Sunday, November 25, 2007

Off Topic - The Death of a Good Friend

Those looking for a television-related entry might want to skip this one.

On Saturday, November 24th, my cat Teaser died. He was a constant companion and a great comfort in my life for fifteen years. He hasn't been in good health this past year, but took a sudden turn for the worse about a week ago. There have been issues with feline urinary tract disease, a hyperactive thyroid, and then kidney disease. Last week, he lost interest in food. I took this photo several months ago as he slept in "his" rocking chair.

Oh, but what a great friend he's been. In 1992, I lost my 19 year-old cat. After about a month, I knew needed to have a cat in my life and my veterinarian, an inner-city vet in CT, had a litter of kittens abandoned in front of his animal hospital. He found homes for all of them except one rather plain-looking little gray tabby. One look and I was hooked. He jumped right out of the cage and onto my shoulder. I took him home that day. He weighed less than a pound and a half.

Feeling guilty for leaving such a small kitten alone at home while I was off to work, I adopted another kitten the same age (give or take a week) about a week later. I chose her out of a litter abandoned at the same vet, the first cat I actually ever picked out -- others in my life, including Teaser, sort of came to me. She's a wonderful cat but he was so special.

Teaser and I would play "where's that cat" almost every day. I'd say "where's that cat," he would run and hide, and I'd have to look for him. I'd pretend to not know where he was and he'd leap out of hiding at me, run and hide once again. He was my lap cat, she doesn't like laps or being picked up (although she's very affectionate and a licker, too). He was the cat who could purr forever.

When I went to bed, he'd curl up in the crook of my arm after circling twice. Then he'd put one paw over my wrist, purr until he thought I was asleep, then get up. He never spent the entire night sleeping in the crook of my arm, but it was our 20 minute every night at bedtime routine. If I was sitting, I could snap my fingers and he would stand on his hind feet for a head rub. He was a head-butter and a kneader.

He was my best friend in so many ways. Yes, I know cats aren't people, but the bond is still one of the strongest one can have.

I still have my other cat and, unlike Teaser she hasn't really had health issues over the years other than being overweight. She's wandering around the apartment looking a bit lost, and so am I. She and I will eventually get used to being a one cat household, but I'll always treasure the memories of one of the best cats ever in the world.

Rest in peace, Tizzerfuzz.

47 comments:

Anonymous said...

Awww Jackie, my heart goes out to you. Just remember, he's waiting at the bridge, having a great time. RIP Teaser.

-Jenny

lynn1 said...

Jackie,
I am so sorry to hear about Teaser. He was a very special cat. I do know the pain and grief for the loss of a special pet can be as great as for a person.
I hope in time all your tears will be replaced by happy memories.
I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Lynn 1

Anna Reid said...

Jackie,
I'm a Big Brother follower, but I still check in here sometimes. I am so sorry to here about your cat. My Echo died 10 yrs ago on my brthday no less. It is a sad, sad thing. You don't need to minimize it by saying he was just a pet. He was part of your life. I am sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

I feel for you...Jackie, I know the void the loss of a beloved friend can be...tears for the loss of Teaser. Thank you for offering this look at what a marvelous friend he was to you. Hugs!!!

Anonymous said...

Ah,Jackie,this is hard to write through the tears. So,so sorry for the loss of your beloved companion. They give so much love,comfort and devotion and it does leave a huge hole in your heart when they leave us.You have my deepest sympathy and warm thoughts.

I,too,lost a wonderful buddy on my birthday 7 years ago. He was the cat my husband brought in to replace my 17 years old yellow tabby. He could have been Barney's twin,and I wasn't ready for him. I didn't want him and was determined NOT to let him get to me.But get to me he did and I loved him like no other cat.When he died,I was desolate for weeks.No other cat will be Bandit,the one that stole my heart! He was a championship purrer,too.

Just remember all the joy he brought to your life!

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. My pets have always held a special place in my heart. Who else loves you solely based on how you treat them? Teaser is playing "where's the cat" with the other kitty you lost now, waiting for the day you join them! hugs!

Mrs O'Malley said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. My cat was 15 when I put him down last year - and he was my best friend too.

My thoughts are with you.

