Monday, August 22, 2011

Farewell, sweet boy...



Our hearts are broken in tiny pieces and laying at our feet.

Our tears are many 
and the void is deeply and achingly painful.


We lost our little Lion King, Toby, today.




I held my sweet boy in my arms
and spoke soothingly to him as he gazed up at me with his sea green eyes.
His little body was weary,
weak,
and becoming emaciated.

He lay there and tried to purr.

My tears dropped onto his silky, orange tummy.




I was alone in the vet's office
when I had to make the difficult decision.
A decision that many of us have had to make in our lives.
A decision that never, ever gets any easier.
A decision that I had prayed I would not have to make today.

A decision that totally undid me and broke me.


I realized there would be no more shared ice cream with Daddy...


no more playing "socky" for hours on end...


 and no more snuggling with Mommy.


I am deeply comforted knowing that he is now spending his nights
laying by Tessa's side, like he so loved to do,
at The Rainbow Bridge.



We love you so, little man.

We miss you
and
we will never forget you...


Thank you, dear Lord, 
for loaning us the most perfect little marmalade cat 
for 12 years.



We give him back to you now...
 

{ tearful hugs }
















91 comments:

  1. Oh Laurie, I am so sorry for your loss....sending hugs and blessings xo

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  2. I am so sorry for your sadness. Truly sorry.

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  3. Laurie, my heart breaks alongside yours! I'm very sorry for your loss.

    Kat

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  4. Oh Laurie, I am about to cry with you for your loss. We lost our Roscoe after 14 years with him and I understand what you are going through. Praying for you sweetie...XOXO

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  5. Oh Laurie, I'm so sad for you. Toby was a beautiful kitty. I know just what you're going through. I'm days away from making the same decision and going through what seems an unimaginable loss...it makes me cry my eyes out just writing this. Big hugs to you sweet friend. xo Tricia

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  6. Awwww Laurie, I'm so sorry for your loss:( He sure was a handsome little guy. Hugs and prayers.

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  7. So beautifully said. My heart reaches out to you with prayers to soothe your soul from the loss. What a blessing that he was yours for those 12 years. I have suffered such a loss. They are definately unforgetable. It always amazes me just how much their loss affects my heart. XoXo

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  8. This is so sad. I'm so sorry you had to go through this. I still cry when I think about the various animals I've had to put to sleep. Blessings to you as you mourn.
    Fondly, Tami
    www.thisandthatfromtami.blogspot.com

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  9. What a beautiful cat who obviously enjoyed an amazing life with you. So sorry for you loss.
    Jenn

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  10. Sweet Laurie... I am so so sorry. I am tearful right now after reading your post... sending you love and hugs.

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  11. Oh, Laurie! My heart is aching for you. I have a 16 yr. old kitty that I know will one day have to leave us. I so don't want that day to come! I'm so sorry. Hugs, Kathryn

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  12. oh honey...i am so very sorry for the loss of your furry family member.......thinking of you, dear.
    erin
    xxoo

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  13. I'm so sorry Laurie. What a loving tribute. Cherish the memories. Toby was a cutie.

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  14. Well, You know that I am sitting here bawling right along with you now. I still miss my little Misty Cat and it has been three years. I am so sorry, Laurie...and even knowing he has passed over the Rainbow Bridge doesn't ease the aching loss, does it? Love and hugs to you my sweet friend- xo Diana

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  15. I can't imagine. I'm so sorry. My little dog is the first pet I've ever had. I've not had to make this decision but realize it's part of owning a pet. I'm happy you have pictures though...darling pictures too.

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  16. Laurie, I am so sorry that there will no more sock playtime at your house. What a beautiful boy Toby was. 12 years is never long enough when you find the perfect one. I have had to make that decision more times than I can count and no, it never gets easier. Prayers for you sweet lady as the tears fall.
    Hugs- Tete

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  17. Bless your heart. I'm sorry for your loss and will send up good wishes for you.

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  18. Oh-My-Heart...
    Sending lots of love... I've been where you are now...
    Jeanine, ChiPPy!-SHaBBy!

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  19. Oh no - this is horrible news. I have a cat that is also 12 and I get worried. My thoughts are with you...I know how painful this is. My is breaking for you. XO

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  20. Sending, big hugs and lots of love, I know how you feel. I had to do this 3 years ago with a little sweetheart I'd had for 12 years and I was heartbroken. xoxo Debra

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  21. How sad I am for you this evening...I, like many others have been where you are now...sorry for your loss...

