Sunday, January 22, 2012

Simon, we miss you.


Our beloved cat Simon passed away this past Wednesday, the 18th of January.  He is the first cat my husband Matte and I adopted together after we were married in 2003 (I already had 4 cats when we married).  Simon had the best personality, unlike a typical cat, he didn't mind riding in the car and used to like walking on a leash.  He was also a polydactyl, meaning "extra toes" but he literally had extra front paws which looked a lot like catcher's mitts.  He suffered a stroke a few years ago that made his hind legs unstable but he still managed to get around, albeit in a diaper.  We literally treated him like a baby the past two years.  Since he had to wear a diaper, he also had to go on trips with us and stay in pet friendly hotels.  He was a trooper right up until the end.  Pets add so much to a person's life, you don't always realize it until they are gone.

15 comments:

Sarah said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. :(

artslice said...

Wow, I can't believe he wore a diaper... what dedication! So sorry.

bunny mazhari said...

I'm so sorry for your loss Vivienne, unless you have loved and lost a furry friend it is hard to appreciate the aching space they leave in your life. They are closer than family a lot of the time because they are always with you. You can take comfort in the fact that you did every thing you could for him with love and devotion. xxx

holly aka golly said...

Vivienne, My heart goes out to you and Matte. It is a great loss to lose a pet. They are family members that truly become such a big part of our lives and what you said it true, that you realize it even more in their absence. Take care. My thoughts are with you.

matte stephens said...

I miss him so much! I think of him most at night he always wanted me to lift him up on the bed.
It does leave a huge hole when you loose one. Vivienne was so kind to him and took care of him and anything he needed she was there for him. The last two years of his life he would sleep in her arms. He was a really great friend to us.

samantha ramage said...

so sad to read of your loss. kitties certainly do add alot of love and cuteness to our lives. i hope that your angel cat will watch over you and your remaining furballs for as long as you all live!

xo
sami

Pease Porridge said...

Oh, what a loss. A heart breaking hole. It can be so unbelievably hard. Simon was lucky to have had you both and you both lucky to have had him. So, so sorry.
Better to have loved..

Carole Reid said...

Oh Vivienne, so sad for you both.

nelleke said...

what a nice and touching portrait of Simon. always sad to loose a friend...

Mandy Behrens said...

It's clear just how much you loved Simon. I am deeply sad to hear that you are mourning his passing. My thoughts are with you both. All my best, Mandy

vivienne strauss said...

Thank you all for your heartfelt comments, they are truly appreciated.

Lorraine Young Pottery said...

Do you still have a cat ? or was Simon the last of your cats?
Animals are certainly brave!

Lorraine

vivienne strauss said...

Thank you Lorraine, we still have 5 remaining but it is amazing how quiet it seems without Simon.

Micky said...

I had to put my cat to rest today and his name is Simon. I had him 18 1/2 years and was never sick a day in his life. I am single so he was my main source of love and affection even over the women I've had in my life. I have had several close family members die including my father. While I'm not comparing a human to an animal, I could never have imagined how much grief I had over losing Simon. I was hysterical saying good-bye to him. He was the most sweet, gentle cat I have ever scene. As painful as it has been, there is a certain peace I have because I know he is not far from me. I ended up at this site by googling "I miss Simon"...I hope this gives you comfort in that there are no coincidences and to know that your Simon is closer to you than you think...God Bless all our beautiful cat here and gone...

vivienne strauss said...

Micky, I am so sorry for your terrible loss - I think you are right, there are no coincidences. I often dream about our Simon. I hope your Simon will visit you in your dreams as we'll.