We took Pippa to the vet this week, where she quietly slipped away.
We believe it was a relief for her; her life was not a life anymore.
Her last day was a sunny one–a brilliant autumn day where her ginger coat fitted right in with the colors around her.
Polite as ever she yawned a “good morning” in reply to mine and we breakfasted together on the terrace–although I was the one eating.
She was always a companionable cat.
Midnight joined her in a sunny spot near the church, keeping her company as if repaying her for all the times she had done the same for others.
Later she would make to move again, but her back legs would not obey instructions.
She stayed half up and half down, finding it hard to understand why her legs would not respond.
In the evening she had another fit–more serious this time–and she cried out.
It was time. We took her into Castres at 8h30pm.
It was out of hours and the streets were quiet.
The vet, who was gentle and understanding, said she had never known a week like this–so many older animals brought in.
Dear Pip looked at peace.
We brought her home in a cardboard box.
Our best friends and neighbors, Thierry and Flo, came over in the morning. Pippa was born in their house 17 years ago.
Thierry dug the grave under the trees. She was joining her offspring, Marmalade and Little Mother–Lucien too whom she had adopted and suckled years before.
Her shroud was an orange and yellow silk scarf and Meredith surrounded her with little autumn flowers.
Midnight pays his respects.
Robin Ellis 
Goodnight, dearPippa, sweet dreams.
She’ll watch over you from Heaven. ❤️
Always so hard to say goodbye to a longtime friend and companion. . .
Sorry to hear the news she was a beauty of a cat such a lovely colour
So sad, bittersweet, a beautiful marmalade cat. RIP.
Robin and Meredith, so sorry for your loss. Your love for Pippa is very obvious as you were wililng to let this beloved member of your family go when you didnt have to do that. Sending a wish for peace and comfort to you both.
Thanks, Victoria.
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Pippa, but, nonetheless, I am grieving.
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Dear Robin and Meredith,
So sorry to hear your sweet girl has gone over the Rainbow Bridge but now there is no more pain and she’s with her kittens.
I still miss my Tabby Cat, it’s been three years and have now had sweet Domino (aka Kitty Girl) for a year this month.
Someone who needs a loving home will show up to help fill the void. 🙂
Treasure your memories of Pippa.
Maureen Harney Lincoln Park, Michigan USA
Thanks, Maureen.
A beautiful commemoration of Pippa’s happy life within a loving family. I know the feelings well from all my beloved four-legged friends and confidants over the years, rabbits, cats, dogs and a horse…….. so sad for you Robin and Meredith.
Thanks, Diane.
Oh Robin and Meredith I am so sorry for your loss, and I know that the house will feel very different wihout Pippa’s presence. It seems though that her last day was quite perfect, and she made the decision that today was the day to leave you.
Thanks, Wendy.
Aww honey, I’m so sorry! Pets are not “things” as so many people believe. They are lovey, sometime vexing, members of our family. I’ve always held it is the owner’s responsibility to not only give their furry member a great life, but a caring and loving death with the ones who love them most. Sounds like Pippa got that. Now is the time for some snuggling of your own as you and your loved ones pass through the grieving time. Our comfort lies in the memories of great times past and the knowledge that Pippa is a scant few yards away, albeit on a different bed! Truly, my condolences to you and your family, including Midnight!
My sympathy. Cats do so much to add to our lives and the atmosphere of a home; it is a pity to see them go.
bless her, peace at last, love and hugs to you and Meredith xxxxx
Thanks, Lesley.
So sorry. Thank you for taking good care of her (and all the others).
Sorry for your loss. Our pets are family. Your thoughtful words and lovely pictures made me reflect upon my deceased pets and my aging seventeen year old Westie (named Thistle for the Scottish flower).
Sent from my iPhone Barbara Boling
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Lovely name.
Hearts out to all of you. She must have led a long, blessed life.
She did, Carmen!
Robin, I’m so sorry you lost your beautiful Pippa. It’s so hard to lose our little ones. I can tell from your posts that you and Meredith gave her a very good home and a lot of love.
Thanks, Kate.
A very sad day for you 2 but what a cat and what a life. So well loved.
Thanks, rj.
