Good bye

It's been such a long time since I've been able to blog for the kitties. I've felt guilty about it for ages. It was getting hard after my dad died to find the joy in blogging and then when I moved back out to California, leaving my beloved PB&J behind in Michigan, it made it even harder. I would check in on the blog from time to time and see all the lovely comments, but just never took the time to respond. For all those reasons I needed to say good bye, but I never took the time.

But now there is a real reason, we've lost the J in PB&J. Jake died this morning at 4:30.

He came in from his midnight romp in the garden with Pearl and Bert, had his treats and fell over with what the doctor assumes was a blood clot.

He died quickly and hopefully easily and was with his Daddy who was his most favorite person in the world - it's all we could ask for really.

Now he'll be cremated and laid to rest with the original P & B. His first brother and sister and the cats that raised him from the wee three week old kitten he was when I found him on a street 9 years ago.

So now it's time to say good bye to my lovely Maine Coon ManCat Jake and good bye to all of you wonderful Cat Bloggers. It has been a wonderful journey filled with great friends and fun - I loved laughing and crying with you all.

Thank you so much,

Mom Amanda, Pearl and Bert

Missing Mommy

Sigh... here's a picture of me on Mommy's lap, I sure do miss her.


I've barely had any lap time since Mommy left, Jake takes all of Daddy's lap time.

At least Daddy's been remembering to feed us, I guess that's good. But gosh I can't wait to see her tonight when she gets back!

- Pearl

Thoughts on Thursday

Today we're thinking of our friends and their families - today the Bridge has three new angels. Yesterday both Skeeter of Skeeter, LC and Ayla and Cloud Chaser of the Cafe Cats both went to the Bridge. And now we just found out about Kelly from It's All Good left for the Bridge as well.  We know that they are healthy and whole again now, playing together and watching over their families - but we will miss them.

A Pets Prayer

If it should be, that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then, you must do what must be done
For this, the last battle, can't be won.
Don't let your grief stay your hand,

For this day more than the rest,
Your love and friendship stand the test.
We've had so many years,
What is to come can hold no fear.
You'd not want me to suffer, so
When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me to the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you'll see it is a kindness you do for me
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Don't grieve it should be you who this thing decides to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold tears.
SMILE, FOR WE WALKED TOGETHER FOR AWHILE.

- Author Unknown

We've lost good friends and we're sad, but their families are really hurting right now. Please take a moment to visit The Big Thing. Mama-Ann and Kelly's Family and give them some purrs and head-bumpies.

Wednesday for Winton

Our sweet friend Winton went to the bridge Monday night. Right now, his Mommy and his brothers and sisters are all sad and missing him terribly. And we're sad too, it's hard to lose a friend even one that has battled so bravely with his illness for so long. Please take a moment to visit them and give them some purrs.


A Pets Prayer

If it should be, that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then, you must do what must be done
For this, the last battle, can't be won.
Don't let your grief stay your hand,

For this day more than the rest,
Your love and friendship stand the test.
We've had so many years,
What is to come can hold no fear.
You'd not want me to suffer, so
When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me to the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you'll see it is a kindness you do for me
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Don't grieve it should be you who this thing decides to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold tears.
SMILE, FOR WE WALKED TOGETHER FOR AWHILE.

- Author Unknown

Till We Meet Again

Our friend Tiki was helped across the Rainbow Bridge yesterday. We're sure that his brothers, sisters and Mommy are all furry sad. We know that Tiki fought as long as he could, but we'll all miss him so much.


The Purry Gates

It seems that I've reached Heaven,
or it's doorstep at any rate,
and been winding round St. Peter's ankles
by the Pearly Gates,
I've plucked the angels' harp strings
and made a merry sound,
But it's plucking at my heartstrings
that you are not around.

So I think I'll sit and wait here,
just outside the door,
And as the souls come floating in,
I'll tap them with my paw,
And when you seek admittance,
they'll rename this place -
It will become Purradise,
and these the Purry Gates!

- Author Unknown

We're purring for Tavi, Cody, Camie, Miss Jade and their Mommy.

- Pearl, Bert and Jake

Mommy is Broken

We just found out that our Granddaddy passed away last night. And now our Mommy is very broken. She's going to be gone for a while, she has to go back to California to be with her family - so we'll be gone for a while too. Hopefully we'll be able to visit and post soon - but right now we gotta go sit on our Mommy and purr a lot.

