Loss

I'm so very sorry to inform my readers that Harold, my unconditional friend, my perpetual, longtime companion and champion of all things metrosexual cat passed away just over two weeks ago.  He became unexpectedly gravely ill and the decision--so as to end his suffering--was quickly made to put him down. Given his condition at the time, I'm confident that it was the right decision.  I was with him and held his paw, stroked his head, spoke to him and comforted him throughout the entire procedure.  

He was the best companion anyone could ever ask for for well over 15 years.  He was independent, codependent (or was that me?), whimsical, incredibly wise and in fact he had his own alter ego online known as Shabba who actually performed on live casts, and as you all know, he was also a columnist on this blog for Between The Whiskers.  Incidentally, he was also as much my caretaker, as I was his.  And he loved to spoon and run that purring motor of his.  He was also a nephew to his Uncle Chet and Aunt Maggi Rose the daschund, a grandson to my Mother, and a friend to many of my family and friends.  All of those folks have been incredibly kind to me--calls, sympathy cards and more calls--and many have expressed that they miss him already as well.  I thank you all for that and you know who you are.  Your kindness and sensitivity has meant the world to me and it brings me comfort to know that he was loved and appreciated by so many. 

   

I'd had him since he was a scrappy, scrawny, flea-infested stray kitten, with ears as big as his heart.  

As some of you may already know, he was also a fantastic companion to his brother, Lil Man.  Survival of the fittest didn't apply when it came to these two.  They loved hanging out with one another, perusing the neighborhood from the windowsill.  And so now the two are back together once again.  Or so I hope.  I had Harold cremated and for now his remains sit upon my nightstand, however soon they will join Lil Man's remains on the shelf in the living room.

I've had many, many pets in my lifetime and I have to say that out of all of them, Harold was the one that I could have easily thrown myself upon the proverbial coffin for had there been an opportunity to do so.  I'm afraid I'm short on words--organized thoughts, or proper punctuation for that matter, as words just aren't coming so easily for me--as I'm filled with grief and yet, empty, as I feel like a part of me is missing.  He was a part of me.  But most of all, he was my friend and I shall never forget all of the joy, amusement, companionship and love that he gave me and the many others who knew him and his unique personality.

This is the last photo that I took of my handsome man just a few weeks prior.  Harold, you certainly grew into those ears.  You most certainly did.  

Harold 1997-2012

And so, Goodbye, friend.  May you rest in peace.

-Harold's Mama