I wish I wasn't writing this post right now. I had something else planned for today, but unfortunately that's being pushed aside. I know a lot of readers enjoy cat friday, and I wish this was one of those happy cat posts, but it just isn't. Yesterday evening Chris called me at work to say that sweet Louie had collapsed in our hallway and wasn't breathing. He rushed him to the vet down the street, but it was too late. The vet said that Lou had suffered either a stroke or heart attack, apparently this is common for Maine coon cats. We drove him to my Mom's property in Maine and buried him this morning.
I read something once that described pet ownership as "walking heartbreak", and I don't think I've ever read a more accurate description. Even though Lou was only part of our household for a short amount of time, he quickly latched his impressive claws onto our hearts, and we now feel one cat short. I'm going to miss waking up to him sleeping on my head.
It's taken me about an hour to write these few sentences, I keep getting weepy and having to run for tissues. I know so much of blogging is happy-all-the-time, but sometimes you just need to share the really-freaking-sad.
Ok
Edit: Chris, Hans (Louie's actual owner), and I cannot begin to express our gratitude for the outpouring of support you've all offered, this is not enough but: Thank You
92 comments:
So sorry about Louie.
Sorry for your loss :( Losing a pet is definitely hard.
xx
totally teared up right now! that is awful, julie!!!! definitely the hardest part of pet ownership is dealing with the inevitable. :( so, so sorry. sounds like he didn't suffer, and it was quick and painless for him. xoxo
i am so sorry.
Oh Julie, I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry for your loss Julie.
Oh Julie, I'm so sorry for your loss! I can only imagine how you feel. I constantly dread the day I have to go through the same.
I'm so sorry to hear about your kitty. I have a deep bond with my cat so I can imagine the pain you must be going through.
Again, so so sorry about your kitty.
I am so sorry! It is really heartbreaking and I know exactly how it feels. Sometimes it is best to share it to others or to talk about it to help you ease your sadness a little bit. I am so sorry!
Adin B
I am so, so sorry for your loss! Sending lots of love your way.
Oh no! I am so sorry! I know how it feels to lose a pet that is so close to you! He's gone to a better place :)
I'm so sorry. Losing pets is truly very difficult. They are family.
xxx
I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is so hard
i'm really sorry for your loss :(
I am so sorry for your loss. My cats are certainly my feline companions and part of the family - it hurts your heart when they pass on. My thoughts are with you and your other fury companions!
I'm so sorry that you and Chris had to deal with this loss. I really can't stop crying. I'm so glad I was able to share him with you guys though. I miss him more than ever. Thank you so much for loving him in his final months.
i am so so sorry for your loss. i have two maine coons, so this makes me a bit scared.. i haven't heard of these health issues, but i will be sure to keep a close eye not. i hope you are feeling a bit better, at least he had such lovely owners at the end of his kitty life.
Thank you all, I truly appreciate your support.
Hans, Lou was wonderful, and i'm just so sorry that this happened when you were away from him. Chris and I feel so incredibly badly, it was just so sudden. I'll send you a bunch of photos in the next couple of days.
Hans, also I hope it's ok that I wrote about him, we're both so fucking sad about it though
Thank you for writing about him! I'm so sorry to put you in the postion to have to go through this. It's comforting that he was well loved before he passed.
I am so terribly sorry. I am an animal lover and the pain from the death of a pet is unlike any other. Best wishes and kind regards.
Hilary
level20wife.com
Poor little dude. Walking heartbreak is an appropriate phrase.
He was lucky to have you guys and lucky to have a good life with you. Thankfully he's not suffering any longer.
Very sorry for your loss, Julie.
I don't know you or Louie personally, but as someone who knows cats are at (most) times more lovely than people, I am truly truly sorry. The loss of a cat is one of the biggest heartaches in life.
This is awful. I am sorry. I am sure he's happily looking out of the windows in kitty heaven. :(
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is so very hard because they really are a family member. I have lost two dogs and it was just heartbreaking. I hope your sadness eases soon and keep in mind all the memories you have of Louis and how much he loved his parents :)
xxx
"walking heartbreak"...it's true. I'm so sorry for your loss. Numerous time I've thought we'd lose our Pug puppy over various health issues and I feel like dying, it's so painful.
I hope you find some peace and comfort over this holiday weekend.
Gosh, I'm sitting at work trying not to start crying.. Sending you guys all my best. As a catowner and -lover I truly feel your pain. So sorry for you loss.
I am so so so so so sorry. My pug died suddenly a few weeks ago & I've never felt so sad. I know you must be absolutely heartbroken, because I was/still am. :(
I'm so sorry Julie! I know exactly what you mean. I tear up just thinking about my dog getting older, so I know it's so hard to lose a pet. I'm so sorry about Lou, sweet friend.
I am so sorry to hear this. I live in constant denial that my cat, Handsome B. Wonderful, won't live forever. Life sucks sometimes.... He was a majestic looking cat. x
Sorry to hear about your loss. I also lost a Maine Coon, such a sad experience.