This little queenly one was obviously so well-loved. How lucky we are! when our lives are spent in the company of wise and innocent and loving friends; how hard it is to part from them… These shared times with people and creatures, give us our glimpses of grace, all that is happiest and dearest.
Thank you for sharing this heartfelt post of Pippa’s final final exit.
Thanks, Betty.
My heart goes out to you and your wife. The loss of a loved one, especially one that is an unconditional love, is the hardest. Our Sissy is 17 and our Butterbean is 15, so their time with us goes short as well. We refer to their passing here as “going over the Rainbow Bridge”. Pippa has a beautiful resting place that can be visited by all who adored and loved her. My Best, Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
I’m so sorry hear of Pippa’s passing. I enjoyed her stories as much as I did your recipes, or general musings. She was a beautiful girl, and I know she will be missed 200 times more than she was loved, which was greatly. Hope your memories and Midnight’s presence will help.
Thanks, Judy.
Robin and Meredith,
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your dear Pippa.
Our pets give so much back to us.
There was a man in the U.S., Roger Caras, who once said “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”
People who prefer cats must feel the same way.
Best,
Marla
Thanks for that, Marla.
Ah… so beautiful. I, too, had to give up a friend this week. Isaac had FIP (an incurable feline virus) and could no longer walk as of Wednesday when I took him in and had him put to sleep. So very hard to do. Our kitty friends are so loved. Peace to you, Meredith, Pippa….and Isaac.
Thanks, Karen and sorry for your loss.
RiP sweetheart. Run free🌈Xxxxx
I read this as a Poem The Beautiful Poem Of Pippa
Sent from my iPhone
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Robin and Meredith, you are such great cat parents. Pippa was so lucky to have found you.Earlier Like 4pmest, I had searched out your picture of Pippa, I have a 15 year old golden boy, Nuggets and was thinking I’d better start thinking of picture taking (I loved your photo of Pippa in the window)..and then two hours later your email arrived..so strange.. Take care, losing them is so hard but the joy they share over the years is magical. She was a beautiful girl. Stay well. barb
Thanks, Barb.
My condolences dear Robin & Meredith, so sorry to hear that.Always think she had a good life of 17 years in good care, wish you a lot of strenght in the big loss, Chantal & Puske puske xx.
Thanks, Chantal.
Thank you for sharing the departure of your kitty Pippa, it is always so Sad to loose a pet, they really do become a special part of our lives. I feel I have now found two feline soul mates in you and your wife. Pippa will have a special place in my collage and when I finally get it complete you will receive an image,but please don’t hold your breath As I have to do much thinking before actually getting started. My Lelio is buried outside my kitchen window so her spirit is always There. Warmest regards and sincerest condolences Rachel
Sent from my iPad
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Thank you, Rachel.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s hard to lose a cat friend, even when she has had a beautiful life. You and your wife did everything you could. Peace, Andrea in Williamsburg VA
Thanks, Andrea.
R I P Beautiful Pippa. Love to you and Meredith.
I am so very sorry
So sorry for your loss Robin and Meredith, it’s so heartbreaking, but you know in your heart you have made the right decision but it doesn’t stop you feeling guilty about it. Pippa was a good age and she obviously has had a wonderful life with you both, what more could a cat want!
Thanks, Maureen.
So sorry to hear you lost Pippa. Our Beau is 16 years old and we know how difficult it will be to lose him. Looks as if Pippa had a beautiful burial on a beautiful day.
Thanks, Sandra.
Thanks for sharing, you will miss her so much.
We do, Marg.
The hardest thing a pet parent has to do and it never gets any easier. You gave her a great, long life. Let that comfort you while the hurt subsides.
Thank you, Dianna.
Beautiful tribute. Thank you for for sharing this.
I have thought of sending a comment to you several times since I have been getting these emails to tell you how much I appreciate your writing, daily life, and sensitivity. But was so moved by this post and wanted to offer my sincere sympathy.
Thank you, Linda for your comment.
sad…it is so hard to lose a beloved pet rip
So sorry to read this Robin. I hope the happy memories you have of time with Pippa will soon replace the sadness of losing her. Ros
Thanks, Ros.
Dear Robin and Meredith,
Such very sad news – I am writing this with tears streaming down my face and I never had the honour of meeting your lovely ginger puss but it brings back all the memories of our feline losses and I know how you must be feeling.
