Clarence

[wednes]

Clarence T. Cat March 2000-August 2005

Clarence T. Cat died today from complications following stress from environmental changes. She was five years old.

Despite having a boy's name, Clarence was a very feminine and proud feline. She enjoyed collecting socks, licking plastic bags, and chasing laser dots. A lifelong resident of Michigan, Clarence also spent much of her time looking out the window. She occasionally pursued opportunities to be petted, and was especially fond of wads of crumpled paper. Clarence is survived by one sister, Pentelope, and her distraught human family: wednes, and H. Clarence will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family of Clarence asks that you all find your favorite cat and shower him/her with love.




I'd like to again thank everyone who sent monies and well wishes (and that is a LOT of you!). The people at Ann Arbor Animal Hospital were wonderful. Clarence is being cremated and I will be bringing her ashes home in a week or so. I am told that she stopped eating because of the stress of packing boxes and moving. This affected her liver and by today it had pretty much shut down. I was with her at the end, and she appeared to be comforted by that, despite my loud sobbing.

I am not sure that we will still be having a housewarming party, as it seems awful to celebrate the move that killed Clarence. Plus I'm still not so fond of this apartment anyway. We still haven't had a maintenance man out here. At the same time I do love making a bunch of food and having people over. Hopefully I'll be feeling up to that in a few weeks. So yeah, I'll keep everyone posted on that as we decide things.

Comments

[sudrin.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry. :(

[wednes.livejournal.com]

I daresay it's the worst thing I've ever had to do.

It was just awful.

[lostsatellite.livejournal.com]

I am really sorry for the loss of your cat...I wish that your move wasn't so stressful for her...I wish you would have had years of more time to spend with her...

this reminds me of when my own beloved Sylvester passed away last year...I'm not altogether sure what killed him...he was diagnosed with a hurt murmur a few months before he died...about a month before he died, I noticed that he didn't seem to be eating...my parents took him to the vet, and they gave him this liquid vitamin supplement that Sylvester really hated us giving to him...I think that stressed him out even more...my dad found him laying dead behind the litter box one morning, and woke me up to let me know that he passed away...I still have a hard time keeping back the tears when I think of what it was like to see him dead...I kept returning to where we had covered him and laid him to rest while we waited to find about cremating him, holding his paw and stroking his fur...much different than when he was alive, but it helped me start to come to terms with his death...

maybe if my parents had taken him to the vet again, we could have saved him...my mom almost wanted an autopsy to find out what was wrong, but we decided to just let that go...we cremated him, and once we got his ashes we buried him in his favorite corner in the backyard where he used to chew the long blades of grass...I'm glad that he was spared a long illness and that we didn't have to put him to sleep...but I still miss that little guy...

we do have Dusty and Daphne now, and those cats I would not even know if Sylvester were still with us...I shower them with attention every day...

*great hugs to you*

[wednes.livejournal.com]

I do recall you posting about Sylvester, I think. I had hoped I wouldn't have to make any kind of descision, but I do feel like we did everything we could for her.

I knew this move would lessen our overall quality of life, but I certainly didn't see this coming by a longshot. I am very grateful to have LJ which allows me to be in contact with so many supportive people. So that has been great. Even the worst things in life are made more manageable with some support.

Thank you again for all you've said and done in support of us.

[locakitty.livejournal.com]

Firstly, stop listening to REM, it'll just make it worse ;)
Secondly, I am so sorry to hear. Losing a pet is like losing a best friend. My sympathies. You might want to just postpone your party, but don't sequester yourself away from everyone. Remember, you are loved by all your friends and they are there for you to listen and lend a shoulder to lean on.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Our gathering isn't scheduled until the 28th, so I imagine I can pull myself together by then. I also think everyone will understand if I'm not my usual jovial self.

And thanks for the support and kindess during all this. My LJ friends were and are a tremendous comfort.

[deathscythe81.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear that...

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

Clarence T. Cat

[erisreg.livejournal.com]

my condolences,..:(

Re: Clarence T. Cat

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[fyreangel.livejournal.com]

*Hugs* I am sooooooo sorry for your loss :(

[wednes.livejournal.com]

It is leaving such a huge hole in my heart.

[flinx.livejournal.com]

*hug*

I'm sorry to hear about the lovely Clarence. It's doubly compounded by the general desire not to move out to your new pad in the first place.

If I still had my two cats, indeed I would shower them with extra attention. But, I don't have access to them anymore. =-(

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I have a lot of angry feelings about this as well as all the sad ones. It's a tough situation, because no one did anything wrong and there is really no blame to place anywhere. Yet, the circumstances are just such a fucking drag.

I'm sorry you don't see your cats anymore. I assume your ex is taking care of them? I imagine she is doing a good job.

[(Anonymous)]

I'm sorry. Poor little kitty. :(

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Thanks Amy ( I assume this is you), and thanks for the donates as well. Despite any other feelings I have had, I am most appreciative of the gesture.

