Friday, June 13, 2008

Monkey.


Monkey
April 1993 - June 13, 2008

Monkey came to live with me on my college graduation day - a gift. She was such a tiny kitten! She was so full of love and energy - she shied from strangers, but always had her favorite people. Monkey lived all around the US. Illinois, New Mexico, Florida, Wisconsin. When the boys came she was already an older kitty - and preferred to visit from a distance at first, but warmed up to their attention and allowed them more touch and snuggles. She liked to spend every evening curled up on a blanket on my lap as I worked on my computer.


The past few weeks her illness (cancer) started really affecting her, and this week had been having a hard time breathing and moving and stopped eating. The boys have been talking to her, caring for her, and giving her lots of love. Today was our day to say goodbye.


We said our goodbyes, gave treats and snuggles, told her stories, and sang her soft songs. She is very missed by all of us, especially the two little boys who loved her so dearly.

35 comments:

Anet said...

Oh Denise, I'm so sorry for your family. It's so very hard. Monkey was a very lucky kitty to have such a long life with a loving family. She sure is beautiful.
You made Monkey's last days very comforting for her. I hope your family is well. God Bless!

Jodi Anderson said...

Aw, I am SO sorry, Denise. I really, really feel for you.

If there is one thing I know for sure, it is that the grief for a pet, who to me are somewhat like children, is no less mourned than that of any human. They live on in our hearts forever.

Much love to you all.

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

Oh I am so sorry. That is so so hard.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your family's loss, Denise. It's so hard to lose a pet. It looks like she was very well loved by all.
Hugs

tiff said...

oh...tears...just through your words and pictures you can tell how much Monkey was loved & part of your family! my heart goes out to all of you as you get through this rough patch.

hugs to you all!

Gypsy said...

Oh, what a lovely tribute. Monkey was obviously an amazing companion.

Cloudberry said...

I'm sorry for you loss.

Lynch Family said...

I am so sorry. What a sweet kitty, who had a sweet life, in a sweet family--thinking of you.

Anonymous said...

i'm so sorry for your loss.

Tara said...

So sorry for you and the boys.. Monkey looks like a fine cat... loyal and affectionate. Owen and I are sending best wishes to all.

Tammy said...

Hugs to you and your family. Pets are so much a part of our families and so missed when they leave us. My thoughts are with you.....

Sharon said...

She's beautiful. I hope the boys are okay. I know words won't help so I'll leave it at that.....

AnnMarie said...

::hugs:: I know what this is like, as I had a cat, Pi, just die in April. And the cat that will always be "my cat," Shmi, died 18 months ago.

Our Home Schooler and Jen said...

HUGS to you all
shes at rest now
Jen

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry Denise. My sweet girl, Pearl, has been gone for five years now and not a day goes by when I don't think of her. I got her before I was married and had kids and she saw me through all of that, many moves and a divorce. They are companions like no other. Thinking of you.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry Denise. My sweet girl Pearl passed away five years ago and not a day goes by when I don't think of her. I got her before I was married and had kids and she saw me through all of that plus many moves and my divorce. They are companions like no other. Thinking of you.

Kitty Mommy said...

I'm so sorry. Hugs to you and the boys!

Maria said...

Oh Denise! I'm so very sorry. I got teary reading your post about saying good bye. Our family had to say good bye to our cat of 16 years last year at this time. My husband had her before I came along. We were so shaken by that crazy cats death. We still miss her so much. Pets of long standing hold our history and all our love.
I'm so very sure that Monkey knew that too.
Thinking of you and your family!

Lisa Zahn said...

What a beautiful kitty. Sorry to hear the sad news. Lisa

Kat said...

A, G, D & B -

We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. It can be so hard to lose a family member, and it sounds like she enriched all of your lives.

What a beautiful kitten, I'm sure she'll become something beautiful in her next life as well.

Warmly,
K, B, O & Y

Lizz said...

Walk gentle and lightly into the next phase, Monkey. You will be missed here on earth!

dawn klinge said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss. That is so tough to lose a loved pet.

Lisa Anne said...

I am so sorry about your loss of monkey. I love my cats so much and know that it is no small loss you are going through. Lots of love....

thegoodwitch said...

I am so sorry. I lost my beloved cat to cancer as well -- a cancer caused by a vaccine. My tho'ts are with your family.

World Wide Alternative said...

Awwwwwwww.
We're so sorry for your loss...Xxx

Heaven said...

Oh I'm so sorry you lost your beloved furbaby. We lost our Minou last year, she was 18.

Tara said...

My thoughts are with all of you. We have two kitties in the house now, one 18 year old, and have lost three others to various illnesses in the past ten years. They bring such joy but it's heartbreaking when the time comes to say goodbye. Take care.

craftymama said...

i'm sorry about your kitty! check out the book "the 10th good thing about barney"- peace to you guys- sarah

Lisa said...

Awww, sweet Monkey! So sorry for your loss. It is hard to say goodbye to our furry babies.

Anonymous said...

Oh, my heart. We miss a Monkey too. Her name is Muji, and she now resides atop the mountain in the backyard, where monkeys and mujis enjoy the view forever.

Anonymous said...

I'm so so sad for your loss, Denise. Those pictures just have me in tears. We haven't lost a family pet yet, and I can't imagine how tough it is to watch your kids weep in grief. Hugs!

Stephanie said...

Oh, I am so sorry. This is one of the hardest things.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry that Monkey's time has come. I'm sure you all miss her very much. I also have a cat that we got right after graduating from college, and while he's still healthy, he's so skinny, and much more needy than ever. It will be the first time my kids will experience someone dying.

Cami said...

I just wanted to say how sorry I am to read about the loss of your sweet kitty. One of our older kitties just passed away, too. The only bad thing about pets is knowing that some day you have to say good-bye. We have a very elderly dog and another older cat (they are both 17) and I know their time is coming soon. It's just so painful. I hope you take comfort in the wonderful life you provided for darling Monkey.

piscesgrrl said...

Awww I'm sorry about Monkey!