Another Passage: Cleopatra 1993-2013

[deborahjross]

Our tortoiseshell cat Cleopatra died peacefully on Saturday morning, most likely of congestive heart failure. We thought we'd lose her before Oka, but -- cranky old grandma kitty that she was -- she outlasted him. She spent her last night on a pillow between me and Dave.

She's the cat perched on my shoulder in the icon.

With Shakir:



Last winter, enjoying a nap on the sheepskin-lined basket:

Comments

[sartorias.livejournal.com]

Oh, gosh, Deborah--this has been a really tough few days for you guys.

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

Yes, it has. Even though we never expected Cleo to live this long (she was 20 last month), her loss is still another weight on our hearts. Or rather, the house seems even more empty.

Poor Shakir wanders around, looking for Oka. We're keeping an eye on him. He cuddles up to me at night and when I'm knitting. Mutual comfort.

I see another dog in our future, but not right away.

[sartorias.livejournal.com]

Oh, that's got to be tough for Shakir.

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

We will know we're in trouble when he started Demanding A Puppy.

[aberwyn.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry you've lost someone else. Hugs from me . . .

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

Hugs most gratefully received. I am so moved by the loving outreach of our friends.

[klwilliams.livejournal.com]

Goodbye, kitty. I'm sorry for your loss, so soon after Oka, too.

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

What a week. Let's not do this again. On the other hand, I was amazed at how long Cleo lived, and even if I expected to have more time with Oka, he did have 2 terminal diseases, so we were getting ready.

Still, the house has many empty, silent places in it.

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

Oh, poor Deborah and Dave and Shakir. What a terrible week this has been for you. I hope that's the absolute worst time you have to go through for a long time to come.

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

Hugs back, Judy. It feels like the end of an era. We have 2 cats (and foresee another dog, but not so soon.) We have each other, and loving family, and sunshine in the garden. I'm going to make sure I take a friend when I go walking where I used to take Oka, at least for a while.

[catherineldf.livejournal.com]

So very sorry!
She looks a lot like our old cat - was she a blue and cream?

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

She was a gray tortoiseshell with very plushy fur. The pattern always reminded me of sunlight on water running over a rocky stream. And two little white front paws.

[otana.livejournal.com]

Keeping you all in my thoughts. Sad I won't get to see Cleo again this summer.

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

Me, too. But Shakir will smother you with love. He's on my lap as I type, purring away.

[http://users.livejournal.com/la_marquise_de_/]

I'm so sorry. I remember meeting her, too, and being told by her firmly what kind of fuss was required.

[deborahjross.livejournal.com]

Yes, tortoiseshells do Have Opinions. The vet said her attitude contributed to her longevity! She lived and died on her own terms. We should all be so fortunate.