Mourning on Monday

Goodbye Sweet Pixie, we'll miss you. But in honor of you, we tried some 'naners and we decided that you were right, they are tasty. Now whenever we see a 'naner we'll think of you!



A Pets Prayer
If it should be, that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then, you must do what must be done
For this, the last battle, can't be won.
Don't let your grief stay your hand,

For this day more than the rest,
Your love and friendship stand the test.
We've had so many years,
What is to come can hold no fear.
You'd not want me to suffer, so
When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me to the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you'll see it is a kindness you do for me
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Don't grieve it should be you who this thing decides to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold tears.
SMILE, FOR WE WALKED TOGETHER FOR AWHILE.

- Author Unknown

Good Bye Texas

Our friend Texas has gone to the bridge and we're so sad to lose another friend. But Mommy said that she knows that the Rainbow Bridge is a beautiful place.

See, here's the sign for it (so no one can get lost):


And here's the view:


Now we know that we kitties don't like water, but isn't it a beautiful place? We just know that all of our friends are safe, happy and healthy over there.

The Rainbow Bridge

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....

Also, we had planned to give this to Texas today:



We got this for all those really cool cats over at the Manx Mnews - thanks Abby, Boo, Gracie, Ping and Jinx! Besides Texas, we'd like to pass it on to every other kitty - you're all brilliant to us!

Friends on Friday

Hi all! We're sorry to have been out of touch this week, but we've been laying low since we heard the news about Sprout. Mommy has been sick and we've all been leaky eyed. Then we had more bad news about Felix and Maxime. Well, it's clear that it's been a bad week.

So we've been lighting candles every night with Tesla - hoping that all our friends can see them up in heaven. And we'll be donning violet tomorrow, Mommy has ribbons for all of us and even George is going to wear a special bandanna.

We hope that all our friends are well, and we'll do our best to get back to blogg-ness as usual soon. Purrs and {{{{{HUGS}}}}} to one and all.



-Pearl, Bert and Jake

A Time to Mourn

Monty's littlest bean has left us. We are shocked by this sudden loss.


When you are sorrowful look again in your heart,
and you shall see that in truth you are weeping
for that which has been your delight.
-Kahlil Gibran
Please keep Monty's family in your thoughts and prayers.

For TT

Good bye sweet TT Girl...



Lend Me a Kitten
I will lend to you for awhile a kitten, God said.
For you to love while he lives, and mourn when he's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three.
But will you, 'till I call him back, take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you and, should his stay be brief
You'll always have his memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught below I want this kitten to learn.

I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true.
And from the folk that crowds life's land I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to take my kitten home again?

I fancied that I heard them say 'Dear Lord Thy Will Be Done'
For all the joys this kitten brings the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may.
And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay.

But should you call him back much sooner than we planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
If, by our love we've managed your wishes to achieve,
Then in memory of him whom we loved, please help us while we grieve.
When our cherished kitten departs this world of strife,
Please send yet another needing soul for us to love all his life.

Author Unknown

In Memorial Monday

Our Friend Kali went to the bridge on Saturday. She was a serious Tough A** Tortie, even showing her tortitude till the very end. Please make sure to send your purrs and hugs to Mom Lynn and all her family.

They will not go quietly,
the Cats who've shared our lives.
In subtle ways they let us know
their spirit still survives.

Old habits still make us think
we hear a scratch at the door.
Or step back when we drop
a tasty morsel on the floor.

Our feet still go around the place
the food dish used to be,
And, sometimes, coming home at night,
we miss them terribly.

And although time may bring new friends
and a new food dish to fill,
That one place in our hearts
belongs to them ...
and always will.

- Pearl, Bert and Jake

Furry Fighter Friday

We can't believe that we are having to say goodbye to yet another friend. It has been a very hard month in the Cat Blogosphere. But Storm asked us not to be sad or think of today as unlucky, so today we celebrate the life of an incredibly brave kitty that fought with all she had, and then fought some more. So today is a bitter-sweet day. Bitter for us because we will lose an inspiring kitty friend, Sweet for Storm because she is now without pain and free from the illness that made her life so much harder than it should have been.

