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General Category => Matters of Life and The Universe => Topic started by: Charger on February 27, 2021, 01:07:46 PM

Title: Goodbye Leo.
Post by: Charger on February 27, 2021, 01:07:46 PM
Well today the thing I've been dreading for some time now happened...My companion, my best friend, my brother of nearly 19 years passed away.

He'd been ill for a couple of months now, some breathing issues and loss of weight. Cancer was the unverified theory.

Very interesting thing happened yesterday...he wanted to go out. It's been almost a full month that he hasn't even wanted to go out much and I wasn't too keen on letting him go anyways....but yesterday he went to the door and meowed which he almost never does...so I thought why not. So we went out for a walk in the garden, by the greenhouse and sat on the garden bench for a good half an hour. He was just sitting there looking around next to me.

So I do ponder did he know? Is that why he wanted to go out...like for one last time? He was a 100% out doors cat anyways..he was always out with me when ever I was doing something in the yard or at the greenhouse...It's like he wanted to feel the fresh air breeze one more time...and what a day he picked too as it was full on sunny and very spring-like day..this first one this year in fact. Temp was in the high 30s(F) and everything.

But today was a totally different day...he could barely walk...and then he just collapsed on the floor where he lied for some while before finally letting go about an hour ago...I was by his side the whole time, part from the very end but my mom luckily was there with him as I was outside manufacturing a coffin which I thought I would have had enough time to finish before the end but I did not unfortunately.

Been crying all day...it's crazy how much it hurts...but then again he wasn't just a pet, like I said he was family...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50986389616_916456fe94_z.jpg)

Goodbye brother...I'll miss you like crazy.


Also I might not be very active here for the next few days...or I might be very active depending on the mood...I have to go to work tonight and I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing...but atleast it stops me from getting shitfaced which is something I probably would have done otherwise.
Title: Re: Goodbye Leo.
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on February 27, 2021, 01:21:15 PM
I'm so sorry to hear that Charger, and yes, they are like family, and in som eways it's worse than losing a family member because they are so helpless and can't tell you what's wrong.

It does sound like Leo knew the end was near and wanted to have one last look at his kingdom.

I'm sure you'll never forget him, it sounds like he was special cat. But give a while and go and get a rescue cat it sounds like you need a cat in your life.

I'm feeling somewhat sad too now. :(
Title: Re: Goodbye Leo.
Post by: Tyr66 on February 27, 2021, 01:30:13 PM
oooh , so sorry for your loss brother. I wish you'll find the strengh to get through this painful and difficult period. Leo is undoubtedly in a place full of peace and goodwill, but forever in your heart.
Animals are better friends than humans.
Stay strong mate, there will be better days ...
Title: Re: Goodbye Leo.
Post by: Charger on February 27, 2021, 01:34:07 PM
Thanks so much guys!

And yes Tyr I fully agree that animals are better friends than humans...their love is rather unconditional and 100% pure.

Your support means a lot in this.



I'm luckily not totally catless as I've got this furry little bugger to keep me company:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50427676597_149fec136c_z.jpg)

But Sly's a very different beast from Leo...but he's still young...just 18 months....but we started to bond more and more already..


Title: Re: Goodbye Leo.
Post by: Thelemech on February 27, 2021, 01:35:23 PM
I fully understand what you are going through - I still think of my cat Garfield everyday.

Stay strong and know that he lives on in your memory, and will never leave your side.

Title: Re: Goodbye Leo.
Post by: Typhon on February 27, 2021, 02:37:26 PM
So sorry for your loss, Charger.  For a cat to be a part of your life for so long, must make it especially difficult.  Hang in there, and yes, I think it is better that you go to work and stay busy.
Title: Re: Goodbye Leo.
Post by: Zzzptm on February 27, 2021, 02:50:08 PM
They know when it's time. And it's never easy. Very sorry for Leo's passing, glad you have a young feline friend to help you through things.
Title: Re: Goodbye Leo.
Post by: Jack the Stripper on February 27, 2021, 03:02:02 PM
So sorry for your loss Charger. Losing a much loved pet/family member is one of the toughest  things to have to go through. But take comfort in knowing that you provided Leo a wonderful and happy life the time he was here and that unconditional love was mutual.