Anonymous said...

hi jackie....just checking in to see how things were (i am a bb fan) and was saddened to hear of your loss. the loss of a pet is devestating. just know that i am praying for you.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry Jackie. I have a dog that just turned 13, knowing her time is drawing short, I feel your pain. You're correct, they are not human, but they are your children.

You're in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Jackie, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your cat, Teaser. The picture of Teaser brought back memories of mywonderful cat Trouble. The name fit him perfectly. It is always difficult to lose something you love. Reading your story gave me the feeling that he was a wonderful friend and companion. My thoughts will be with you. Karen

Anonymous said...

Jackie;

Gee, I am so sorry to hear about the death of your constant companion, Teaser. I can relate. My husband and I have a beloved pet that brings us much joy! Prissy is like our child! Especially since our youngest son is in graduate school. My brother had a beloved dog "Boomer" who was his best friend and companion. Boomer even saved his life several years ago when he was shot by some troubled youth. He won the local news station (Atlanta, GA) "Dog of the Year" contest a couple of years ago! We all grieved Boomer's death a year ago last October. Then to make it worse, we lost our beloved Mother in May and Dad in July of this year. My brother says that Boomer's death was the beginning of a difficult year. We are looking forward to a better "08"
Take care, grieve needs time.

Anonymous said...

Jackie, You may see Teaser again sooner than you would think. A few days after our senior dog had passed away suddenly, both my husband and I saw her at the same time, heading for "her" room to go to bed. We really don't believe in this kind of thing, but even though seeing her was a shock, it was kind of a comfort as well.

Anonymous said...

Jackie--this is a sad time for you....hope you feel the warmth of all the hugs coming your way from all of your cyper-family. Look at your pics of Teaser, remember the joy he brought you, cry the tears of sadness, and be thankful he was in your life for so long.
Pets are like a member of our family and though it is hard to lose them when they have been sick it is better(for them) to let them go......

Anonymous said...

I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS JACKIE. I KNOW I WOULD BE SO LOST WITHOUT MY OSCAR. TEEZER WILL ALWAYS BE IN YOUR HEART.
MELODY

Anonymous said...

So sorry about the loss of your cat. I have 4 cats now, and have had a few others, that I still miss and think about often. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jackie, Teaser is a part of our community, his passing reminds us all of someone or something. Thanks to you for that. As I read the comments, I was thinking just exactly what Susan in fl wrote...or almost exactly at least. After our long lived, long loved Siamese was gone, we could still hear her talking to us evdry once in a while, or see her move out of the corner of an eye. Strange, yes. Not something I expected, yes. But true. Listen and especially watch your other cat and you may see what we mean. But then, my mother leaves me pennies from Heaven, so what do I know. Sue

Anonymous said...

Jackie,

My cat, Plato Ellen (all my pets have my middle name), and I extend sympathy and soft meows in your direction at the loss of Teaser. Thanks for sharing such a personal glimpse and reminding all of us grief, no matter in what form or for whom, is a part of what makes us have fond memories.

Regards,
Julie (and Plato Ellen)

joy n said...

I just read your very eloquent words about your loss of your cat, Teaser. My heart truly goes out to you.

The loss of a much beloved pet is a very difficult experience to endure. I know how sad you must be. The love you received all those years will be forever etched in your heart.

Just know that Teaser knew that you were always there for him and loved you for it as much as you loved him.

Anonymous said...

Oh Jackie, Im am so sorry and sad with you about Teaser. He sounded like a real pal...those are rare I think..sometimes cats are so independent they dont need us, but he sounds like one of the good ones.
I have told you about my Solomon, he was one of those same felines, that just "get us" humans.
(((Jackie))) so, so, sorry.

Anonymous said...

Jackie, I am also saddened and sorry to hear about the loss of Teaser. I pray that your warm and happy memories of Teaser will comfort you and ease some of your grief.

Anonymous said...

Jackie,
Sorry to hear about your beloved friend, Teaser. May he rest in peace. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

jl

Joanie said...

Jackie,

I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your cat Teaser. I know you will missing me greatly.

Please know that your blogger friends are here if and when you need us.

Joanie

Auntie Leigh said...

So, Jackie...just want to leave my condolences for the loss of your dear Teaser. Your "cyber-family" and blogger fans are here for you. You wrote a nice tribute to him. I had been hoping to hear some news of him, but was sorry to find out the news was bad. Again...so so sorry. Love,
Auntie Leigh

Laurie said...

