A Sad Day...

Yesterday, my feline brother, Jake, went to the Rainbow Bridge. 

He was the oldest of the katz, but was only 8.

Mom noticed that he had been breathing faster and heavier recently, but was otherwise acting normally.  She took him to the doctor, who found out he had fluid in his chest.  While they were draining the fluid, his heart stopped.  They think he had cardiomyopathy, which caused the fluid. 

It was all too sudden and unexpected.  He was much too young.

I put together some pictures of Jake for mom, who misses him terribly.

 Mom and Jake (2 months old) on his first day home:  July 2003

December 2003
 
He was a smart cat and knew more commands and tricks than me!

I also miss Jake.  He was the coolest of the katz.  He was bigger than me when I first got to my new home back in September 2009:

He would always sneak a nap on my bed:

 But, sometimes I'd let him nap with me:

He loved people and the other katz in his pack:

He was even tolerant when an outsider was added to the pack:

 He was also a goof ball:

But for the time being, he will be basking in the warmth of the sun, waiting at the Rainbow Bridge, playing with his sister, Moo:

 
If you are not familiar with the Rainbow Bridge poem, click here.

Jake  5/3/2003 - 5/31/2011

MY FOREVER PET

There's something missing in my home,
I feel it day and night,
I know it will take time and strength
before things feel quite right.

But just for now, I need to mourn,
My heart -- it needs to mend.
Though some may say, "It's just a pet,"
I know I've lost a friend.

You've brought such laughter to my home,
and richness to my days.
A constant friend through joy or loss
with gentle, loving ways.

Companion, friend, and confidante,
A friend I won't forget.
You'll live forever in my heart.
My sweet, forever pet.

-- Susanne Taylor