Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Goodbye My Love

One of my favorite pictures of Tavi.
June 25, 1993 - December 1, 2010

As most of you know, I helped Tavi to the bridge today at about 11:30 am PST. He stopped eating almost two weeks ago (only eating a bite or two twice in all that time) and even then, would jump up to sleep with me, or lay on my lap. When I came home last night, I knew it was time to help him take the journey to the Bridge. He was lethargic, and while he would get up, he was extremely wobbly on his feet and had to fight hard to keep his balance. That was the first time he had to fight so hard to stay upright. It also exhausted him, and he would breathe heavily after getting up to get a drink. I had to lift him back up to the couch with me. It was also the first time he sounded like he was in pain.

He tried so hard to fight this terrible disease. He fought it right to the end. He tried to take three gasps even after the vet put the medicine in. He has now joined his litter mate, Tiki, his sister, Jade, and his woofie sister, Camie. I buried him in my dad's front yard, next to Tiki and Jade, and I put Camie's ashes in with him. He was so close to her while she was alive that I felt that they should be together even now.

Thank you for all of your purrs, prayers, good thoughts and encouragement. It has been a very difficult 2 years and I know that your comments have helped me cope with all four losses a bit easier than I would have without you.

55 comments:

Mark's Mews (Marley, Lori, Loki, and Binq) said...

Though we expected this, we were still sorry to read of it. Our best purrs to you...

The Florida Furkids said...

We're so sorry to hear that Tavi has gone to the Bridge. We know how difficult it is to lose a furkid. Angel Sniffie will be at the Bridge to welcome him and show him around.

The Florida Furkids and Angel Sniffie

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

I so feel for you and send love, Hugs and healing thoughts your way.. Hugs GJ and Carol x

Parker said...

There is a candle burning bright in O Hi O to help guide Tavi. Godspeed to him and gentle (((hugs))) to you.

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

...even when one is ready, one finds they are not...it is so difficult to say goodbye...

And God asked the feline spirit
Are you ready to come home?
Oh, yes, quite so, replied the precious soul
And, as a cat, you know I am most able
To decide anything for myself.

Are you coming then? asked God.
Soon, replied the whiskered angel
But I must come slowly
For my human friends are troubled
For you see, they need me, quite certainly.

But don't they understand? asked God
That you'll never leave them?
That your souls are intertwined. For all eternity?
That nothing is created or destroyed?
It just is....forever and ever and ever.

Eventually they will understand,
Replied the glorious cat
For I will whisper into their hearts
That I am always with them
I just am....forever and ever and ever.

Hiking Hounds said...

I'm so sorry that you lost Tavi. I know how very hard it is. I'm sure Camie, Tiki, and Tavi will be watching over you.

KC and the Giggleman Kitties said...

So hard to read this....
Love & Purrs,
KC

Angel, Kirby and Max said...

We are so sorry Tavi had to go. WE know he told you it was time, but that does not make it any easier. When Wizard got to where he had to rest every couple of steps, we new it was time. It is still the hardest decision to make. Your Tavi is with TIki and Camie now. That still leaves a big hole in your heart. We will purr that you can fill that hole with sweet memories and fun stories of your fur babies.

The Meezers or Billy said...

oh dear friend, we are so sad, our mom is leaking all over the place. HUGS to your mom.

we just cannot say good bye dear Tavi, so instead we will say Until we meet at the Bridge

Kea said...

We know it was his time, but it certainly doesn't make it easier for you.

Sending purrs of comfort and wishing you universal Blessings and Peace.

Angel Junior, Orion and Sammy said...

We read this with Meowm last night on Facebook, so we knew it was coming but we are still heart broken right with you. You truly have lost alot these past two years. We are sending our purrs and prayers for your heart to mend.

Daisy said...

Rest in peace, sweet Tavi. I know you will have a joyful reunion at the Bridge with Tiki, Jade and Camie.

