The Rainbow Bridge...in Full

When I was deep into the blogosphere, there were (still are, I am certain) many blogs about animals. Our cats, dogs, horses, guinea pigs, every creature large and small can be social media darlings. We get to know them. So, when one of these precious 4 legged, feathered, etc., animals/family died, people would often times, refer to 'The Rainbow Bridge' and how their pet 'crossed the Rainbow Bridge'. I thought that was the most ridiculous thing I had ever heard. I know there is a heaven, and I believe w/ heart and soul that heaven is also a place where animals go for all eternity. When Big Kitty died, I received so much love on Facebook, and beautiful, loving responses to the blog post, for which I am so so grateful. However, my Rhode Island friend, Sally, who took care of 'The Kids', (as she called them) whenever we went out of town, sent me the full story of the Rainbow Bridge and my heart simply overflowed. So, for any of you (many of you), who have said your good-byes to a precious pet, I pray that the full story of The Rainbow Bridge, brings comfort to your heart as well. Thank you Sally, so many thank you's.

'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...

'And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good...'

                                                                           Genesis 1:25

Fare Thee Well Big Kitty...

We said our final good-byes, to Big Kitty, aka, Richie Havens, aka, The Old Man today. He was 18 and almost 1/2, which in human years is around 90. He started failing dramatically these past couple of weeks, and just Monday, 2 days ago, we knew it was time. As in life, death comes in waves, as first thing Monday morning I received an email that Mom's dearest friend from camp had passed away. The wires were burning, our camp wall on Facebook was lighting up all day, it was all day. All the while I was on the phone w/ our Vet to finalize today as we were deeply nuzzled in waiting for the storm. It was a good day to be home. There were allot of people feeling terribly sad on Monday. One of my #favoritepeople posted a song from 'Israel and NewBreed', and I wound up buying the album. I would say, timing is everything. It kept my spirits up. The music will keep my spirits up. (Thank you  #favoritepeople).

The day we brought Big Kitty home...a forever friendship was born..

We got Big Kitty from the North Shore Animal Shelter on Long Island. He was 4 months old, Edward was 8ish. From the minute we brought him home, he was present, he was totally with us. He was one of the best animals I have ever met. He moved with us 5 times, from our apartment in Mt. Vernon, to the 2 houses in Rhode Island and then the 2 houses in Colorado. He was a natural hunter, stalker of mice, moth catcher extra-ordinaire, insect eater, he was very fast. He was totally laid back and was the best snuggle buddy, always with an immediate loud purr. In 2005, I had some outpatient surgery, and he did not leave my side for days. He was the same way with Edward. Ever present during stomach aches, all nighters when not feeling well, and was especially close with Edward's initial diabetes diagnosis. He tolerated The Girl, barely, all these years. Somehow, they worked. I am curious to see how or if she is any different or even cares that he is not here. 

We are so grateful to have had him all these years, and the Vets all said, he was blessed to have us. We are so grateful that the process was quick and peaceful. I know Edward and I are both going to 'think we see him', probably for a while. 18 and almost 1/2 years was a great run for The Old Man. We are so grateful...

Mt. Vernon...

Rhode Island, the Big house..

Colorado Springs...

On his 18th birthday...

Always in our hearts, Big Kitty, aka, Richie Havens, aka, The Old Man.

A special thank you to everyone at The Aurora Animal Hospital, for your gentleness, your compassion, your thoroughness, overall care  and time, not just for our 4 legged loved ones, but for Us.

We are so grateful....

Wordless Wednesday..

Big Kitty aka Richie Havens, shadows. Playing around w/ Diptic!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Happy 15th Birthday to Big Kitty...the best guy around...we love you!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Big Kitty and Girl Whirl taking it all in...together!!!

Beam Me Up Scotty....

If it were only that simple...I had to buy these 'under the seat, airplane approved' cat carriers for Big and Little. Big Kitty is a relatively good traveler. But Little Kitty is a crazy gray cat and the second she lays eyes on the carrier, she screams her pretty head off. I bought her a collar w/ lavender, chamomile, and pheromones. The collar mimics the pheromone that the mother cat produces to calm and reassure her kittens. Cats recognize these pheromones throughout life. It mimics the natural way to help cats cope w/ new and fearful situations. I was skeptical. But, I have to say, I can sense a marked difference. Last night she made herself comfy in the open carrier and stayed for hours. Obviously, a great photo op, I placed BK in his carrier, and the light caught his eyes...well, you see...apparently, if they were really being beamed up by Scotty, it looks like LK was left behind....hmmmmmm.

Wordless Wednesday

Girl Whirl nuzzling in to get some sun and Mr. Snaggletooth, aka., Big Kitty, aka., Mickey.

Wordless Wednesday

Girl Whirl finds the best places to nuzzle in...yes, people, it's a stuffed animal of a black kitty she's plopped herself on...any symbolism there...(ie, Big Kitty)?

Wordless Wednesday

Big Kitty
from the archives

Hot Cat in the City

It's been hot...can't really complain, won't change anything. I am blessed to be able to jump into my neighbor's pool and stay as long as I want. It's the local watering hole, so you never know who is going to show up, and it's been alot of fun. But, the cats are hot, and Big Kitty needs to be brushed everyday as he is shedding an immense amount of fur on a daily basis. Little Kitty, not so much. BK loves to be groomed. Girl Whirl (aka, Little Kitty), again, not so much. This photo is from the archives. Girl Whirl sits under the shadows of the aloe plants to cool off. I think her face says it all....

Awwww, you guys are scaredy-cats!!!!

Since so many of you were scared of Big Kitty (or at least the look on his face!), I decided to do some damage control and show you this wonderful relationship between Edward and Big Kitty...really people, BK is the best man cat. He is loyal, very, very consistent, a real under your chin, rub you on the forehead because you are family, snuggle in kind of guy. The level of trust between Big Kitty and Edward is obvious, so have no fear, he's a love! (Edward too!)

Wordless Wednesday

Big Kitty (Edward holding him), after unauthorized visit to the basement of our old house. (vs. our new house, where we live now.)

Wordless Wednesday

Big Kitty and Little Kitty stalking a mouse, who has since gone to the rainbow bridge.

(Mice go to the rainbow bridge, yes?)

Wordless Wednesday

Are you looking at me...are you looking at me????

Big Kitty

I have been spending alot of time in the blogosphere, looking at everybody's beautiful pets, and I have posted Girl Whirl many times over.... so, in all fairness to my Big Kitty, here he is (again). I love this picture of him. It is not easy taking pictures of black/very dark brown cats. When the flash goes off in the camera, it reflects on their fur and they look like cat aliens and it can be VERY SCARY (I know, I know, I can turn off the flash...)...but in this picture, the light hit him in all the right places...isn't he gorgeous? He is such a good guy as well...got to love him...

Big Kitty, 'The Man'

I have been spending ALLOT of time in the 'blogosphere', looking at everybodys' beautiful pets, and I have posted my other cat (I'm sure that she will make another appearance). So, in all fairness to my Big Kitty, here he is. I love this picture of him. It is not easy taking pictures of black/very dark brown cats. When the flash goes off in the camera, it reflects on their fur and they look like cat aliens and it can be VERY SCARY...but in this picture, this light hit him in all the right places...isn't he gorgeous? He is such a good guy as well...got to love him!