Friends and followers of our blog know we're usually forward-focused; dreaming about loving forever families and happily ever afters for the cats living at PAWS. Add in a few posts about our beloved cats, Moosey, Gracie and Zoe, and you have the recipe for Animal Shelter Volunteer Life. But if you look a little deeper, you'll also see the influences of the pets who came before, who taught us so much about love, compassion and life. And who helped shape who we are, and all that we do.
That's why we're taking part today in the first ever "Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day." Conceived of by our friend Deb Barnes, of Zee and Zoey's Cat Chronicles, it's a special day to "honor all of the pets in our lives who have gone to the Rainbow Bridge." And to "...remember the joy, love and companionship they gifted us with, for however short or long their time on Earth was."
Along with Moosey, handsome Sammy was one of the original Animal Shelter Volunteer Life Cats. This incredibly sweet mancat taught us that there's joy to be found in almost every day ... whether it was falling asleep on his back, meowing his funny meow, or snuggling with Mom Tracey, he always made us smile.
Beautiful Bitsy was Tracey's first pet of her very own. The two of them shared a really special bond. She was such a sweet cat, an amazing judge of people, a good eater, and a huge catnip aficionado. Oh, and Bitsy hated having her picture taken, so we're happy that we have this one of her. :)
Graphite was the first pet I (meowmeowmans) adopted on my own. He slept in the crook of my arm every night, and taught us about sensitivity and compassion. When Bitsy went to the Bridge, Graphite was very worried about Tracey, and would not leave her side. Moosey displays so many of Graphite's mannerisms and behaviors (even though they never knew each other), so we think Graphite had a paw in Moosey's adoption.
We adopted Maggie when an elderly woman was unable to keep her due to (the woman's) health issues. How heartbreaking. Even though she was only with us for 1 1/2 years, Maggie blessed our lives with so much love and laughter. We learned about living in the present from Maggie ... she adapted so quickly to living in our home, even after she lived in her former human's home for 13 years!
Lady Madonna taught us about grace, peace and love. Tracey and I were going to adopt this gentle ladycat after Bitsy went to the Bridge. Sadly, she got sick and passed before we had the chance to do so. Lady Madonna served as a surrogate mommy to shelter kittens whose mom wasn't so interested in mothering, and was the peacekeeper in her room at PAWS (no tussling allowed!).
Tracey and I both had a number of childhood pets of whom we don't have pictures - woofies Honey, Daisy, Alfie, Partner, and Sushi; Happy the cat; Jo Jo the rabbit; guinea pigs Taffy and Pepper; and Big Boy the lizard. Even though we don't have pictures of these special friends, they are also remembered forever with love and gratitude.
If the Rainbow Bridge is real (and we really, really hope it is), it will be quite the greeting party that awaits us.
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| Image: Zee & Zoey's Cat Chronicles |
44 comments:
So many beautiful and loving kitties waiting across the Rainbow Bridge.
Emma and Buster
Such lovely kitties and memories.
Bittersweet memories of lovely kitties.
They are each special.
Extra purrs for you today.
Purrs Georgia and Julie,
Treasure and JJ
Even though I hadn't met you yet, we shared a love for sweet Lady Madonna at PAWS. I even remember playing with your Sammy there.
It's a bittersweet day, remembering our own dear cats, missing them, and feeling such great gratitude for the time we shared : Wally, Maude, Gracie, and my heart cat Tommie,
Love to all,
Maggie
Kevin, what a beautiful blog post. I never understand people who say that after a pet dies, they can never get another because it is too sad. Of course it's sad, but you have to remember all the joy that an animal brings to our lives while it is with us. Thank you for helping us to remember that.
Yes Kevin, this is a beautiful blog post. Maria above me here said it for me. I had tears come to my eyes reading it as I, as do you two, know the love and sweetness our fur children bring to us. And you expressed it extraordinarily well. I felt I had a chance to know them too..just for this time. What a pleasure. Bless them and you all. xo
What beautiful cats...and beautiful memories. They may be gone, but they will never be forgotten...and they are always loved.
lovely memories....we know they built a wonderful foundation for both of you
It's always good to remember those who came before.