Thinking of you today Charger.
Title: Re: Goodbye Leo.
Post by: Vyn on February 27, 2021, 05:23:26 PM
Man Charger, that's rough. Sounds like he had a good long life with you, and you can't ask for more than that. Still doesn't make it less painful. My thoughts are with you bud.
Title: Re: Goodbye Leo.
Post by: Scott on February 28, 2021, 04:25:20 AM
Oh Charger, I'm so sorry. Animals make better friends and family members than humans do IMO, but I'm sure Leo was glad that you were his best friend. You had near on 19 years together, that's a hell of an accomplishment.

Please give your furry little bugger a belly rub for me, assuming he likes them. I'm going to go and give my cheeky buggers some treats before my eyes well up.
Title: Re: Goodbye Leo.
Post by: Charger on February 28, 2021, 12:46:27 PM
Thanks guys! Means a lot...all of this support...you're a great bunch of fellows!


Leo sure as heck made my life better and I do hope I returned the favour...I think I did as much as I could anyways.

Next few days will be tough that's for sure..

I fould a nice natural rock that I made as a headstone...now I just need to either carve it or paint it...don't know which yet...don't really have proper tools for stone carving so might just paint his name on it...but I think it'll be a while before I can actually do that...bit too tough now..
Title: Re: Goodbye Leo.
Post by: Charger on February 23, 2022, 04:38:20 PM
Well the first anniversary of Leo's death is coming up and I thought I'd remember him by framing this nice pic of him I took the summer before...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51900811615_7445f849d7_c.jpg)


I thought he looked pretty smart in that pic...
Title: Re: Goodbye Leo.
Post by: Thelemech on February 24, 2022, 09:08:58 AM
That is a wonderful and beautiful picture.
Title: Re: Goodbye Leo.
Post by: Charger on February 24, 2022, 12:17:52 PM
Thanks buddy! I thought so too!
Title: Re: Goodbye Leo.
Post by: KiloDeltaCharlie on February 24, 2022, 12:25:07 PM
Lovely looking cat, almost regal.
Title: Re: Goodbye Leo.
Post by: Zzzptm on February 24, 2022, 09:22:20 PM
He's definitely a fine-looking fellow.
Title: Re: Goodbye Leo.
Post by: Vyn on February 25, 2022, 05:37:14 AM
Great picture!
Title: Re: Goodbye Leo.
Post by: Charger on February 25, 2022, 07:08:10 AM
Thanks guys.

It's crazy that it's been a year almost and I still sometimes find myself going "Where's Leo?"....he was such an integral part of my life for so long...hell half of it to be exact.
Title: Re: Goodbye Leo.
Post by: Typhon on February 25, 2022, 07:37:24 AM
^^^^^^
 :think: Didn't you have another younger cat?
How's he doing?
Title: Re: Goodbye Leo.
Post by: Charger on February 25, 2022, 08:11:22 AM
Yup. Sylvester.

He's doing alright.

Suffering a bit from the long haired cats problem...tangled hair. Had a big one in his neck which I had to cut off. But other than that he's alright. And been a big help over the year for sure.
Title: Re: Goodbye Leo.
Post by: Zzzptm on February 25, 2022, 08:44:32 AM
My Kyle has long tangles. I keep a pair of shears on my office table for when he wants to park on my lap, so I can take care of any big mats that he wasn't able to chew out on his own.
Title: Re: Goodbye Leo.
Post by: Charger on February 25, 2022, 04:38:24 PM
I occationally fear to use scissors because the tangles can be really close to the skin and I'm afraid of hurting him...especially since he's not one to stay still for very long! :D

I've been pondering if something like Philips One Blade or some other beard trimmer might work?



Title: Re: Goodbye Leo.
Post by: Charger on February 27, 2022, 03:54:18 PM
I went up and took a fresh candle to Leo's grave today...

It's hard to believe it's been a year already...Miss the little furry fellow a lot.