In honor of her, we thought we'd share the story of how we came to know Storm.

We found Storm long before we started blogging (before we even realized how many kitties did it). Mommy was searching on lymphoma in cats, and up popped Storm's bloggie. You see, Mommy and Daddy had recently sent the first P and B (Purdy and Basil) of PB&J across the Rainbow Bridge because they had lymphoma. Mommy was worried that she hadn't done enough and had a terrible case of the "if only"s. She though perhaps there were other kitty guardians that had gone through the same thing and she could learn more.

Mommy was so happy to find the story of a kitty that was fighting, and winning against that evil disease. It made her feel better to know that even if Purdy and Basil couldn't win their fight at least there were kitties that were. Mommy rarely commented on Storm's bloggie, mostly she just read and felt better.

Then we started blogging, and we would visit Storm every once and a while - just to check in. It seems that we didn't visit very regularly till she got sick again, and even then it was hard, because Mommy would get all leaky eyed thinking of what Storm's Meowmies were going through. It brought back all sorts of horrible feelings for Mommy, but she knew how important it was for Storm to have lots of love and encouragement.



Sweet Storm, we know that one day we too will cross the Bridge and we will find you there. So we will not say good-bye, simply farewell for now Furry Fighter.

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.

We though we would share some pictures of our angel kitties, Purdy and Basil. There isn't a day that goes by that Mommy doesn't think about and miss them.




- Pearl, Bert and Jake

Goodbye Sweet Friend

Darling Bonnie, you will be missed...

"Bonnie Underfoot and Victor Tabbycat" was one of the very first blogs we ever read, we loved reading about her and Victor and their exploits. They were one of the blogs that inspired us to start. And of course, they were one of our early friends - always commenting and saying 'hi'.

We will miss Bonnie's sassy posts and her pretty face, but we know she's across the bridge now telling all the other kitties what to do.

(thanks to Chase for the graphic)

When tomorrow starts without me,
and I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me:

I wish you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too:

But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand.

And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye
For all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne,

He said, "This is eternity.
And all I've promised you.
Today your life on earth is past,
But here life starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day's the same way
There's no longing for the past.

You have been so faithful,
So trusting and so true.
Though there were times
You did some things

You knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven
And now at last you're free.
So won't you come and take my hand
And share my life with me?"

So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.

Author Unknown

(thanks to Zoolatry for the beautiful image)

And even on this sad day - good things happen, it's ML's Birthday!!!!!

(thanks again to Zoolatry for another super graphic)

And Sammy and Miles have announced a day of {{{{HUGS}}}} for every kitty in the Blogosphere - to celebrate our friendships and our friends! Great idea you guys - hugs to one and all!

-Pearl, Bert and Jake

Sad Days

"When sorrows come, they come not single spies,
but in battalions".
- Hamlet Quote Act IV, Scene V

It has been a sad weekend around the blogosphere. Our friends are hurting, and we hurt for them. We are purring for Mom Laura, Lilly Lu, Mu Shue and Iris...

UPDATE! They are safe - make sure to visit the Cat Blogosphere for information on how to write a letter of thanks to the brave officers that rescued them!


And of course we are purring for Miral's family...

Remember

Remember me when I am gone away,
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go, yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you plann'd:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.
- Christina Rossetti

Purrs to one and all,
Pearl, Bert and Jake

Sad Day

Today is a sad day for Mommy and Daddy - two years ago today my big brother Basil went to the Bridge. Mommy still misses her cuddly, tuxie boy every day - and so do I.

This was one of his favorite sleeping spots - curled up in the sheets.

He was always very good with George.

And he was very tolerant of his Bean Cousin.

And he trained me to be the good ManCat that I am today.

A handsome fellow.

And playful too!

-Jake

Tuxedo Tribute

We had already posted our Monday post when we found out about Caesar, so we wanted to make sure and do a proper Tuxedo Tribute to him today.

"When sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in battalions".
- Hamlet Quote Act IV, Scene V



Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.

I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.

I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.

I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.

I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I did not die.

Caesar, you were a new friend to us, but it is clear that the Cat Blogosphere will be less without your voice, and it's hard to lose a friend - new or old.

We're sending purrs to Princess and your Mommy and Daddy during this difficult time.

- Pearl, Bert and Jake