We have loved our family cat Smokie for 15 years, since she was 8 weeks old. The cat people
will understand fully, and for the dog-only lovers… I love my cat as much as you love your dog. And I’m sure that’s a lot! I laugh at myself thinking back to taking Tyler to the animal shelter and explaining that we would just look and would not be adopting a pet. Yeah right! Tyler sat among the kittens and of course this little grey one played him well. She cuddled and purred and Tyler’s heart melted instantly. “Oh Mom, she loves me she really loves me. We just have to take her home.” And so we welcomed Smokie to our little family. She became Tyler’s constant companion and I love her for that! Geordie and I got together soon after, and married. When I had my miscarriage Smokie would not leave my side. We then had our twins Jadyn and Tanner. This intuitive cat was always watching out for them, especially when they were sick. When we would walk around the neighborhood she followed along, hiding behind every house. She’s a very funny and amazing cat. As I continue to learn and guide people to prepare for grief, death and dying long before it arrives, I realize that our furry friend is changing. She is not as active, she has lost weight (still a little chunky!) and just seems different. It may be nothing... but it may be something. Right now it’s just a feeling. But I wanted to take this time to talk to my kids about what I am sensing. I hope that Smokie lives for many more years, but if she doesn’t I want us to prepare and give her extra love and attention. So here I am letting everyone know how much I love this old "plump" cat and how special she is to our family. I am making sure that we are having extra cuddles (even though I get covered in hair). “Thanks for being the best cat ever, Smokie!” This is just another gentle reminder; even if your loved ones, children or pets are not ill or nearing end of life, give them lots of extra love each and every day! Do you have a special cat in your life?
6 Comments
11/16/2016 08:18:45 am
Yes, I even wrote a song about Smokie and how ' She Had the hearts of everyone.'...
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Yvonne
11/16/2016 05:48:24 pm
You have always been a great lover of all people and all animals! Grateful! xo
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Stephen
11/16/2016 06:42:42 pm
Hi Yvonne,
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Yvonne
11/17/2016 11:22:53 am
Thank you for your kind words. We are lucky indeed! :)
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Donna Smith
11/16/2016 07:27:54 pm
Love your story about Smokie! Our last yorkshire terrier lived to be 14 years of age, now our "Coby" will be 11 this month. My husband and I know that in a few years we will have to go over the grieving again and that is wont be any easier than the first time. Our pets are our family!
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Yvonne
11/17/2016 11:24:32 am
You are so right Donna. It is never easy. Sometimes grief is the price of loving, but it's worth it, and your heart will heal. It will have a little Coby scar, but it will heal! xo
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Yvonne Heath is Canada's Proactive Living Consultant. She is a Speaker, Television Host, Award Winning Author Guest Blogs
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