[spun-lepton.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry. Poor little kitty. :(

[taryneve.livejournal.com]

Sad to hear about Clarence.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Very sad indeed.

[cmdavi-70.livejournal.com]

:( What a beautiful obituary and photo. You've got me shedding tears.

I don't know what to say. I've lost pets. I completely understand what you're going through. You and Clarence will be in my thoughts all weekend.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Thank you. That is my favorite pic of Clarence. H followed her around all afternoon to get it.

She was a wonderful pet, my favorite in fact. Until recently, she was the only pet I've ever had that never scratched, bit or clawed me at one time or another. She was just not herself at the end, it was awful to see. I suspect though, that she will come back as a bigger, stronger, hardier animal...probably a bull elephant or something. I think she'd like that as she was very much an Alpha-type personality.

[skryche.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Thank you for everything. I really needed the support and it meant a lot to me to hear so many kind words and to receive donates.

[gifgal.livejournal.com]

oh no, im sorry to read this happened! i will definitely pet my kitties a little extra today in honor of Clarence.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

I bet they'll like that!

[raggedrose.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry Clarence didn't make it! She had caring humans around her to the end, and yes, that *does* make a difference! It's one of the hardest jobs on the planet, though.

I'll pass that love on to Moka Java and the feral who won't let anyone touch her, but will let me sit and talk to her sometimes.

*hugs* to all of you, and to Pentelope.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the kind words and support. Being with her at the end is probably one of the most awful things I've ever chosen to do. But she was aware that I was with her and I'm glad she wasn't alone. I'm very sad of course, but it's not as bad as the dread of waiting and making the decision.

Plus as you mentioned, Pentelope is healthy as ever; so that is great news!

[missmisty.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry for your loss.

Nothing I can say can make it better, but please know that I'm thinking of you.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[jezaimee.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear this! She will be missed!

I send you, H, and Pentelope lots of love, some hugs, and a few tears.

I hope you guys feel well again soon.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Thank you. It sucks, of course but I think H and I are in agreement that we did everything we could for her.

[groovesinorbit]

I'm so sorry Clarence didn't pull through. What a shock. You did do the best that you could, though. And I'm sure she knew how hard you and the vet were working for her and how much you loved her.

What a a great picture. She looks just like my first kitty, Tanque-Rae.

Interesting your mention in another comment of Clarence coming back as a bull elephant or something. I picture Charlotte coming back as a lion, something big and fierce to hold her spirit.

{{hugs}}

[wednes.livejournal.com]

I actually thought about Clarence coming back as some kind of large cat. But she didn't have too much of a hunting instinct and loved to be pampered. Plus I think if she had the choice, cutting a swath of destruction through the jungle would totally be her iedea of fun!

Thanks for all your kindness and support.
We really, really needed it.

[sexyrockgoddess.livejournal.com]

*hugs* I am sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is horrible, but losing a pet who you are close to that is more like family is even worse. I feel for you. When my doggie died it felt like time itself stopped. I hope penelope does okay. Make sure and give her extra love. *hugs to all of you*
-Amber

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Thank you. Pentelope seems fine, in fact, she seems positively scrappy. So I certainly have that to feel happy about.

[zenithberwyn.livejournal.com]

Man, that sucks. I'm sorry.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Hollywood Steve.

[squamous.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear about this.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[kissdbyagnome.livejournal.com]

Wed, as much as i love my own, i can really understand your grief. I'm sorry this had to happen to your little one. I found this poem for you (i made it witchy friendly.) (btw, that wasn't me anon.)

Just this side of mama earth is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal crosses over that has been especially close to someone here, that pet/child goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent. Her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...


cheesy maybe. but i think there is some truth to this. you and mz c will be together again. you did all you could and she knew you loved her. i'll light a candle tonight for her safe crossing and for your aching heart.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[pleasing-tint.livejournal.com]

Oddly enough, just this morning while I waited to be picked up, I saw a cat (one I didn't know) and did that pss pss sound I do to attract them and this thing bounded over and nearly mauled me with affection. Just rubbing and climbing all over me. That doesn't happen much.

Anyway, sorry about your much beloved pet. I hope all gets better soon.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[lirrin.livejournal.com]

Oh honey, I'm so sorry. :-( I think I'll go pet my neglected kitties right now.

I'm really sorry for your loss.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Pet your kitties once from me!

And thanks for all the support.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Thank you for your kind words and good thoughts. The support everyone gave during this has helped us a lot.

I have given very serious thought to getting a new kitten. Our vet suggested that we wait at least a month before bringing in another animal. This is not only to help Pentelope's adjustment, but also to ensure that she is not sick as well. They diagnosed Clarence with a best guess but were not entirely sure what happened to her.

I am also living on disability right now, which is less than $270 per month. I would really hate to burden H with paying for another cat after he paid almost $700 for Clarence's vet bill. So I guess this is not the right time for me to take in a cat. I'm sorry about this, really.

That said, I think you did the right thing in removing the kitty from that environment. Good luck in finding a home for her.

[soundcraft.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. :-(

Take care.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Thank you.