and water in it, so Bo was comfortable in our car for the cross country trip.  We elevated the carrier in the back of our Subaru so Bo could look out, and he enjoyed watching the scenery go by.  When we arrived he quickly adjusted to our new home and loved sitting by the backdoor window, watching the rabbits and birds in our backyard.


Bo even learned to "play" with our grandchildren! He was just that kind of sweet, tolerant cat


My last photo of Bo, taken a week ago.

My husband and I joked that we were happy that we bought a new couch for Bo, as he loved to sit on a soft throw that we had tossed over the middle of it. We loved him so much that we allowed him that spot, as he really did deserve it.

I'm sure anyone who reads this, who has been privileged enough to have the unconditional love of a pet, will understand the sorrow and loss we feel right now.  I love you Bo, and I always will.  I will never forget you, and you will always live on in my heart!


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62 comments:

Vee said...

Such a sweet tribute to a beautiful kitty. Hearts are heavy today, but soon you will smile just to think of him. He was so blessed to have you as his second set of loves. And, yes, I do understand and am leaving here with a tear in my eye. It's either your writing or my soft heart.

Claudia said...

It never gets easier. Just tears right now thinking of my furry loved ones past and present. How lovely you could be with Bo to help him at his moment of need. The last greatest gift of love. Sending love. You were lucky to have each other.

Arlene Delloro said...

Pat, I've been owned by one cat or another for many years, so I can empathize with this loss. Bo was a beauty and it seems as if he lived a charmed life with his family. It's a sad time, of course, but take comfort in knowing what a wonderful life you gave to your fur baby.

Linda said...

Oh, I am SO sorry!!! I know your heart IS broken. What a blessing you were to BO and what a blessing he was to YOU! We lost July about a month ago. She was 20. We are past the tears and into the remembering stage now. You will get there - but not yet.

Betsy Brock said...

I always enjoyed seeing pictures of Bo! That lovely furry coat and color of his eyes were such a gorgeous combination. Such a sweet love story between you and Bo. He had a wonderful life! I so sorry for your loss...big, big hugs.

Lovella ♥ said...

I've cried more than once over losing a pet. Our Otis was 15 years old when he died and it was hard.
Bo looks so much like our cat Oliver that we had years ago. He used to swipe at people from the other side of the bathroom door and we heard more than one yelp of surprise from our guest.
Big hug Pat!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Oh, Pat, I'm so sorry! I'm reading this with tears in my eyes because I know too well the pain of losing a beloved pet. Our sweet Truman was only a year old when he left us recently, but we had quickly become attached to him and loved him to pieces. Your Bo was a beautiful kitty and I'm sure he knew how much he was loved. (((Hugs)))

Ciao Chow Linda said...

Oh Pat and Vinny - It makes me sad to know you have lost your dear Bo. I know exactly what that's like, having been forced to put Rocky to his final rest after 18 years of living with a loving pet. It is never easy. They become like members of the family. Bo was a beautiful cat and sounds like he fit right into the rhythm of the family, even with the grandchildren. You will always miss Bo, but you gave him a wonderful life and were with him to the end. He couldn't have been more loved. Hugs

Stacey Snacks said...

Pat,
So sorry about Bo. It's hard to lose a pet, they are truly a part of our families.
He had a great life, and that should make us all feel better. :)

Betty said...

I can so relate. We set ourselves up for heartbreak when we adopt a cat or dog because their life spans are usually so much shorter than ours. I'm a cat person and I've cried many times over the years. I remember every cat I've ever had from childhood to the present. (I won't even tell you how many cats I have now, but I have to be careful or I'll soon be called the crazy neighborhood cat lady.) All of my cats are rescues.

I know we all handle grief differently, but I like to go right out and adopt a cat in my lost cat's name. I truly believe they approve and there are so many cats out there needing good homes. I think it's a way to honor their memory. You'll know when the time is right.

I'm glad you and Bo found each other and I'm so sorry that he's gone.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Makes me teary, Pat. I am so sorry to hear that Bo died. He reminds me SO much of my cat (Snowball) that I had all through grade school and high school... He died while I was in college ---and I missed having him around the house when I would go home. I am so very sorry---but I'm glad he didn't suffer.

Hugs,
Betsy

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

I am so sorry for your loss of beautiful Bo! I know your heart is so hurting. Hugs to you, Pat.

Pondside said...

I'm so sorry to read this, Pat. I do know what it is to lose a beloved pet and I feel for you.

Annesphamily said...