I always think that it is such a privilege that one of these beautiful, marvellously independent creatures chooses to stay with one, and the love and companionship they give in return is therefore doubly precious.
What a long and happy life she has had – a warm, comfortable home, surrounded by love, sunshine and beautiful French countryside; the company and comradeship of the other cats in her life, and Midnight.
Thank you for letting us know – we had been thinking a lot about your both and Pippa.
All our love and sympathy,
RIP Pippa
Madeleine and John x
Thank you Madeleine and John–I’m sorry you won’t get to meet her now!
Pippa looks just like my fat kitty. She lived an enviable life. My Facebook is filled with pets looking for forever homes; 20 million are euthanized every year. I take comfort that a few lucky ones share a part of their life’s journey with me. They’ll be forever on my heart. Condolences, Robin.
Thank you, Elizabeth.
Oh blessings to you all! Sweet Pippa. Gone but not forgotten!
Thanks Maureen.
What a beautiful post Robin and Meredith. My heart is with you both…
Thank you, Kris.
Oh, Robin and Meredith – my sincerest condolences on the loss of your dear Pippa. She was one gorgeous kitty! And so blessed to live in such a wonderful home.
“…Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as if I was beside you…I loved you so – ’twas Heaven here with you.” I. Richardson
)))hugs((( to you both – I’ve been there many times. Mari
Thank you, Mari.
I am sorry for your loss and feel your grief. Your description about her legs not working reminded me of when we lost or Siamese Sophie and brought tears to my eyes. Pippa was loved. You gave her a beautiful send off over the rainbow bridge. May God comfort you in the days ahead.
Thanks, Andrea.
So very sorry to read this, Robin, but appreciate that you shared it with us. You and Meredith are the best of kitty caretakers (parents?) and Pippa was a lucky girl to have you both. May the sadness of her loss soon be replaced by warm thoughts of her long and happy life. You loved her well. All kitties should be so fortunate to have such caring homes.
Thanks, leslie.
Meredith and Robin,we send heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your sweet Pippa.
The love and life you shared together makes any words of comfort at this time
seem empty.
I don’t know if you are familiar with the “The Rainbow Bridge” (written by an anonomyous person in the 1980’s,I think) but it really does say what hurting hearts need to hear.
God bless you both and beautiful Pippa.
Kitteh 😦
17 years is one long full life. our animal friends give us so much and ask for so little in return.
What a touching post. Our 15 year old black Lab passed last month.
So very sorry for your loss
I am so sorry your lovely Pippa is gone. I know the grief, but be consoled by the beautiful life you gave to her. She lived in cat paradise with you and Meredith. Be extra good to Midnight who we know misses her dearly, and please take in and love another kitty in Pippa’s honor. You could call the next one Pip Squeak or Squeaky or just Pip for short.
Pippa will be in the stars tonight. Look for the brightest one.
Maria Buncick
This was beautifully written, Robin–I’m so sorry for your loss. Our pets do leave their marks on our hearts, don’t they?
It makes my heart heavy to read this and brings back sweet and bittersweet memories of my own experiences. I will go out and hug my Sundance, even though he’s not a snuggler, in memory of Pippa.
Take care.
Jan
I am truly sorry for your loss and find myself thinking “…to everything there is a season, a time to be born, a time to die…” in Ecclesiastes (spelling?).
I am sorry your lovely Pippa is gone. I know the grief, but be consoled knowing she had a full and wonderful life with you and Meredith and everything a cat could want. Judging by your blog, I would say Pippa was already in cat paradise before she left you, and now she’s just moved over to a new one. Look up at the stars. The brightest one is surely Pippa.
Take extra care of Midnight who will miss Pippa dearly, and open your home to a new homeless kitty in Pippa’s honor.
I’m so sorry. Feel better.
Maria Buncick
Thank you for sharing Pippa with us. She is at peace and she must have had a lovely life with you there in the countryside.
So sorry to hear about Pippa. It is never an easy decision to go to the vet. I think we would all like them to cross gently over in their sleep without pain.
I am so sorry to hear about Pippa. Still 17 years old is a good age for a cat..Take care Robin. My condoloscences to you and you wife.
