Wednesday 11 August 2010

The Cat And His Girl.

How do you console an inconsolable child when her most beloved cat dies?


Our lovely Oz was killed on Monday and My Only Girl is bereft. We all are really. He was the most cuddly , affectionate ridiculous cat who loved being the centre of attention and was happiest in someone's arms.
Ozymandias.

I will miss his little face looming out of the darkness at the window, tripping over him as he lies in the middle of the kitchen floor belly up waiting for you to stop and rub his tummy, that cheeky look on his face that he knows you won't resist. His little tapping footsteps on my bedroom floor in the morning and the gentle weight of him landing on us with a quiet 'hey! C'mon! I'm hungry!'

But most of all, what breaks my heart is how much she misses him. 
Her little friend.

28 comments:

Martin said...

So sad to hear about Oz. There is no quick cure when your heart is broken in this way, is there? But you will all remember him with great affection, and that will never die.

Beck said...

So sad to hear about your dear cat. I still have a broken heart from many years ago when my little dog, Spud, was hit by a car. These beautiful companions of ours can never be replaced. I feel for your daughter, I hope she can smile again soon xo

Elisabeth said...

It's strange how much your own pain at such a loss pales in comparison to the pain of your child. I'm sorry for all of you. He certainly looks to be a very special cat.

Jodi Kendall said...

oh no! so sorry to hear of the news of your cat's passing... pets really are family members... sending positive thoughts your way.

Unknown said...

That's so horrible, I'm so sorry to hear about it. Did he get out accidentally? That's so tragic :( Outside cats have about half the lifespan expectancy as inside cats. So dangerous for them :(

Sixteen Chickens said...

Oh sweet little thing... loves first losses are hard on us all.

Susan said...

I am so sorry, Ciara. I cannot imagine losing our own little Honey Cat but I know, in reality, one day it will happen. My heart goes out to you and to your girl. Susan

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Oh Ciara. I'm not sure that words exist to truly help. Only time can smooth the sharp edges of grief into sweet memory. I am so very sorry. All of you will be in my prayers today.

affectioknit said...

Oh no! I'm so sorry for your loss...

...blessings and peace...

Stephanie V said...

It doesn't get any easier no matter how old you get. Losing a loved friend seems to be a sorrow that you will never get over. But you learn to live without - all the while keeping that friend safe in a corner of your heart.

Ellen said...

We too lost a beloved kitty and yes it was my then 13 year old. His name was Milo and he liked to play Fetch. He was a Sealpoint Siamese with an abundance of personality.
We had moved to a new house in the country. We had kept all our cats in the house for a week to get them familiar with their new surroundings. I would have kept them in longer and wish I had. One day out and we never saw him again. We went to the old neighborhood hoping he had gone there...no...we sadly learned a hard lesson...coyotes
My daughter was beside herself and the grief she went through I will never forget nor her...lots of hugs, holding and comfort...I am so sorry.

Liz of Wool Boutique said...

Deepest, deepest sympathy.

Your Oz looks and sounds like my Oscar, which makes me feel for you so much.

Best wishes to you and your girl during this difficult time :(

Fiona said...

I'm so sorry to hear about oz.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

So sorry to hear about your loss. Our pets do become part of the family. My first dog, Toni, was mine from the time was 2 until I was 17 -- I'm 44 now, her picture sits in a little silver frame in my bedroom and I still think about her this day. Sending all good wishes your way for peace and blessings, Tammy

Rebecca S. said...

So sorry to hear of the loss of your lovely black cat. I lost an affectionate black cat once too. It was all the more sad as I could barely remember a time when he did not belong with our family. I hope your girl will find some healing with time, but she will cry often for a while. It's only natural. We did.

One Woman's Thoughts said...

Ah . . . pets have such special places in our hearts, don't they? I think of my little pets gone for may years now and still get watery eyed.
Give her lots of hugs and love. My condolences to your whole family. I agree with T's Daily Treasure. A nice little photo that can be tucked away now and brought out later on when the pain is not so fresh, put in a nice little frame meant a lot to me.

denise said...

Losing a pet is so so hard, and there is no consoling...just love. Sweet kitty.

Kerry O'Gorman said...

That's truely the hardest part of having pets...the other night I watched a movie called Shadowlands where a wife is dying and she tells the husband that the happiness they have now is part of the pain he will feel. It all means love and good memories. Hope your girl has a few good ones.

Drawn to The Sea said...

How very sad. Sweet kitty will always live in her heart, & that lovely photo will be one of her life treasures.

O'Daly John said...

Very sorry to heard about Oz ! A very nice cat... Still we came back, Mathilde talks about Oz each day. She have his picture beside her bed... we won't tell her, she may not understand !!!

Ciara Brehony said...

Thank you all so much for your heartfelt words. I knew there would be any number of you out there with similar stories.
She is doing fine, but still so sad and missing him every day. It was when I washed and put away his little bowl that I had a good old cry. We'll be fine though, and it's so good to know so many of you understand.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Ciara x

Emma said...

It is so, so sad. Poor little Oz and sweet Finn. He will live in her heart always.

Mise said...

Poor Only Girl, that's such hard going.

Annah said...

Hi Finn,

Thinking of you lots. I was always amazed at Oz, and how he let you fold him into your arms and was content to stay there. Our cats don't do that. Ever! I know you have wonderful memories of him, and someday when and if you are ready to get another cat, my sister has loads.She is a full time volunteer for Last Hope Animal Charity, and is always looking for special people to take her animals.

Love, and hope to see you all soon, Annah and boys xxx

Elizabeth said...

Oh, how terrible -- I am so sorry for you, the cat, your girl. Please give her my condolences. My girlhood cat was named Tigger, and he, too, was hit by a car after a long life. I was so sad -- it's a bit of a rite of passage and a sorrowful one, I think.

Blessings --

Gray said...

Talk to her and let her cry as much as she can. When I was about her age I lost my cat too... you feel so silly being so upset about an animal but at the same time it is heartbreaking. Cuddles, love and time will stop the hurt but wont help her forget.

Pretty Things said...

I just lost my 19-year old cat who I've had with me for half my life. It devastated me. I wrote about it on my blog a few weeks ago.

I finally got the nerve to sign up to volunteer at the local shelter. I start orientation on Saturday next. I hope it helps me heal.

I'll be thinking of you and your daughter.

Chez Zizi said...

I am so sad for you and your girl. As my Lola gets older I wonder how we will all feel - she isn't the snuggliest cat but she loves us and we love her. It will just take some time.
Zizette