Jackie,
My deepest sympathies on the death of your beloved Teaser. You two shared a special bond that will not be broken just because he's gone. Your memories will always be with you and someday they will give you great comfort. Please accept the love from your friends as you deal with your grief.
((((Jackie))))

Shel said...

(((((((((((((Jackie))))))))))))

I'm so sorry :( Sending good thoughts to you!!

Zoetawny said...

Jackie,

I'm so sad for you I can hardly type. My heart is aching with you for the loss of Teaser. He must have been a very special cat. It's so true that our pets become a very important part of our family. They give us so much unconditional love. Their loss causes such intense pain and grief. May the joy of his life and happy tender memories overcome your sadness and grief in time. I know he had a very good life living with someone like you... so caring and thoughtful.

Thank you for being brave enough to post this sad news. I had been wondering how your cat was doing but a little afraid to ask. Hope it's of some comfort that we all share your grief.

I made you an "Ode to Teaser" graphic with the photo of him in this post which I will email shortly.

Holding you in my thoughts and prayers.
xoxo

Karen said...

Oh Jackie I am so sorry about teaser I lost my beloved Slobbers in September she was a Rottie. She got sick and too lost intrest in food I took ehr to the vet to find out her liver and kidneys were failing. It is hard ot loose an animal they are like your own kids. RIP Teaser maybe you and slobbers can playtogether slobbers is great with cats

Anonymous said...

Jackie,

I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I have four cats myself and they are my life. I know the pain of losing a cat as I have lost two of my furry friends in past years. You will always have him in your heart.
Maria

Anonymous said...

Jackie-
I understand your pain. My greatest sympathy to you and your other kitty. The death of a furry friend is so hard. He is living without pain in kitty heaven.
I've been sitting here crying with you reading all the wonderful tributes to you friend.
Peace
Margo

monty924 said...

Oh Jackie, so sorry to hear that Teaser lost his battle. He sounds so much like my Tabby. I cried through the entire post. I hope you remember all the good times and both you and the other kitty find peace being without him.

I'm feeling so sad for you! ~Peace

dla said...

My friend,

My heart goes out to you in your time of loss.

I am convinced that Teaser is running like the wind with my AJ & Jazz, and they are waiting for us at Rainbow Bridge.

Purring, kneading, batting and playing tag...

Take care of you. They become your family, and the hurt runs deep.

(((hugs)))

Susan in MA said...

Please accept my condolences. I am SO sorry. I do know how you feel. My Boomer came with me when I moved to my present home. (He hid under the bed for about a week, LOL).
He would do the same thing: he would sleep on my chest for amost exactly 15 minutes, then go curl up at the foot of the bed. He was about 12, but he was my big baby.
He disappeared, and it broke my heart. I'd had several cats, and they all went missing(where I live now). It was coyotes.
I have my 'companion' Zoey, now, and she is more aloof, too, but I love her. When you live alone they are a great comfort. I make sure she's inside at 3pm, and I'll probably not get another cat because of the coyotes in the area.

Take care, Jackie.
~Susan

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to say how sorry I was to hear about the loss of your friend. I've also lost friends, too many, it seems and it's never easy. I loved the story about how he ignored all of the other potential adoptive parents to wait for you. It makes me want to cry.
Hang in there.

Love
Kay

meb said...

Jackie I write this through tears, but need to add my heartfelt sympathy to you. Our animals are a wonderful part of our lives and we miss them forever when they leave us. Just know he's in a better place and he isn't sick anymore.

Anonymous said...

Jackie,
I am so so sorry to hear you lost your best buddy and dear friend. My heart goes out to you after reading your wonderful tribute to your friend.
Hang in there.......
Janice/GA

Anonymous said...

Oh, Jackie how terrible for you.
I'm so sorry that you're going through this sad time.
We had to put our beloved "Panda Bear" down two years ago after 14 years of great company and it still brings a tear to my eye when I think of how sweet he was.
Give yourself time to grieve, and don't let anybody tell you otherwise! Sending you warm thoughts,
Anne in Stamford

Sydney said...

Such a beautiful picture of Teaser Jackie! Makes me want to reach through the computer and stroke his handsome nose.