Meredith and Robin,
I am very sorry for your loss of Pippa. We also have had many cats over the years and understand what you are experiencing. It is difficult to lose our beloved cats as they become part of the family. Pippa was very lucky to have both of you caring for her for so many years. Hugs to you both.
Farewell, Pippa. A beautiful and clearly well-deserved tribute to a life well-lived.
So sorry for your loss. This situation sounds so much like my cat’s last day. He was our first cat and I always say was the nicest cat in the world. It broke my heart to have to make the decision to let him go. His symptoms sound so similar to Pippa’s that I hope you will forgive me for saying that it gave me a little peace of mind that we did the right thing. I didn’t want to put him through tests. He was also 17. Bless you for giving Pippa a gentle end.
Oh, it’s so hard to lose a beloved pet. But what a good life you gave her – and she enriched yours. Condolences…
Oh Robin, you and I are a special kind of fool! I cannot count how many graves there are in my back yard!
I am happy to be a fool, and I know you are too. But it’s painful.
Kudos to you and Meridith for taking such good care of sweet Pippa!
Hello Robin & Meredith- so sorry to hear about Pippa. It is a very sad time for you. However,I hope you can take comfort in the fact that she was a very happy cat and hers was a life well lived.
Dear Meredith and Robin, I am very very sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet Pippa. I am glad that you were able to give her such a loving send-off. My daughter, now a mom herself, as a child used to tell me that one reason we have pets is to teach us about letting go because they don’t live as long as we do. But even with that, it is still heartbreaking when the time comes because we love them so much. R.I.P. to Pippa and my sincere condolences to your family, especially Midnight.
Oh, dear Robin and Meredith, I wondered how she was faring as you were quiet about her for the past week or so. I feared the news was coming sooner rather than later… We just never seem to have enough time with them, no matter how long they stay. I wish we could make you feel better; we know how hard it is at times like this. Just so very glad that she was able to enjoy the sun that day, and that you were there with her during her last days and hours. I’m sure she was comforted knowing you were there and loved her so very much.
Crying along with you……..
Dianne and Gene
So sorry to hear of your loss. It is always difficult to say goodbye, but I for one am happy in the knowledge I will see them again when I join them.
Pilla will someday meet you on the other side of the bridge, surrounded by all the other fur children who have crossed over. She is pouncing around free of pain. So sorry for your loss.
Aw, that makes me cry! I have an old cat that is fading and it is so sad. I know she had a good and happy life with her “parents,” and that is more than so many are allowed in this often cruel world.
Dear Robin and Meredith,
So sorry to hear about Pippa. I know she had a wonderful life with the both of you and 17 is a great age for a cat. My ginger is 12 years old this year and I told him many times he better stay with me as long as he can. So sweet that Midnight said goodbye to her in the photo. I think I see a kitty maybe in the future? Bless you both for your love for felines.
Marge
Dear Robin
I am so very sorry to hear of Pippa’s passing. Your treasured memories of her will always be of comfort. My deepest sympathies are with yourself and Meredith.
Blessings
Lana
so very sorry Robin and Meredith. I enjoyed reading about her adventures. You both took excellent care of her.
Ann
So sorry for the loss of your sweet Pippa, Robin. Your writings about your cats have always reminded me of Derek Tangye’s evocative Cornwall stories – do you know them? You write with the same empathetic grace about your cats and their place in your life and heart and it’s a pleasure to read even your saddest of stories about them.
Sorry Robin. Know only too well that pain. Lost my Burman Jasper this time last year then 5 weeks later my Burmilla Tess. Had them both 16 years. Miss having a pussycat around.Can’t have another as I now live in a flat. :-((
Robin, I am so sorry for your loss. Pets tug at our hearts every day and you know they have to go some day. I decided long ago that if I make sure every day is a happy day for my pets, I have done all I can for them. I have a dog and a cat (both rescue animals ) and I love them to bits. I share your sadness today. Judy Brinsley
Always sad to lose a much loved pet. Her grave looks lovely.
So sorry to read this Robin. I hope your happy memories of Pippa and her life with you will soon replace the sadness of losing her. Ros
You are right, Ros.
Sorry to read about Pippa.
So sorry to hear about Pippa. It was so touching to read it. Her grave looks lovely. Hugs to you and Meredith, and rest in peace Pippa. xxxx
Thanks, Hilary.