So sad to lose a special friend. I know how you feel. Nancy, a blog friend has several FREE kittens. If only she and I were close. I have been so tempted to have another kitten to remind me of my sweet boy Boots. I bet he and Bo are enjoying a romp at the Rainbow Bridge. I love your tribute to Bo. These special pets are just simply part of the phamily. Hugs Anne

Barbara F. said...

Bo was a beautiful cat, and didn't look his age, at least from the beautiful photos you shared. He is at Rainbow's Bridge, I am sure. RIP, sweet Bo, you brought joy to your family and you were loved very much. xo

ellen b. said...

So sorry for you Pat in your loss.

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

Oh Pat, I'm so sorry for your loss. Bo was a beautiful looking cat. I'm glad you have all your family so near.

JMD said...

Our pets do weave their way into our hearts. We just put down a much loved cat two weeks ago and I can empathize with you totally. Hugs.

Lora @ my blessed life said...

I'm so sorry:( Pets are such a special part of our lives and it's always hard to say "goodbye" to one.

Sarah said...

Pat, it breaks my heart too to think of your loss. Our pets are family, and I can totally relate to your feeling of loss at Bo's passing. Sending you a hug filled with love.......Sarah

Margaret said...

(((Pat))) I'm so sorry to read about the loss of your beautiful faithful so loved Bo. Thinking of you and your family with heartfelt sympathy and caring. Margaret from B.C.

Tanna said...

I am so very sorry for your loss, Pat. I know the pain of losing a beloved pet. Sending big hugs your way...

Snap said...

Wonderful tribute to the beautiful and handsome Bo. Our furbabies are such an important part of our lives. They are always in our heart. Bo is a little angel now -- looking after you always. Wishing you well.

Happy@Home said...

I am so sorry for your loss, Pat. Bo is a very handsome cat with beautiful eyes.
Our pets sure do have a way of becoming much loved family members. Losing them is indeed painful. My thoughts are with you.

Ann said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you. Bo was a beautiful cat

Nellie said...

Oh, Pat! Hugs for you at the loss of Bo! What wonderful memories you have of him for the past nine years! He was a beautiful cat.

Our cat, Shadow, is 21 and has never been an indoor cat! We are all truly amazed that he has survived this long, and we will be devastated when the end comes for him.

xo Nellie

Pamela Gordon said...

Dear Pat, I'm sorry for the loss of your beloved pet Bo. He looks like a beautiful cat and has brought you much joy through the years. Blessings to you. Hugs, Pam

The Gathering Place said...

I am sorry for your loss. Pets are part of the family.

Rattlebridge Farm said...

Oh, Pat, I am so sorry about Bo. XX00

podso said...

Hugs on your loss. You expressed it all so well about losing a pet. I'm glad Bo did not suffer long.

Amy said...

I'm so so so sorry for your lost. Your post brought tears to my eyes even though I don't really know you and Bo, but I can feel the love that you have for Bo in between the lines and the pictures. I'm sure Bo is in a better place now. Please take care and my thoughts and prayers will be with you at this tough time.

Judy said...

I am so sorry for you, Pat. Your beautiful cat will be greatly missed...I know.

Catherine said...

I am sorry for your loss and I truly understand your pain. Bob was a lovely cat and he will always be with you.

Maria M. Boyer said...

Pat: Heartfelt sympathy. I know how difficult it is to lose a feline friend.

La Petite Gallery said...

After reading this tears are coming. My Gorgeous Thor passed away 2 yrs
ago and at least 5 times a week I talk about him. It leaves a deep hole in your heart. We are all lucky to
have had the love of a pet for 9 or 14 years. Putting them down is so hard. I hope I never have to do it again. Thinking of you and you have my sympathy.
yvonne

eileeninmd said...

Pat, so sorry for your loss of Bo. Our pets are family and it is very sad to lose them. What a lovely tribute and you have many happy memories of Bo. Take care, sending HUGS. Eileen

Lori Lynn said...

So sorry for your loss. What a handsome fellow!
LL

Linda H said...

Pat, so very sorry to hear about Bo. He was a handsome boy with beautiful eyes, a wonderful loving friend and a faithful companion. I totally understand the loss you are feeling, and send you loving hugs of comfort.

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

I know the loss of a much loved pet. You gave him a home and he gave you love...
that is a precious thing!

Linda said...

I am so sorry for your loss...losing a special part of the family can be so hard...hugs coming your way Pat.

Lorrie said...

I am so sorry for your loss, Pat. Hugs.

Yvette said...

Oh Pat, I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

The problem with having a pet is the knowledge that we will probably outlive them. It's never easy and it always seems to come out of the blue even if the pet is elderly.

Your Bo had a wonderful life with you and your family and in the end, you were with him. He knew he was loved.

