This week I had the difficult task of saying goodbye to a dear friend. As members of our family since 1995, Dusty (along with her adopted sister, Bitey, who left us less than nine months ago) was with us through many significant life events.
If you’re a cat lover, I don’t need to tell you about the joys they can bring, and if you’re not, no words on your computer screen can make you understand. However, while thinking about my special memories, I’ve realized that there is a lot we can learn from our furry friends, and I’d like to share some of my thoughts with you.
Appreciate what you have
Dusty ate basically the same food twice a day, year after year, yet every time I dished it out, she would greet me with very loud purrs.
Drink plenty of fresh water
From the time she was a kitten, Dusty liked to drink from the tap. In fact, I don’t think she even figured out how to drink from a bowl until we started keeping the bathroom door closed to keep her out. I’ll never forget her surprise upon discovering that the basement sink in our new house wasn’t connected to the water supply!
You can do anything you set your mind to
We all know how screensavers work. Your computer is inactive, the screensaver kicks in, then after a while the screen goes black until you move your mouse and your desktop reappears. But did you know that if you move the mouse just a teeny bit, you can reactivate the screensaver? It’s true! One day we noticed Dusty intently watching the screensaver, which was coloured lines in the form of a roller coaster. When the screen went black, she nudged the mouse, and the screensaver started again. I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it for myself.
I have a small favour to ask. If you have a cat, please give him or her some extra pats today, from me.
Aw, Janet I am so sorry to hear this.Dear little Dusty, one of my new friends, too.
Dusty was a beautiful, loving cat who had a wonderful home with you.
Please know that I beleive she still loves you but has no pain, now.The bond we have with our innocent loved ones does endure.
Please be extra kind to yourself over the next while as you grieve & miss her in her beloved physical form.
In your still, quiet moments you might know that her spirit is by you.
I will be thinking of beautiful little Dusty & you.
xo
Cynthia
Dear Janet,
Very sorry to hear about Dusty.
She will always be in your heart!
Wishing you strength, peace and love,
Karen
Karen and Cynthia, thank you so much for your kind thoughts. I’m so happy to have you both back in my life.
I’m very sorry to hear about your loss. I am a passionate cat lover and I understand the the strong connection. You don’t have to worry about me giving Emily extra pats, rubs, tickles, scratches and kisses. Thats part of every single day.
Janet, I’m so sorry to hear that your precious fur-baby has passed on. I know how hard it is – I’m only away at conference and I miss mine like crazy. I love the way you described how appreciative they are. That is so cute that she learned to move your mouse to see the screensaver! We have a cat that learned how to unlock our patio door and he snuck out! We had to reinforce the locks!
thanks for sharing your story!
Hi Janet:
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Pets are special, important members of our family and Dusty sounds wonderful. Thank you for sharing your memories.
Rose
Crystal, Ariane, and Rose, I really appreciate the time you took to stop by, and I’m glad you enjoyed the stories.
What a beautiful cat! Most of our cats growing up were Tortoiseshells and they always are full of personality. I’m sorry to hear of your loss, but she gave you many wonderful years (as you gave her too I’m sure).
Janet – I am so sorry to here of your loss. As you know, I understand very well the loss of one of your best friends. Please take care of yourself and allow yourself time to grieve. I will be giving lots of extra cuddles to my guys this week – although as I was away last week they won’t give me the choice – I was swamped when I got home last night! My Gandalf also adores the screen saver, although he has not figured out how to nudge it yet. Not as bright as Dusty, perhaps – he is a sweetheart, but not the sharpest kibble in the bag. Our fractal is another water lover – always wants a tap to drip, no matter how many water bowls we have around. Enjoy the memories and the knowledge of your special bond with Dusty – worth it even though the grief of loss is the price we pay.
Morva
Alex, I had never even heard of a tortoiseshell cat until I met Dusty! I asked the woman where we got her if she was sure it was a female, and she said “Of course, she’s a Tortie!” I later learned all about them, including the fact that 98% of them are female and that they do have a very unique personality.
Morva, other than that one incident, Dusty never showed any signs of superior intelligence, or any intelligence at all for that matter.
Thank you both for sharing your cat stories!
Jan, Im so sorry to hear about Dusty. Those little furballs do have a way of burrowing into your heart and finding a special place there. As you know Ive shared my life with cats for a long time and I know how it feels to lose one. Im sure Dusty will always be remembered. ((hugs))
It’s so nice to have so many caring friends. I think I’ve received more comments on this post than on anything else I’ve ever written!
Dear Jan and Scotty, we as you know, know all too well the loss of furry family members, they aren’t just friends as any animal lover truly know, but truly family. We are so sorry of your loss. Just know Dusty and Bitey, while their physical form may not be with you, but spiritually, you will always be connected until the Rainbow Bridge……take care of yourselves, we are thinking of you and praying for you always, love Laurie and Bill(And the whole American family!)