    Donna
    Tinglelaneprimitives.blogspot.com

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  22. My condolences on the loss of your beloved pet. What a wonderful life you gave him! Clearly, his days were filled with happiness and carefree play. What a lucky kitty.

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  23. my prayers are with you and your family. i know how you feel. we had to put our rottie down in late may. it was very sad. at times when i open the back door i still expect him to come bolting in at me for a treat. and now he is next to our other dog sleeping :)take care.
    blessings,
    aimee

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  24. My heart is broken as I read this, I am so sorry for your loss. Our furry babies, as I like to call my cats, really touch our lives and hearts. You and your husband will be in my prayers. God Bless

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  25. I'm so very sorry, I know how painful it is to lose a precious fur kid. You have all my hugs and prayers for comfort this night.

    Love,
    Anne

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  26. Laurie,

    I am so sorry~ I just did this last week when my 13yo Labrador died in my Arms. I will keep you in my prayers as each day it gets a little easier!

    Huggs Nancy

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  27. I'm feeling the pain you're going through right now. It was exactly 3 years ago when we had to make that same decision for Ernie, our 17 year old kitty. Our sweet furry friends are with us for such a short time, but bless our lives forever.

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  28. I write this with tears in my eyes. I am so sorry for your loss. I know what you are going through as I have been there too...it never does get easier. Keeping you and your hubby in my thoughts and prayers.
    hugs,
    Cindy

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  29. Oh Laurie..it never gets any easier to lose your beautiful pet does it? I always think I'll never get any more after the pain of losing one 'cos they are missed so much. He was such a hansome puss wasn't he..so sorry. Lots of big hugs to you..ooooooooo...xox.

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  30. Oh... I am so very sorry for your loss. What a precious little sweetheart! Thoughts and prayers go out to you.

    Donna

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  31. Oh, I'm so sorry. I saw Donna's post on facebook and stopped by to say that I'm praying for you. Just moments before hearing your news I was thinking about several beloved furry friends who've gone to be with the Lord…including a fluffy orange cat.

    God bless you!

    Julie M.

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  32. Oh Laurie what a sad news today...what a grief...i almost can feel it how you write about it....we have has such a moments at the vet....to decided what to do with our dog...it is so hard.....i will give you a big hug...and many kisses.......and wrapped my arms around you for a while and hold you close near by me....love love from me....xxx...

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  33. Dear Laurie, what a very difficult decision to make on your own in the veterinary clinic. I'm sure you took the right one but oh, what a difficult one to make. I'm thinking about you.

    Bey, Sylvia

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  34. So sorry for your loss. I truly know how difficult this is. Blessings to you.

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  35. So sad Laurie~ losing a beloved pet is like losing a family member. Big hugs & blessings to you:)

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  36. I am so sorry for your loss. Our furry friends/family are so much a part of our lives and love us so unconditionally that it hurts to the core of our being when they have to leave. I pray you are able to think of the fun and loving times more than your grief-in time.
    ~Elizabeth

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  37. There is one place that all that animal fur can never be ridden of...your heart! I think these pets have a special place in heaven. He was purr-fect and I am sorry for your loss. Praying for you!

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  38. I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet fur baby. I have been there.. alone at the vet, with that horrible decision to make. Sometimes, even though it breaks our heart, we have to let go.. because it is the best decision to make. Even though we don't want to see them go. Thoughts are with you!!

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  39. Oh' Laurie, I'm so sorry to hear that you lost your sweet baby. I know just how hard that is. Your post is a wonderful memorial to him. I'll be thinking of you and saying a prayer today.

    OX's...Tracy

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  40. Laurie, I have never read such a loving tribute as this one. I have been in your shoes, and I know your pain, and I am so sorry. What you did for Toby was the ultimate act of love ... you took his suffering as your own and you set him free.

    I'm sending you love and hugs.

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  41. Dear Laurie,

    My sincerest sympathies to you and your husband for your loss...thinking of you today!!