I'm unfortunately terribly allergic to animals but a HUGE animal lover. (If it weren't for the allergy I'd have made my life's work with animals). Before I developed these allergies I was able to have one cat, which I picked out from my sister's cat's litter when he was only a week old. He looked so fuzzy (and because I was only ten years old) I named him Puff after my mother's 50's era poweder puffs... Prince Puff Puff the Third, to be exact...much to his chagrin I expect, as he was such a macho kitty. (Got in scrapes with the neighborhood cats all the time even though he was spayed). I think he was fighting to overcome his rather wussy name.

When you were describing the games you and Teaser played, it brought me back to the incredibly special relationship I had growing up with that kitty as my best friend and play pal -- all my sibs were older and out of the house. We did a game where I'd slide toilet paper under the bathroom door (formica floor and the door was cut for high carpet). Puff would pounce from the other side as I pulled it slowly towards me. I'd see everything from just his claws coming under the door to his whole paw and arm up to his shoulder as he twised and turned on the other side, trying to get at the flimsy white tissue. ENDLESS amusement for BOTH of us!

Teaser's bedtime ritual was just wonderful to read about. That is a real loss and I shed a tear. Sending a big hug your way.

Arlene said...

Jackie

I am so sorry to hear about your cat. My prayers go out to you. A lost is a lost no matter who or what it is. Hang in there. You have been through it once before so you know it takes time to heal.

RBennie said...

My condolences to you Jackie on the loss of Teaser. I have a 16 year old cat named Jazz and I often worry about how much longer she'll be with us.

Anonymous said...

JACKIE
I know how it is to lose your pet..
i have lost several cats. and one was very very special.. and whos to say it is nothing because it is a cat.. that is ridiculous. ( but believe me i have heard those same remarks in the past) my cat is a person to me and very loving.. better than real people..lol.
so sorry for your lost.

Anonymous said...

Jackie, I believe that when we are very, very lucky we get to have a special cat enter our lives. Mine was Harry S. Truman (we always name our cats after President's). He too was a gray cat. After a neighborhood punk kicked in his face, breaking his jaw (on Christmas Eve) Harry didn't care for other people. He tolerated our grandchildren, loved Daddy, accepted Momma, really loved Tommy, but me he adored. He was hell on birds. We called him the Mighty Hunter. I was heartbroken the day I had to send him to the Bridge. A few days later I walked across the back yard to where he was buried. Out of the sky fell one small little feather. No bird around. I took it as my sign that Harry was okay. I still have the framed feather. Several cats have followed, but none have left the paw prints on my heart like Harry.

Debbie P said...

Jackie, I am so very sorry for your loss.
I check your blog often because I simply love it and hated to see the news.
Snuggle the other Kitty and think about getting another really soon.
Thank you for sharing Teaser with us and including a picture.
Debbie in Asheville, NC

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear about your loss.. I lost my Kitty after 21 years. SHe was my bet friend and I even named her as my first word was "Ahhh Kitty" My thoughts are with you as lossing a special friend like a pet can be as bad as lossing a family member. (because they are family)

Anonymous said...

Jackie-

I'm so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. I hope everything will get better for you in time.

Pickles

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry, Jackie. I lost my sweet cat in September and so I have some idea what you are going through. I still find myself crying at times-- it just comes out of the blue. The first weekend was awful and I felt very lost too. I have another cat, but for some reason I was way more emotionally connected to the one who died. I think that she needed me more...

I have since gotten another kitten, more to keep my other cat company than because I was really ready to have one although she is very cuddly and cute. My older cat doesn't look lonely anymore, although she looks plenty irritated at being chased around by the kitten. I'm glad that you write about your loss here. I'll be thinking of you.

Anonymous said...

Dear Jackie,

I know you and I know how you feel about Teaser. I am sorry to hear that you had to make that agonizing decision. It tears at your soul and leaves a wound that is deep and slow to heal. You always did your best for him and were the most perfect human companion that he could have had. Know that part of that was knowing , no matter how painful, when to end his suffering.
My thoughts are with you, my dear sister. Love, Russ

Anonymous said...

Jackie, I'm so sorry to hear about Teaser. He sounded like he was a wonderful friend to you. His loss is a lot for you to handle now, but it does get better, I promise. It just takes time. Hugs to you and Scherzo.

Di