I'm so sorry to hear about Louie, my thoughts are with you xo
oh you poor thing!! i am so so sorry! poor louie! i hope it was painless for him...poor sweet kitty! he will always live on in your heart...memories are what keep the ones we love alive <3
xo,
cb
So sorry to hear about your loss. Pet loss....it's one of those things that hurts like a bitch, but at the same time, I know some people just don't get it which can make you feel silly or weird.
I'm a crazy dog lady, and I can only imagine how sad you must be from such a sudden loss. Surround yourself with friends, family, and felines this weekend to ease the pain :o)
I'm so sorry. Losing a pet is just the worst.
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your kitty. As a fellow cat fanatic, I know how they truly become members of the family and how hard such a loss is.
:(
I am so sorry to hear about Louie. Makes me sad to hear about anyone's pets having health issues/ death... they rely on us so much and really are part of the family. I will hug my kitties extra today thinking about your loss.
I'm so so sorry for your loss. I hope you find some peace knowing you got to give him a nice resting place. <3
Oh, Julie, I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine the heartbreak you must feel.
Oh I'm so sorry. I've been there and I know it's hard.
Losing your pet is seriously one of the worst things ever. I lost both of my dogs a short while back, every now and then I'd hear a jingle at night which sounded like their collars when they ran up and down the hallways. Just letting me know that they were still there. I feel for you because I know how hard it is afterward to continue on with everything.
amanda
I'm so sorry for your loss! My heart goes out to you. I just recently lost one of my bunnies, so I know what you are going through. Hang in there.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is one of the most awful experiences I can imagine. You'll be in my thoughts.
I'm so sorry. I've been there.
I'm so sorry Julie! I don't know what I would do if one of my cats died. (And I have 4!!) They all mean the world to me and I would probably take off school for like a month if any of them passed away.
It seems like you loved him so much though. I'm sure he appreciated it more than you know.
I hope you and Chris take care though. And that his owner is well also. I'll keep you in my thoughts.
I'm so sorry to read about your loss. My beautiful Maine coon Oliver suffered a stroke while I was away from home one night a couple of years ago. He was so loving, and while I miss him greatly, I have such great memories of him, and know I was lucky to have him as long as I did. I hope your pain passes as soon as you're ready and you can remember the joy he brought you with a heart full of happiness.
I'm so sorry for your loss, I can imagine how much this hurts. My thoughts are with you and I hope you guys begin to heal soon.
Julie, I am so sorry for your loss. You and Chris are in my thoughts. The love and companionship that animals share with us is powerful. I have 3 mainecoon cats in my life and they are special creatures.
:( This makes me so sad I can't even describe it. I lost a kitty this week, too, and I hate what you must be going through right now.
Keep your chin up, and remember every time he purred or rubbed on you, because that was him saying he loves you.
love, rudi
Sorry to hear your sad news. Putting down my kitty was one of the hardest & saddest decisions I ever made ... but take solace in the fact he didn't suffer.
Take care,
Kelly xo
So sorry to hear about your loss, Julie. I know Louie led a much-loved life, and will be sorely missed...
Oh no, I'm so so sorry, Julie. :( <3
julie, i can't even imagine losing a pet because this has never happened to me (i'm only 16). i can only imagine it being like losing a loved one.
We had to put down my childhood dog a few weeks ago, and I can completely feel your pain. I couldn't do anything for a few days...later I made a photograph collection of pictures of the good times, so that I can always look back at them. I am genuinely sorry for your loss! Keep the tissue box handy but remember how lucky Louie was to have you guys there and how lucky you were to have him in your lives. Sincerely, Kate.
I'm so sorry for your loss! :(
My sincere condolences. I hope there are enough happy moments on the way to ease your pain and bring you joy. My sympathies.
I am so sorry to hear about Lou. The same thing happened to my mom on Mother's Day. We had just taken Max to the ER and when I called my mom to say that everything was ok, she told me her cat had had a massive heart attack or stroke in my mom's bed with her. It was heart breaking. Snuggle up with your kitties tonight:)
Wow, I guess I'm just joining everyone here saying I'm so sorry for your loss.
I really become a crazy ball of tears every time any of my cats are sick, so I totally understand.
I'm just really glad that he had some really lovely people to take care of him his last few months, and that there are people like you , Chris and Hans that care about your animals this much. Kind of gives me some hope for humanity. I'm sure Lou was as lucky to have you as you were to have him.
walking heartbreak. so true. I hope you are all feeling better soon.
I'm truly sorry for you loss, Julie. There's nothing in the world anyone can say or do to make you feel better. It will just take time...
"Walking heartbreak" sounds about right to me. I lost a big cat much too soon, as well, and I was very hesitant about getting another. The decision was sort of made for me when a cat adopted me, but I can't help but think of the sorrow that has yet to come. It's such a special bond that one has with an animal that it's nothing short of heartbreak to lose it.
Stay strong!
Santina
i am so very sorry to hear about your louie. my thoughts are with you and yours.
my heart is with you... I´m so sorry Julie.
I'm sorry to read this. Rest in peace, Louie.
