A couple of days after my Miracle Cat blog post, Riley slipped out the back door and never came back. Considering his age and mobility issues, we didn't think he could have gotten far. We searched everywhere. Every day for days we looked for him in all the places he used to go. We daily retraced our steps as we hunted again. We called and called, but never found him. Considering his health problems, we didn't think he could survive long on his own. After several weeks we can only assume he passed over the Rainbow Bridge, even though there is no trace of his remains.
It's been about a month now, but I still look for him when I'm outdoors, especially when I pass one of the favorite napping spots of his old age. I can't help it. It's hard not knowing for sure what happened; not being able to bury his body properly. Even so, I feel it's my sad duty to pay tribute to his life.
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| Riley (right) & his sister Katy 1 (2010-2011) |
He was a part of our family for 16 years. He is still a part of our hearts.
They give us so much but when they go we lose so much. Lost Juju May 19 last year. Miss him so much. Mike Marine.
ReplyDeleteSo you have an anniversary coming up Mike. Always a sad reminder. It's a comfort that we can give them a good life in return for the joy they give to us.
DeleteIt's hard not knowing what happened. But I do think animals know when it's their time. When we had to have Jazzy, our cat, put down a couple years ago she turned and looked at me with a look of gratitude when the vet started the injection. She had been suffering with severe anemia at 18 years old.
ReplyDeleteYou can rest in knowing that Riley had a good life with you.
Valerie, I think sometimes we think we're helping them for their sake, but it's really for ours. I just hope Riley had a quick and easy death.
DeleteIt’s always hard to lose a friend. I echo the sentiments above.
ReplyDeleteKatie, it is hard. :(
DeleteCondolences, Leigh. Our furry/feathered/scaled friends make our lives so much fuller and can leave such a hole when they are gone.
ReplyDeleteThey really do, TB. Even when we know their departure is near, it's still hard.
DeleteSo sorry. But sometimes they know when it's time. It's hard not to know where he is though.
ReplyDeleteLiz, that is the hardest part. Considering his age, we knew it could be any time. But not knowing is tough.
DeleteI am so sorry. It is hard not having closure, especially after so many years.
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna. I take comfort in the good life he had.
DeleteI’m sorry for your sorrow. I love the way Riley made himself a cozy spot to rest in everyday places, especially the basket. I hope the good memories give you comfort. Blessings…
ReplyDeleteThanks Daisy. There's comfort knowing we gave him a good life. The rest - we just have to let go of.
DeleteOh Leigh. Beautiful portraits of a wonderful, rich, and precious life. I'm so sorry for your loss, and especially for the uncertainty - it's very hard, I know.
ReplyDeleteThank you Quinn.
DeleteSo sorry for your loss. It’s worse when you don’t know what happened to them. 😢 RHill, TX
ReplyDeleteRHill, thank you!
DeleteIt's so hard when they leave like that. I had an old dog do the same. I hope all your lovely memories bring you some comfort.
ReplyDeleteLaurie, I didn't realize dogs would do that too. We hated to let Riley out, but good grief, he could yowl loudly and persistently when he wanted outside. We always ended up giving in to him.
DeleteWe lost many a farm cat in that manner and it never got any easier. My condolences.
ReplyDeleteEd, no, it never gets easier, even though it's a part of life.
DeleteSo sorry Leigh. Remember the good times.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rosalea.
DeleteVery sorry to hear this. We had a barn cat that came with the property, and one day she too came up missing. She was going blind , and a week later she showed up. She passed away living inside her last best days. Oddly, we've seen a gray cat here the last month or so, but only a few times. I found it on the porch sitting in my porch chair one day, but it runs off. We'll see if he/she stays around or not.
ReplyDeleteKristina, it's so nice you were able to give her that comfort at the end of her life. I can't help but wonder if Riley really wanted to be outside to die, or had some issues and just couldn't get home. We'll never know.
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear that. It's always sad when a special pet crosses that bridge. He had a good life though. That is obvious from the photos and your stories over the years.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nina. He did give me some good stories to tell.
DeleteI'm so sorry, Leigh. Our Dinah is the same age and I don't know what I'll do when she's gone.
ReplyDeleteBonnie, even though you know they're nearing the close of life, it's still not easy. I don't reckon there's any way to really prepare. I hope Dinah lives many more happy years!
DeleteLeigh, I'm so sorry you lost Riley. It's so hard, even when you know its coming. Had my Tiger kitty for 18 1/2 years and he's been gone a very long time. For years afterwards, I'd halfway expect him to come around the corner. Mine brought me so much joy over those years and I'm sure Riley did too. Hugs to you and Dan.
ReplyDelete