Amy & the house of cats said...

Though we never met Tavi we wanted to come by to send you comforting purrs and prayers. We are always so sad when we read another furbaby had to go to the bridge. We know it is hard for you but the most loving thing you could do was be selfless and let him go, no matter how sad it made you, you put him first.

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

We came over from The Misadventures of Me to pay our respects. We can imagine your pain at losing your dear friend. In time you will remember with a smile all the joy you shared.

Purrs and Woofs,
The Poupounette Gang

Sabrina, Sam and Simon said...

We have heavy hearts now that we know sweet Tavi has left you to fly to the Bridge. Godspeed sweet boy ... you are healthy and happy at the Bridge with Tiki, Jade and Camie, and our brofur Max is waiting there to greet you.
Hugs, purrs and headbutts,
Sabrina, Sam, Simon and Momma Jan too

Ikaika said...

We are so sorry that your sweet boy Tavi has left you to go to the Bridge. We send gentle purrs and headbumps to you and your family.

Run free at the Bridge, beautiful Tavi ...

Jans Funny Farm said...

We're sorry Tavi had to leave today. They are never with us long enough! We send lots of hugs, purrs and tail wags.

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

We are so sorry that Tavi has been called to the Bridge. He was such a lovely sweet boy and we will miss him. We send you comforting purrs.

Old Kitty said...

Me and my cat Charlie came over from Jan's Funny Farm. We are so so so so sorry to hear about Tavi - he was a treasure right to the end. We send you tons of hugs and purrs. We are truly sorry for your loss of sweet Tavi. Take care
x

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

We are all deeply sorry for you loss. We know how much you miss dear sweet Tavi. He was such a lovely wonderful boy. We will keep you in our purrs.

{hugs}
Abby,Boo,Ping,Jinx,Grace & Mom Debra

The Island Cats said...

We are so sorry to hear about Tavi. We send you purrs and hugs.

Wally, Ernie, Zoey and mom Sue

Tigger, Munchkin, Jigsaw, Patches & "Mom" Liz said...

Oh, dear, we are so sorry to learn of this sad news. We know losing Tavi will leave a big hole, but he will never be forgotten, and so his spirit will always be with you.

There are a lot of furriends to welcome him across the Rainbow Bridge, including our little Soot.

Fly free, Tavi! Sending soothing purrrs to the family.

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Jan's Funny Farm furries told us about Tavi. We stopped by to tell you how sorry we are for your loss. Tavi was very beautiful.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Ivan from WMD said...

Oh, what sad, sad news. I have to imagine how peaceful he's found his 10th life, though, and now that he can spend it with his fur family. Lots of purrs to you in this time of loss.

Brian's Home Blog said...

I didn't really know Tavi either, but after reading about him I feel as though I do. I send you purrs and hugs and I know how much you will miss your love.

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

I am so very, very sorry...my heart was breaking as I was reading this.
I could just feel your love of Tavi in this post...what an adorable cat.......and a tough cat...I am so very, very sorry!
xoxo

cwcwccw said...

We come over from The Misadventures told us about Tavi helped to the bridge. Purrs & prays to all of you.

joanne, jane, ji,, johnny, jay boy, jasmine & capu from Singapore

Sparkle said...

We are all weepy-eyed over here. Even though it was Tavi's time, it never makes it any easier, does it? The poem Teri posted is right - Tavi will never really leave you, and someday you will know this with more happiness than sadness.

cats of wildcat woods said...

Sending you warm rumbly puurs. Our hearts are heavy with sadness in the loss of sweet Tavi.

caspersmom said...

It is always so sad to loose a beloved furry family member. Our purrs and prayers are with you in your time of grief. It sounds like he put up the good fight right up to the end. He will live on in your heart forever.

Casper and Crew

Cory said...