What wonderful stories.
Lovely tribute so many happy memories.
Sheba.
Such sweeties. Hugs from all of us.
It is nice to remember all our fur friends. Great post. Good to hear about your past kitty cats.
guys....manee thanx for sharin theeze memoreez.....it waz veree nice two reed about yur hole familee....we noe they R...... & all ways will be .....missed.... & loved ~~~~~~~ ♥♥♥
This is such a special day to remember our beloved pets.
You have such wonderful photos to share, of some of your "angel" companions. It's bittersweet to remember those who have passed...sending hugs and purrs.
All of those kitties are SO lucky they decided to claim you and Tracey - you are both such loving and wonderful cat parents. *hugs* <3
Oh how I LOVED reading about each of these most special kitties. Bitsy probably definitely had a "paw" involved with Graphite (Oh how I love that name "Graphite!!", I so wish I had thought of it!!!)
Each of these kitties were so special and will live on always.
Thank you so much for sharing them with us.
Sending much love and many purrs of comfort to you and Tracey xoxo
catchatwithcarenandcody
Such wonderful stories. I am so happy to be learning of pets past on today's blog hop. They really do stay in our hearts forever and teach us so many lessons about love and life. Thank you so much for participating in Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day - xoxo from Mr. Jazz, Deb, Purr Prints of the Heart and the Zee/Zoey Gang
What wonderful memories of your past fur children. They all touched our hearts in their own special way and made our life the better for it.
Such lovely memories of your cats who came before. All our precious fur family hold a place in our hearts forever.
Such a beautiful tribute. Thanks for sharing your sweet memories.
This post is so full of love. You are special people with special furkids. We are blessed to know you. ❤
You are fortunate to have shared your lives with so many wonderful cats and dogs. They are all so pretty. ♥
Rest in peace to all the pets who came before. They are still very much loved.
What beautiful kitties! They were so lucky to have you in their lives. Sending purrs to you today.
Thank you for sharing those who came before. You will be greeted royally when you arrive at the Rainbow bridge! Hugs to you both today.
Beautiful post to those wonderful souls you had the pleasure of loving.
There have been so many that have etched themselves in our hearts and then pass on. I can't wait to see all mine someday too. :)
What a wonderful memorial post. I do believe that our kids will all be waiting for us when we are lucky enough to meet them on the other side. Sending you both a big {{hug}} today!
We can tell just how special each of the kitties were to you, and we are so happy to have had the opportunity to meet them. We are so grateful to Deb for creating this special day. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
Oh Wow! What wonderful memories you have shared with us! Is it not great how the animals we have shared our lives with, have shared their love, hope, compassion and love with us too.
We send you purrs, hugs and kisses
Nellie and Mommy
Graphite looks just like our Lucy! Thanks for sharing all your photos!
Wonderful memories you share with us <3
XOXO
Thank you for sharing these wonderful stories! Xxx
PepiSmartDog: Hi there! As a Rainbow Bridge Ambassador, thank you for remembering all your pals at the bridge. You will be a forever family...but not just yet.
Thank you for joining our Thankful Thursday Blog Hop. Really appreciate your posts each week and hope to see you again next week. *waves paw* :=o)
It is amazing what each teaches in their own way and time. We are the better for it and pray that we have given back half as much.
Purrs
Timmy Dad and Family
Purrs to you on this day of remembrance.
Fank you fur sharin'. They awe all so gawjus and will be membered furever.
Luv ya'
Dezi and Lexi
Each one has a special place in our hearts when they leave. And we're forever grateful to have known them.
I am reading and looking at all the comments- and really it's all about how much we love our furry family members. I love my Lucy- with all her foilblesand ececentricities.
please excuse all misspellings!
What a nice post in memory of kitties past.
Beautiful remembrances.
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