Our family was saddened this weekend to say goodbye to our beloved pet, Mr. Tabbers.
Making the decision that it was time to let him go, and then sitting with him on my lap while he went, was the hardest thing I’ve had to do as an adult.
It sucked.
Our family spent much of the weekend crying off and on, and looking at his little kitty bed where he had spent most of his 18 years taking a delicious nap. He was such a sweet cat, as the pictures and stories I’ve shared over the years attest. He would cuddle on our lap at night while we watched TV and tolerantly let the kids manhandle them, year after year.
My mom, who is a bit of a crazy cat lady with 7 cats currently in her care, says the best way we can honor Mr. Tabbers is by giving another kitty a good home. While it’s too soon to think about that, I know we have a lot of love to give and eventually we will open our hearts and our home again.
Okay, now I’m bawling once more.
Pets give us so much love, right? I can’t imagine life without having a pet.
Please enjoy this glimpse into the life of Mr. Tabbers, sweet friend and beloved pet:
Tell me about your pets. Who gives you unconditional love these days? What goofy or sweet things do they do?
What a sweet kitty! Rest in peace, Mr. Tabbers! My cat puked on the carpet today, but he nicely avoided the toys that had been left out, so I guess it was sweet…
Rabia @TheLiebers recently posted…10 Reasons we are not a dog Household
You go, Oscar! 🙂
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom recently posted…When You Lose a Pet
Oh I am so sorry! Our dog is 15 and she is slowing down a lot. I feel she will be leaving us soon and I am really dreading that day. Hugs to your family!
Thanks, Jen. It is really hard. I might suggest the next time you’re at the vet for a checkup you have a little chat about their procedures when it’s time to say goodbye. My mom sort of prepared me for the decisions I would have to make and it was helpful.
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom recently posted…Checklist for a Midwest Halloween Costume
I am so sorry, Katy. It is one of the saddest things ever to say goodbye to a pet. How very kind of you to be with Mr.Tabbers at the end. He would have been so comforted by your presence and his last thoughts would be of you. Oh, Katy. I know. I’ve done it too. And I still tear up thinking about it. Sending you and your loved ones a jumbo hug.
Kelly L McKenzie recently posted…Do Quirk Magnets Attract?
Thank you, Kelly. You said the things I needed to hear. I am forever bonded to anyone who has been through this, for sure.
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom recently posted…Have You Had a Laugh Today?
Katy, I’m so sorry! One of the hardest things is walking into the house and expecting to be greeted then feeling the absence of our beloved pets. Take care – and pass the tissues!
Mo recently posted…Beauty
Thanks, Mo. This week the house has been too quiet – and he was just a kitty not a dog! Still, I miss seeing him sleeping during the day, just knowing he was there, and meowing at me in the morning and night for some food. 🙁
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom recently posted…Have You Had a Laugh Today?
oh Katy! I’m so so sorry about your precious kitty! I can’t imagine having a pet for that long and having to say goodbye to it… oh the memories you must hold so dear to your heart. We have only had fish. And my kids didn’t blink an eye when I handed them over to a friend to take and put in her pond.
Yeah. We suck with pets…
I’m sure your life feels so different and you miss your sweet Mr. Tabbers. I’m so sorry.
Chris Carter recently posted…Shouts From The Sidelines: Lessons in Life
Thanks, Chris. He was a love.
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom recently posted…Checklist for a Midwest Halloween Costume