Julie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May your sweet memories of Louie help ease your pain, and know that he enjoyed a wonderful life with you for the little time you were his.
Big hugs...
Susan
I'm so sorry :(
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Walking heartbreak is a beautiful way of describing it. It would be nicer if pets could stay here longer with us...
Oh, I'm so sorry. I don't know what I would do if my Finn died. Pets really do become part of your family. So sorry for your loss.
Sorry about your kitty! I'm sure he's still around in spirit, always. :)
So sorry for your loss of Louie. I know the heartache of losing a cat, and pet owners just don't get the depth of love we feel for them. He's in kitty heaven now....hugs to you.. ~ gina
I'm so sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear about this! It's sad when a family pet passes away. I'm in an almost similar situation, as my siamese has carcinoma/cancer which means it's only a matter of time before she gets really sick.
Anyway, my thoughts are with you!
I'm so sorry! Sending loving thoughts your way!
Julie, so sorry to read of this. He was lucky to have you. Dawne
I'm terribly sorry!!!
xoxoxox
Oh guys. I'm so sorry for you all. Pets are truly members of our families.
Walking heartbreak indeed.
*big hugs* to you. Losing a beloved pet is one of the hardest things to go through.
XOXO
I'm so sorry for your loss. I've lost two dogs before - both a huge part of our family - and it never gets easier. Our one dog, Ben, was only five when he stopped eating and we then discovered he had cancer. It was heartbreaking, especially because it was so sudden. When pets are like family, it's really tough. RIP, Louie.
xox
Hi Julie, I have only just discovered your blog today and am so so sorry to hear about the loss of Louie. It doesn't matter how long you have a pet, as soon as they touch your heart it's like you have had them forever and the loss is huge. I hope the Z's are coping ok.
On a brighter note I wanted to tell you that I have been flicking through past posts and I LOVE your blog. We have much in common, I have big hair too and a small wallet as I got made redundant last year. I love all that you do with your hair and wish I was as adventurous, I shall use your blog as inspiration!
Anywho, I hope you are ok, RIP Louie, you were beautiful.
Em xx
I'm so sorry, Julie. I know the value of pets in a family and losing one is truly heartbreaking. You'll be in my thoughts.
Julie,
I'm so so sorry for your loss. I had a cat death the day before you lost Louie. It's absolutely heartbreaking. Seeing your post about your dear friend made me feel not quite so alone in my grief.
-Smog
soggysmog.blogspot.com
so sorry to hear! :(
so sorry to hear this. cats are like family members and it is so sad when they are gone. :( wish i had something better to say...
So, so sorry about your terrible loss. I'm sure he had a wonderful life. I also have Maine Coons, a brother and sister, but the sister passed away in 2005. I understand your pain- losing a pet is heartbreaking.
I'm so so sorry to hear about your cat. I always hate hearing about people's pets dying because it makes me think about the inevitability of it all. I don't even want to think about how badly it'll hurt, so I'm so sorry you're going through this.
It is really sad for loss. I have a deep bond with my cat so I can understand the pain you are going through. I wish god will make you strong to bear this pain.
Nooo! :( I didn't check your blog for a week, and now I read this. That's so very, very sad. I'm so sorry for your, Chris' and Hans' loss...
So sorry to hear about Louie. Our pets are truly our family...I know I love my little Eleanor as if she were a human child. My heart breaks for your family, and just know we are all thinking of you during this time!!
-Hope
www.aflatteringtale.com
This is so sad:( I enjoy your cat posts because they both seem so happy to have you as their mom. It breaks my heart that he passed. I hope you remember the good times and enjoy happy memories.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I can only imagine how much Louie meant to you and still does. About two years ago I lost my Maine coon. He looked a lot like Louie. I still miss my FC. Since we don't live in a house with a yard, his ashes are on the mantle with his photo. We look at him every time we let one of our other cats outside. I'm sorry this is such a late comment. I just didn't really know what to say when I first read your post. My heart goes out to you and everyone that loved Louie.
So sorry to hear about sweet little Lou. Pet ownership IS walking heartbreak indeed, but it's also joy and glimpses of unconditional love. There will always be happy memories of Louie for you and Chris!
This post brought tears to my eyes (ummm i'm pretty sure it had that effect on ANYONE reading who's owned a pet)
I recently went through a breakup and lost "primary custody" of my dog. It was a friendly separation so I still get to see him (the dog) when I visit my parents but just thinking about the loss makes me want to cry on the spot (ok im tearing up now... JEESH, maybe im pms-ing.. lets say that's it) and non pet owners just don't get it.
I grew up on a farm and we had over a dozen cats at any time and still if we lost one, it broke my heart. I remember being young and praying at night that god watch over my cat/dog/etc. I think that was the only time I prayed, for my pets! haha. good catholic girl here... ok this comment is getting a little lengthy so I'll leave it at I feel your pain, and hold on to the happy memories and just never forget him!
reading this post hurts my heart so badly... losing an pet and a friend is never easy... I am so sorry for your loss.... he is beautiful.
you'll always have your memory and his beautiful photographs <3
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