Our thoughts and purrs are with you on this difficult day. We remember all too well our 2008 when we lost 3 kitties and 1 woofie in such a short period of time, most to old age, but it doesn't matter. A bit of your heart goes with them. We think it's wonderful that Camie's ashes are with Tavi.

Gemini and Ichiro said...

Our purrs.

Unknown said...

I dropped over from The Misadventures Of Me to give you my condolences. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Max said...

I'm really sorry. Tavi was awesome, and I have to think that he's having a blast at the Bridge right now with Cami and Tiki and Jade...but it sucks here, I know :(

Samantha & Mom said...

Goodbye Sweet Tavi! We are so glad to have been furiends with you and will miss you lots!! Purrs and hugs to your family!!
Your TX furiends,

Chesney Cats said...

Goodbye Tavi, what a brave strong mancat you were. You will be sadly missed. We are purring & purraying for your family.

Karen Jo said...

I am so very sad that Tavi had to go to the Rainbow Bridge. He was certainly a fighter. I am sure that Tiki, Tavi, Jade and Camie are having a great romp in the grass.

Everycat said...

Farewell beautiful Tavi, beautiful fella, loved and missed.

Rumbly purrs and love

Whicky
Oliver
& Gerry

KitKat said...

Goodbye sweet Tavi. We are so sorry to hear of your departure. May your Mommy be strong. You were such a trooper.
Purrs and prayers for your Mommy.
Angel Normie, Mika, Sasha & Grady

The Misadventures Of Me said...

The mom is still leakin, he fought hard and long.

headbutts and purrs

Molly
Shadow
Trooder
Mooch

(((hugs))) Mom Laure

Tiki, Kirby, and StanLee said...

We are very sorry about Tavi. Sending you soft purrs.

MISS PEACH ~(^.^)~ said...

My sweet friend Tara! I am so heartbroken to read this about your beloved Tavi being so sick and going off to the bridge. All your creatures are together in heaven and you are so alone now. I know that this is going to be such a hard month for you to get through. Please know how much we care at the cozy cottage. We have made a graphic to honor Tavi passing up into the heavyside layer...it is on our bloggie today to comfort your heart.
With much love, Karla and Miss Peach

Cat said...

we are sorry to hear the news about Tavi! It is so very difficult to make these decisions but it was Tavi's time and he told you. We know you will miss him so much but remember he is healthy and strong again at the bridge!

Roberta said...

My deepest condolences to you on the loss of sweet Tavi. It's so hard to lose our beloved pets. Tavi knew he was loved. He will be missed terribly but he will always be in your heart. Take care and God bless.

Anonymous said...

we are sorry for the loss of your baby and will purr for you.

A few Good Cats said...

We know how comforting it is to hear from so many cats and their humans who care. We're glad so many have come through to try to give you some comfort now.

Bogdan, the editor said...

Goodbye, Tavi.

Love, The Morning Scratch

The Creek Cats said...

We are so sad to hear this news. Tavi was one of our very first blogging friends when we first started out with Maggie May's blog. We will miss Tavi very much. (((hugs)))

Petey said...

Our hearts are heavy but our memories are mighty. May your love see you through.

Parker said...

We wanted to come back to say thank-you for your kinds thoughts for our Rudy and to tell you we are thinking of you (((hugs)))

Moki The Wobbly Cat said...

I am so sorry Cammie I just heard the news...Moki and I will be keeping you in our thoughts and purrs...

(Hugs,)

Moki and Mom Crystal

How Sam Sees It said...

I am so sorry to hear about Cammie. My Mom has been in the hospital, and I'm finally catching up on blogs. My thoughts are with you and I am sending you hugs.

Christine, Sam and Monty's Mom

Jans Funny Farm said...

We just came by to say we're thinking of you.

Mr. Hendrix said...

sending you hugs and comforting thoughts this Christmas Eve. purrrrrrrs

Karen Jo said...

I know that this is going to be a rough Christmas for you, but we hope you can find some joy, too.

Karen Jo and Herman