    All the Best,
    Christine

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  42. Oh sweetie I am so very sorry. He is a handsome boy and was so loved. I am thinking of you today and sending you hugs and I will give you a big hug on Sunday.
    I wonder if it id the Marmalades that like to play fetch, we had one that loved her lucky rabbits foot and we would play fetch for hours as well.
    Love you sweet sis.
    xoxox

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  43. Dear Laurie,
    I am so sorry about your loss of your beautiful Toby boy, your little darling has etched his love into your heart so you will always remember him with so much love & affection, I won't tell you my story but I feel your pain right now. Remember the happiness & love he brought to you & your family, that you will have forever. Amen.
    x

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  44. I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. Talk of him often, glance at his pictures whenever you can and know there are others out there that share your loss.

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  45. I am so sorry to hear about your little kitty, but talking from recent experience I know exactly where you are coming from. Thankfully my hubby was with me when we had to say goodbye to our beloved 9 year old boxer, Maxie. I can say without question, it was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. They are animals but they become family. How comforting though, knowing that he has a friend waiting for him...

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  46. These little creatures bless our hearts and homes so dearly. I am sad with you today. Your heart is so beautiful.

    I will think about you today and pray.

    ~Kolein

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  47. Dear Laurie,
    I am so sorry--hold your memories close.
    xoxo

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  48. The worst part of owning a pet is having to let go. I hurt with you - big hugs xox

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  49. Laurie, sending you tender hugs and thinking of you while you grieve over your sweet baby.
    Weeping with you as I know how our little pets are one of the family.
    Knowing that our Lord is holding you all close in these days and will continue to comfort you.
    xoxoxo

    Love,
    Deborah xo

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  50. I'm so sorry to hear that your beloved cat passed away! I lost one of my babies last January. A new baby came into our lives two months ago. The hurt never goes away but it opens our hearts even wider to those awaiting a gentle touch and love from a Mama like you.

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  51. I'm so sorry your little one has gone. Recently, our old black lab had reached a point where there was too much pain, so the decision had to be made. She had grown up with my boys, as her father had grown up with my brothers and then watched over my boys when they were very small. We have one more that will be going soon, but we're hoping to let her atleast enjoy the autumn.

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  52. So, so sorry. I went through this same very horrible ordeal just a few weeks ago and am still broken over it. My heart goes out to you and I send you love and strength to remember him. <3

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  53. Laurie I am so sad for your loss of your baby. They leave us so quickly, but give us enough love and sweetness to fill a lifetime. God bless you and your family.

    Lin

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  54. Sending you lots of prayers as you deal with the loss of your loving pet. God Bless you for giving him such a safe and loving home. I, too, am an animal lover and have had to make that same decision more times then I like to count, but in the end, I know I gave all our animals the love and comfort they couldn't find anywhere else. Many hugs and love being sent your way!

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  55. A ship sails and I stand watching till she fades on the horizon, and someone says, "she is gone".
    Gone where?
    Gone from my sight, that is all; she is just as large as when I saw her...
    The diminished size and total loss of sight is in me, not in her, and just at the moment when someone says "she is gone", there are others who are watching her coming, and other voices take up a glad shout, "there she comes!"...

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  56. Oh Laurie,
    I am so sorry to read this post from you, what a beautiful cat!!!
    It is hard to lose our furry babies and you will never forget what a joy they were in your life.
    Hugs to you!!!
    Suzann ~xoxo~

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  57. Very very very sorry for your loss...
    I had a ginger male for 15yrs...still miss him.
    Hope in time memories of him bring you happiness and not pain.
    Pamela xo

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  58. Laurie, my heart aches for you as I read your post. I have tears in my eyes, and I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Toby. He was a beautiful boy. I think only animal lovers like us truly know how painful it is to lose a fur child. I am sending your big hugs, and praying that God will lift your heavy heart.

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  59. Laurie,
    My heart breaks for you! I had to do the same just a few short weeks ago with my beautiful black labrador. Sending you hugs....so sorry.

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  60. Hey Laurie, you have a few more messages at:

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150341507751141&set=a.192514281140.164586.175378011140&type=1&theater

    Donna

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  61. Oh, Laurie. Tears fill my eyes as I read your post. Your words express perfectly the feelings of loss in such a sorrowful time.
    As a veterinarian, and a pet owner, I feel your loss. Toby looks like our Tony.
    It is a comfort to be able to release him back to our Lord, who created him in the first place, and loved him so much more than we ever could.

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  62. Laurie I am so sorry for your loss. These amazingpets tiptoe through our hearts and leave such wonderful paw prints and it is so hard to see them go. Praying for you today.
    hugs~

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  63. Toby is beautiful. I am so sorry for your loss. Our pets leave us too soon.