Over the years I've lost several cats and dogs and I remember every single one and still miss them. They are little holes in my heart that will never heal.

Sue said...

Dear Pat- Sorry to hear that you lost your sweet cat, Bo. It always hurts when we lose them, but we keep our pets' memories in our hearts forever. I know you'll treasure yours. :-)

Thoughts on Life and Millinery. said...

I just do believe that we will find our beloved pets inside heaven's gates. Bo has no need to be made whiter than snow...he arrived in his white coat covered with your love as you sent him on to his last best eternal home.

myletterstoemily said...

the loss of a beloved pet is devastating,
and i am so sorry for your loss. your
sweet cat was beautiful.

Gardening in a Sandbox said...

Sorry to hear Of your loss. Pets are part of the family and it is hard when they die. Valerie

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. We have five critters and we love them all.

Janet M said...

Bo was a beautiful cat, I'm sorry for your loss. Our pets are so special and loving, it's always hard to see them go.

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

I'm so sorry, Pat! Bo was such a sweet-looking cat. RIP, Bo.

Cindy said...

I am very sad to hear of your beautiful Bo's passing, cats are such wonderful companions and friends.
Hugs to you, Cindy

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss my friend. I know how sad it makes you. Sending you some extra hugs tonight! Your friend, Diane

Beth said...

I am so sorry for your loss, Pat. Bo was a beautiful cat and I know he was well-loved.

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Pat I am so very sorry. I know that particular heartache very well. Bo obviously had a very blessed life with you. He's beautiful.

RNSANE said...

Oh, Pat, I am so sad to hear about the death of your beloved cat. I know he made your lives fuller and richer and you will always cherish your memories of him. How wonderful that he was able to make the trip west with you.

For, so many years, as a renter, I couldn't have a pet...my boys hated that. Since my middle son has had his own home, he has gotten two dogs, wonderful granddogs that I just love - Taffy and Bucky. I often blog about them. They will be great companions for my precious new granddaughter, Harper Ann, now one month old.


Proud Italian Cook said...

Oh Pat I'm so sorry you lost your Bo, but rest assured he live one heck of a life with you and your family!

Cheryl said...

I came for a visit tonight to thank you for visiting Thinking About Home to talk about dear Vee. But I leave sharing your heartbreak over your sweet Bo. Oh, he sounds like such a special kitty! {{Hugs}} from one pet lover to another...

Sheila said...

Sorry to hear that you've lost your dear pet Buddy. I just made the mistake of posting my thoughts on your Memorial day post. I apologize for doing that.

Gracie said...

I feel so sorry for you...

pam said...

I haven't been online as much to all the blogs so I missed this. We have lost dogs....it is hard. There just aren't words....

Ellie said...

Thank you so much for sharing!!! I got Bo in Tallahassee when I was attending FSU for college, in Spring 1998. There was a radio flea market -- the internet was a very new thing, people still read newspapers back then! A woman said she had 3 all-white kittens for free. She brought all 3 to the gas station where I worked, and they were so infested with fleas I had to take all 3!!! I took them to the vet, got them healthy, and found homes for the other 2. But the gorgeous, crazy friendly cat with the one blue and one green eye had to come back to NY with me. At the vet's office at just about 2 months old, a little girl practically choked him and flung him around like a rag doll, and he just let her. Such a special, sweet, patient cat. When he was 4 years old we found a little black kitten and they became inseparable. People thought Bo was a girl because of how he adopted the little kitten! She ended up too destructive so we rehomed her and Bo was so sad. A few years later, when I moved in with my now-husband, his mother and sister were highly allergic so I couldn't bring him with me, and my mom worked full time and had a cat and 2 dogs of her own, and couldn't handle the fourth pet (especially the grooming!), so I started my search for a good home for him. I was (and still am) SO happy that I was able to place him with a family that I could keep in touch with!!! Over the years through Lisa and our mutual friend, I've gotten updates and pictures. I was heartbroken to hear he passed last week, and memories have come flooding back. I am going to dig out my old (printed) photos and scan and send!!! I have some good ones. Even some early kitten videos...Thank you so much for taking such wonderful care of my baby...I know he had an amazing life with you, and he passed away as a truly happy, loved family member. xoxoxo

GailO said...

So sorry for your loss of beautiful Bo. It makes one think twice about getting a pet when going through the sadness of their death but it is always worth it for the joy they share during their lives. He was a lucky cat to have you:)

Mary said...

So sorry to hear about your sweet furbaby Pat. It's hard to lose a four-legged family member. I hope in time the fond memories bring you comfort and smiles.