Teddy, my cat and companion for over seven years, passed away last night. His death was sudden but not unexpected as his health had been deteriorating for the past month. He had lost a lot of weight and recent blood work had shown problems with his kidneys, liver and blood cell counts. It was time.
I met him around 2017, when he was still a stray cat frequenting the area. A neighbor named him Teddy Bear, and as he became more comfortable and cuddly with me, it was clear the name suited him. He and my rabbit Ani got along well, and he would sometimes groom her, which she welcomed.
He became more comfortable visiting me until one day he walked in, sat down, and looked at me as if to ask “we’re good, right?” I sat down with him and that’s how it began.
We had problems in the early years, including a long hospital stay that many readers of this blog helped pay for, something I’ve never forgotten. His cheeks and neck were thick from scrapping with other cats, but once neutered he mellowed.
This is the very last photo of him, taken last Wednesday. If I have any regrets, it’s that I didn’t meet him sooner. I would have loved to have known him as a kitten. He was always gracious, affectionate, and easygoing with everyone he met. He accepted everything life gave him without fear or complaint. I was there when he ended, but I’ll always wonder how he began.
Oh Mike, I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. He is beautiful. I’m sure his years with you were the best of his life. Sending you big hugs at this sad time.
😭So, so sorry Mike.
I’m so sorry, Mike. He had a good life with you. 💔 sending virtual hugs.
🙁 <3
☹️
Mike I am so sorry to hear this. We are here for you.
I’m so, so sorry, Mike. You gave Teddy love, and a safe, loving home for the best 7+ years of his life. Always remember that he chose you. You were as special to him as he was to you….
But they never live long enough, do they? Lots of hugs coming from Canada today!
Pets are the very best! And Teddy will always live on in your heart. <3
Teddy lived his best possible life after choosing you, despite the cicumstances. I’m so sorry for your loss, Mike.
You have my heartfelt condolences, Mike. Teddy was a Good Cat and so very lucky to have you. I know you felt lucky to have him, too, even through the toughest times, and you will miss him deeply. I send you my best wishes for strength and comfort as you adjust to life without his daily physical presence.
Oh, Mike, I’m sorry. It’s so hard to say goodbye to our friends. I am happy that you gave each other a good life.
So sorry to hear about Teddy, he was such a handsome boy. The CDS realized he’d have a great home with you. Sending healing hugs.
I’m so sorry. You were lucky you had each other. At their ends, the shock and pain at how much shorter their lives are than we emotionally expected/ wanted them to be is hard.
My deepest condolences, Mike. Thank you for sharing your Teddy and Ani with us, just as we share the joys and heartaches of our furry companions with you. I’d like to think they all get together and talk about their humans, in whatever passes for animal heaven. I bet they share crazy stories about us, too!
Oh, no! I’m so very sorry, Mike. Teddy was a very handsome boy and you gave him a wonderful life. He knew love and compassion because of you. Sending you hugs.
I’m so sorry, Mike. It’s never easy to lose our fur babies. Sending virtual hugs.
Wow,
I remember those pic’s of Teddy and Ani. Such sweeties.
I’m so sorry to hear that Teddy has left, and I am glad that you have so many wonderful memories of your years together.
So very sorry, Mike. You gave Teddy an amazing life, and he gave you lots of love in return.
I’m so sorry for your loss. There’s never enough time with our animals. So happy you found each other.
Mike, I feel for you and know it’s never, ever easy to lose a beloved pet. Teddy chose wisely and you and Ani gave him a loving home. The memories will help keep him close to you.
Thank you one and all for your kind words. I regret not sharing more Teddy pictures all this time, but I’ll make up for that over the coming days.
But I can’t right now because as fate would have it I’m babysitting Dexter, the cat of the neighbor who named Teddy, and he’s parked on my lap. So we’re both getting the companionship we need right now. And I can’t feel my legs.
💗💗💗
Dexter knows you need comforting. Enjoy it, numb legs and all.
🩵🩵🩵🩵
❤️
Deepest condolences from all of us – two and four legged. What a sweet soul that beautiful Cat was, and how much love he exudes, even just in pictures! Thank you for sharing him with us.
Go gently over the Bridge, Teddy. Please say hi to Lor and Dmitri for me, they will be there to welcome you.
If love could have saved you, our pets would live forever.
Aww Mike, I am so sorry for your pain. I feel you, deeply. Lost my boy Peyton in Jan. and still not “over it”. I’m sending you kindred feelings and the biggest damn hug one can send. Teddy is wonderful; (I refuse to speak in past tense of those we continue to love).
And you are wonderful for giving all of us your time and goodness to share the sweeties we enjoy and carry in our hearts.
Deepest sympathy, friend.
Another hug.
I’m so sorry, Mike 🙁
Oh Mike!I feel so close