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  64. Oh Laurie, I am so sorry to hear this. I know how hard it is to lose our loved babies. You are so brave to do the right thing. We had to do the same for two of our oldest kitties this past year. They had gotten so weak and it just wasn't fair to keep them going just for us. It's so heart breaking. We just lost Bella from having snuck out one night never to be seen again. I don't know what's worse.
    Your Toby will live in your heart forever.

    I wish I could come over and give you a big hug,

    love,
    Carole

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  65. Laurie, I'm so sad to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to you. My little furbaby is at the rainbow bridge too, I'm sure we will see them again one day. Big ((hugs)) to you.
    alicia

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  66. I'm so sorry for your loss.

    Kathy

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  67. aw sooo sorry for your loss I know how sad it is to let them go...sending hugs and kisses to you xxx

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  68. Laurie - we will definitely be praying for your family. We believe like yall..there is no more pain and Toby is heaven with Tessa. God bless and heal your hearts oxox

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  69. I am sorry about your kitty. I know I will be going through this in the near future with my 14 year old kitty.
    I also wanted to let you know that I linked to your Pot post, I finally tried the mod podge.

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  70. So sorry Laurie. Sending you love and hugs.

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  71. Laurie,
    So beautifully written, and I too am taken with emotion for your Lion King (Toby) Tear :(

    This is the part of animal loving I dislike, having to come to terms they have to sometime or another leave us, its never easy and I feel for your empty heart!

    Loving thoughts your way.
    xoxo
    Dore

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  72. Oh Laurie,
    Feeling your sadness, sweetie...he was such a beautiful boy. What a joy we have been given to be able to bring these lovely creatures into our homes, and enjoy the uniqueness of each fabulous one. I know he was sooo special.

    Praying that your heart will be filled with peace, and God will soothe and nourish your soul through this difficult time.

    Big (((hugs)))
    Becky

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  73. Oh Laurie, I'm soo very sorry to hear of your loss. He was a beautiful boy! Such a beautiful post for him...very lovely! Sending hugs your way sweetie!
    xoxokathee

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  74. Oh Laurie...so sorry for your loss.
    Sending hugs to you.
    xo

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  75. I'm sure your hearts will ache for a long time. My sympathies to you.

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  76. I am not doing a very good job of holding back my tears for your loss and the memory of my cat I lost 2 1/2 years ago, Charlie. He was 10 years old but had developed kidney disease. I had been hydrating him for over 2 years, but it finally got to him and the hydration didn't help.

    Tears for you and for me... Mary in Oregon

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  77. Beautifully written...I imagine he loved you as much as you did him.

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  78. so sorry Laurie. a big *squeeze hug* to you.

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  79. I'm so sorry for your loss of your beautiful cat. I know how hard that feels. Take care sweet Laurie.
    Lara

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  80. I was just passing through your blog.I have 2 cats my oldest daughter has 3.I think of the days to come,the days when we will no longer have the sweetness they bring to our lives.So sorry for your loss,memories are kept forever inside us.~~~Becky

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  81. Oh Laurie....I am sorry for your loss:(
    Pets bring so much happiness and joy to our lives. We are truly blessed to have them in our lives. You will forever have the memories of your sweet lion king:)
    xo
    Heather

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  82. Oh Laurie!! Tears are flowing for you right now! We have two fur babies of our own. Our Oldest is 10 and our youngest 9. They are the light of our lives besides our actual children. They love us no matter what and are always there to cheer us up. My heart breaks for you knowing indeed how much you truly loved him! Many hugs!

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  83. (( Hugs )) to you Laurie. Rest in the Lord until a better day.

    Gloria in Virginia

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  84. I just wrote about losing two of our babies within a day. They had been with me forever...I so know your pain.
    I do believe our three are playing together just over the Rainbow Bridge.
    Blessings to you sweet friend.
    xo, misha

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  85. Oh my gosh Laurie, this is so incredibly sad and he was so precious--I am so sorry for your loss...our pets are so close to us and unless people have them, they don't have a clue how they tug at our heartstrings.
    XO
    Cindy

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  86. I'm so sorry to hear this. He is beautiful. Just two days before this I lost my Sal.... I wrote a tribute also. Oh, how I miss her. Your beautiful marmalade cat touches my heart.

    http://oatmealandwhimsy.blogspot.com/2013/08/my-sal.html?m=0

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