Friday 20 December 2019

Tribute to a Very Fine Feline Friend

We got Sammy from the animal shelter in a near by town. He wasn't actually at the animal shelter, he was the feature pet at the associated pet food / supply place in the same town. He was just a really cool dude. Very chill. When we bought him, at about a year old, already neutered and with all his shots, we put him in the back of the vehicle with the kids who were roughly 8 and 11 years old at the time. I warned them that he might meow all the way home and be a bit distressed to be in the vehicle. Nope, he sat down in his cage, crossed his front legs and relaxed.

He was a perfectly symmetrical brown tabby. Most tabbies are good, all around, naturally easy to get along with cats. He was an indoor / outdoor cat. He enjoyed when his humans were outside with him. He was a pretty good hunter in his younger years. He was chief inspector for all outdoor projects. He knew the best time to come around to the table, and lately, we had been pulling up a chair at the table for him! Sammy got along with other cats, in that he tolerated them, didn't fuss too much, again, was just a cool dude about things.

Several weeks ago, we realized he wasn't doing well. The vet did some tests and let us know that he was suffering from kidney disease. He started to go down hill pretty quickly and there wasn't anything we could do to reverse this. Sammy died a little while ago, we chose to not share this with our young adult kids who were in the middle of college / university exams and assignments. Once they were done with those, we let them know and we all mourned the loss of a "family member" that had been with us for about 12 years.

I know many of you are pet owners and have gone through something similar. It is what we take on as pet owners. We love our animals, we help them through their final weeks, we pay them the respect they deserve.



Rest in peace sweet boy - Samson. We will miss you.

20 comments:

  1. So sorry to read this loss. I'm allergic to cats, but we've had dogs and they become part of the family and when they are old and suffering we suffer with them. We grieve when they die. We remember them and miss them. How wise of you to keep from telling your kids til their exams were over. So sorry - but what a fine tribute to him this was.

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  2. A fine cat indeed, he will be missed

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  3. Those are dear photos of Samson, my favorite is the last one where he looks regal and relaxed. It is so sad when a beloved cat or dog dies, I dare not even think of it.

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  4. Jenn so sorry to hear of Samson's passing. It's never easy to say goodbye to them as they entwine themselves around our hearts. A lovely tribute post to such a handsome fur man. ... Mary-Lou =^..^=

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  5. So sorry for your loss. Very emotional to lose a family pet as they definitely are members of our family.

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  6. Oh, sweet baby...

    My condolences.

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  7. Yes, it does change our family dynamics when one of our pets dies. Sammy was a good looker and sounds like a wonderful furry friend to have had for the many years you did. Hope your sadness is alleviated a bit by remembering what a wonderful life you gave him, and all he gave you, from one year old on. Hugs.

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  8. So sorry Jenn. Hug the kids for us. It is hard to lose a wonderful loving pet. I am glad you have pictures of Sammy. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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  9. My condolences to you all. But what a wonderful life you gave him, full of love, adventure and treats! Rest in peace, Sammy.

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  10. Thank you all for commenting. Yes, they are members of the family and I know many of you understand. But you are also right, in that he had a great life here. I always said that if I was going to "come back" as an animal, I'd want to be a house cat! -Jenn

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  11. So sorry about Sammy. Gosh we love our pets forever.

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  12. Oh Jenn, he's so beautiful. I can tell just from the photos what a love he was and I know your heart had to break a little that day and in the days after. And maybe even now. (I know mine still does for Gypsy sometimes.) Kidney disease -- yes, it's a tough one. But I know you gave him so much love and such a wonderful home. He will be sorely missed, but that is the price of loving, isn't it? My deepest sympathies to you and your family. And love to Sammy up at the Heavyside Layer. (Which will make no sense if you don't know "Cats.")

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  13. Samson was a gorgeous feline. Thank you for sharing this tribute with us. x

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  14. Handsome mancat. My sympathies on his passing.

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  15. Your Sammy is so beautiful. I know that you gave him many years of loving care. My condolences on your loss. Hugs, Edna B.

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  16. What a nice story of your Sammy's life. I'm glad you got to spend all those years with him. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Animals just don't live long enough.

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  17. A beautifully worded eulogy- a perfect sendoff for a well loved pet.

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  18. Oh that was so touching Jenn...I'm so sorry for the loss of Sammy. He looks very chill. xx

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  19. Such a heartwarming tribute. Really spoke to me. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know the feeling all too well.

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