Goodbye pose
Delray Beach, FL, January 2008
This is the last picture I ever took of Wilson. It was the morning we left my aunt's and uncle's house and headed home. As usual, I looked in his regular hiding places and as usual, he remained well hidden. When he was good and ready, he found his way to the top of the stairs where, as he had done so many times before, he allowed me to take his picture.
Wilson was an old cat who had been through more medical turbulence than any animal ever deserves. My aunt and uncle gently cared for him throughout his long life and, as they have so many other furry friends ever since I can remember, gave him the kind of home that every animal truly ought to have.
Wilson had to be put down today. After I read my aunt's IM - stark black words on a white screen - I thought of this picture. Part of me knew he might not be around the next time we came to visit, but I tried to keep it out of my mind as I quietly spoke to him while I snapped away.
The kids were upset when we told them. They lost their own cat three years ago, and they still speak of Shadow as if it happened yesterday. It hurts them as I know it hurts my aunt and uncle, yet I hope that every time they think of Wilson, they remember a gentle cat who always seemed to be happiest watching the world from a quiet, hidden perch. And I hope they always remember him with smiles in their hearts.
Your turn: This week's Thematic Photographic theme is animals. If you haven't yet done so, I hope you'll click here and share a link to an animal-themed entry. If you've already posted something, I hope you'll share a comment here about how pets imprint themselves on our lives.
What a regal creature! The loss of a pet or a close companion is a rough ride. Sorry for your loss :(
ReplyDeletePets add a dimension to our lives that nothing else can. We adopt them, care for them and they repay us with unconditional love (for lack of a better term) --- easing the stress of the daily grind. I'm sorry for your loss. As one who believes there is a special heaven for animals, Wilson will be young and healthy there.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss of Wilson, I have posted pics in the past of our 3 dogs, each rescued for one reason or another. They really become part of our family and daily fabric...they bring us so much love and joy...and although, through our lifetimes, we get new pets, we never forget the ones who have passed. Although I get a twinge of sadness when I think of my past buddies, I always smile at the memories they bring me today. Thanks for reminding me of them today Carmi...
ReplyDeleteIt never gets "easier" no matter how many times you go through it. I've had my share of companions "cross the rainbow bridge", and every time is just as painful as the last one. But if Wilson's was a life you can remember fondly, then you did it right.
ReplyDeleteCondolences for your loss. Only pet owners can understand what they mean to us and what their passing does to us.
ReplyDeleteWe lost a dog and a cat within a few weeks of each other earlier this year. I wrote this after my cat passed away: Cat Heaven
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so sorry to hear about Wilson. He was beautiful. Animals are so important to most of us. Even though we don't physically own any, we have been blessed to have many strays visit us regularly, and have had the honor of having a few trust us enough to come in our house and hang out.
ReplyDeleteAnimals can melt even the toughest hearts, and can mend relationships when there appears no fix. My raucous party-boy neighbors adopted 2 lab-beagle puppies...they are absolutely adorable (and they don't discriminate against anyone, so they run to me and lick and jump!). This broke the ice that had formed when they moved in a year ago. Now the boys (I call them boys, they are early/mid-20's) are civil to me, respectful of the parking and noise issues and even kind to our kids (driving much slower into our neighborhood).
Pets are a balm.
i love cats and have friends wholet me pet theirs, but it is not the same as One big ole tom cat that plops on your chest while you read.
ReplyDeletegood to be here again, friend, and to be in touch with old friends as well.
My thoughts are with you and yours as you deal with the loss of Wilson. He certainly was an awesome looking fellow!
ReplyDeleteOne of the greatest sources of pain I have ever experienced is when we lost our little dog, Greta. It is still an ache even though it has been about 5 years now.
ReplyDeleteWilson was indeed a handsome fellow... so sorry for your family's loss and the sorrow you all will have.
ReplyDeleteThose furry guys have a way about them, don't they? Take care and share more hugs during this time.
Peace.
Wilson was a great cat. We always loved visiting him when were at your Aunt and Uncle's house.
ReplyDeleteHe knew he was loved and when he felt like it, he allowed you to pet him.
He was very fortunate to have a caring home. They spoiled him and treated him like a king!
Wilson was a beautiful and dignified cat. It is a testament to his good character that the kids were so attached to him, in spite of his medical history and his preference for hiding. I am sorry for your family's loss.
ReplyDelete-smarmoofus
I'm sorry for the loss of Wilson. Losing a pet is a sad day. We got a cat when Sarah was in fourth grade. We took her for shots, but the vet didn't check her for feline leukemia first. It ended up that she had it, and we had to have her put down. After a safe amount of time we got another kitten.
ReplyDeleteShe lived with us (me) for 18 years. The kids grew up and left, my husband died in an accident, and the cat remained. My kids loved her, my husband adored her, and she adored him. She could hear him as he came through the garage into the house, and she would sit at the door waiting for him to come in so that he could pet her.
They had many rituals that they shared. After Don was gone, she became my cat, and we communed often. She'd get under the covers with me in bed and just look up at me, wondering, I'm sure, where everyone had gone.
I miss her.
rest in peace, Wilson.
ReplyDeleteMy rescue Max has been gone less than a year and I think of him with a heavy heart every day; not because he is gone, but rather, because I did not have the time I wanted to give him all the warmth and love and hugs and treats that he didn't have those years before he found me. But he had our best for four years... that will have to do.
ReplyDeleteSo sad that Wilson is gone. Our furry feline friends with their individual personalities and those quirks and antics that make us smile/laugh - they endear themselves to us too well. The heartbreaks I've had over cats..... I always have at least 2 and once had 4 - can't live without them. They're good for the soul.
ReplyDeleteAnimals are a big part of my life especially bc I am always moving for work. I wrote this post about my pup Norm to mark his first year with me.
ReplyDeletehttp://sealaura.blogspot.com/2009/02/normie-and-me.html#.UelXhlO9zpI
and I also wrote this one for a special gato in my life
http://sealaura.blogspot.com/2008/08/my-sweet-baby-obe.html#.UelYl1O9zpI