It happened so suddenly. I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye. I only knew him for 5 years, but the bond we shared was stronger than anything I’ve ever had with another pet. He was my best friend. Go pet your kitty for me.
I don’t know you, but I love you from afar. RIP Alistar.
We just lost one of our dogs a little over a year ago. We still miss him every day. I’ve known about this poem for years and was reminded of it when we put him down, the vet gave us some cards with his paw prints and nose prints on it. On the back of them was the poem about the Rainbow Bridge.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet 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. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his 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…
All furry gods eventually ascend. I bet they knew how lucky they were to have you.
RIP I can’t imagine how hard it is for you
He’s such a beautiful SIC (standard issue cat). Absolutely gorgeous soft coat, looks more like a pelt. I’m sorry you feel like you didn’t get a chance to say goodbye, I promise you - from those photos it’s completely clear that he knew he was safe and loved and that he loved you too. He’d found his human. He knows x
Every time I go in my room I want to see him so much. Just splayed out on the bed taking an afternoon nap. Like today never happened. Some friends came round and we had a little party to see him off. Now I’m just trying to remember every bit of him. The way he bit my nose when I was falling asleep. The way he pushed against my hand when I got home from work. His judgemental tone when I had ignored him too long. How his claws stretched out when I gave him whisker scritches. I don’t want to forget anything, because I’ll never see him again.
They never truly go away, they stay with us even after decades, we just miss them so much.
You’ll remember him. You’ll remember what it felt like and smelled like to bury your nose in his soft little belly risking life and limb amongst those murder mittens to take a deep warm breath. You’ll remember all those things. With time you’ll think of it less frequently and it’ll bring less sorrow when you do. The memories will still be inside you, he will still be with you. Something will remind you of him in a few weeks’ time and it’ll hit you like a ton of bricks. The same memory in a year will be more gentle and joyful. It hurts so much because you love him so much. That love won’t go away. Your grief now will become gratitude and fondness in time. You honor him now by feeling and acknowledging the pain. Don’t allow yourself or anyone else to minimise it because we’re not talking about a human. He was walking around on four legs carrying a big chunk of your soul. That loss is as real and devastating as any other. It’s not brave to be stoic and push it down. It’s brave to own it, and feel it which is what you’re doing. He was very lucky to have you as his human, and vice versa.
With time and healing, you may find that you feel the need put all that love somewhere. Know that if you do, no matter how soon, or how far from now, you’re not undermining his importance in your life. It’s ok to find another lil soul who needs that love and will thrive in it, and give it back ten-fold, just like beautiful Alistair.
It sounds like you have a beautiful group of friends around you. That doesn’t happen without being the kind of person who attracts them. By all counts you’re a good person, let them be your crutches while you’re finding your feet again. You’d do the same for them.
Much love friend.
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a handsome guy.
I’m sorry :(. Alistar was cute. I’m sorry for your loss :(
I’m sorry you lost your boy, he is beautiful. Thank you for sharing him with us. ❤️
