Today has started off in the saddest way possible. Pembroke, the big male feral, crossed the Rainbow Bridge
I was never able to get close to that handsome boy. I have photos of him but it's hard to scroll and find them because I have to keep wiping my eyes and my nose. He was a big boy, medium gray with white mittens, chest and face. I don't know where he came from but he was ever present at food time. That started slacking off, lately, and he would disappear for periods of time so I've already had him on my worry list. Then lately he's been here, right on schedule.
When I went out to feed the ferals I noticed him curled up on the deck, right next to the porch window. One claw was hooked through the screen. At first I thought he was just sleeping but it just took a second for me to realize he was gone. Fortunately he looked very peaceful.
He's buried close to Mittens the Kitten, her newborn sibling and the tiny baby I just lost.
One would think I'd get used to this but it just gets harder and harder. I'm canceling plans for today so I can give extra love and appreciation to all of my babies. Besides, I look a fright from crying.
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Hurting with you. The passing of an animal hits me a thousand times harder than losing people does.
(To help with the awfulness of "after crying face" take a face cloth and saturate it with hot water, pour about 2oz of isopropyl alcohol on it, wring it out and put on your face for a about six to ten seconds, hold your breath during this part. Then wipe the rest of your face and let dry. It help with the swelling and all that.)
Ginormous hugs, hope you can get past the worst of the sadness soon. Give all the babies extra hugs for me too!
I’m so sorry for your loss. They take little bits of you with them when they go.
Many hugs.
It is so true about them leaving paw prints on our hearts.
You are a good soul and cared for Pembroke for so long. He knew where he was loved and where was "home". That's why he came home to you on his final day. Peace be to you.
Maybe it was just old age. Ferals have a tough life, even if they're fed and looked after. But at least he got that from you, and apparently crossed easily when it was time. Looking after these guys is always worrisome - I've got one who's set up his base camp on my front porch; I put food out for him every morning whether he's there or not and I worry about him when he doesn't show up. But he doesn't want to be a house cat so I just do what I can for him. And you did that for Pembroke. Thanks for caring for him.
RIP Pembroke. Sounds like he knew he was very loved.
…of the healed break than bones that have never been broken.
If the same is true for broken hearts, your heart must be strong indeed due to all the times it has been broken.