RIP pretty Pippa, you brought much joy to the others in your life!
Pretty and particular, Martha!
So sorry to hear this. Always sad even if necessary. Our love to you both. M n V
Sent from my iPad
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Thanks, Mark–good to hear from you–we are in San Remo tonight!
Dear Robin & Meredith, Your post was such a lovely tribute to a well loved cat. Sounds like you both gave her a wondrrful long life and made her passing as tender as possible. I have had cats all my life and I know how you are feeling.
Thank you for sharing. I always enjoy reading your posts of thr cats and wildlife around your home.
The exchange was equal, Evelyn.
I can add nothing to the lovely comments already posted…just to send a virtual hug to you both, and to say how honoured we feel to have met dear Pippa and to have been in her queenly presence, even for a short time. X
Thanks for that, Rachel–she made an impression!
Dear Robin and Meredith, I was sorry to read about Pippa. I know you had advanced warning about her parting but it still never easy to say a final farewell to those we love and care for. Thinking of you, Heidi
Thanks, Heidi.
I was so sorry to hear this. She obviously enjoyed a happy life and was loved and cared for. It is so difficult to say goodbye to a much loved pet, life is sad sometimes.
So saddened for your loss, Robin and Meredith. You wrote about her most beautifully.
A very moving and touching tribute to your sweet Pippa. Thinking of you both.
Best wishes
Tina
Thanks, Tina.
Sad to lose a loved one. 17 years is an impressive life span for a free ranging cat. Best wishes as you mourn her passing.
Thanks, Nancy.
Robin and Meredith, I am sorry to hear that you lost your beloved Pippa. But be aware that somewhere there is a new ginger kitten looking for you to bring her home.
We’ll be aware!
RIP Pippa and remember her well. She has found a good home with you!
Rest in peace sweet, lovely Pippa. Your family and friends will miss you dearly. With condolences, Norma & Bill Sent from my iPhone
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Thank you, Norma and Bill!
So saddened for you both. What a beautifully written testimony!
Thanks, Genie.
Meredith Robin I am so sorry to read about your darling Pippa my deepest condolences to you both. What a moving post Robin worthy of a very special cat,she is with her cat family now and at peace and there is a bright New star in the heavens looking down on you with love she will always watch over you as you did her.
You are right, Elaine.
Losing a beloved pet is losing a family member. So difficult. Focus on the love that you three shared over the years.
Thanks, Leila.
Dear Robin and Meredith — We are also so very sorry to learn of Pippa’s loss. You are so kind to allow all of us, around the world, to share in her life and passing. But remember, her spirit remains with you. And Pippa, please remember that your loving human family can no longer see you! So, make sure you stay very close to them so they will feel better and sense your presence. Hugs and meows.
She’s around!
What beautiful photos, and wonderful memories you must have of her. It’s a hard time when you lose such a friend.
My sympathize with you all. ❤
Thanks, Sheila.
So sorry to hear about Pippa. It’s so hard to deal with loss of a beloved pet and I’ll say a prayer for her. May your memories of her bring you comfort in the days again.
Good memories. Rosemary.
A beautiful farewell. She was lucky to have such a happy life and her grave is lovely. We all share your sadness.
Thanks, Sue.
Dear Robin and Meredith,
We lose our hearts to our pets don’t we? But the grief we feel when we lose them is the price we pay for the love we received from them. This poem puts it better than I can.
” Who shall tell the lady’s grief
When her cat was past relief?
Who shall number the hot tears
Shed o’er her, belov’d for years?”
(Christina Rossetti)
With love, Heth xx
Tears certainly, Heth.
I’m sorry for your loss. Anyone who has ever loved an animal knows how hard it is to say goodbye to them. We can hope that their end is quiet and peaceful, as it was for Pippa, after her long and happy life with you and her feline friends.
Robin & Meredith, I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet Pippa. Thank you for giving her a loved life full of companionship and compassion. RIP, sweet Pippa.
Robin and Meredith, I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for giving Pippa a loved life full of companionship and compassion. RIP, sweet Pippa.
Thanks for that Maryanne.
Robin and Meredi – Reading those names and remembering those proud, independent and affectionate spirits! Marmalade, Little Mother – toe-nipping Lucien and now, Pippa. How blessed you have been!
We have indeed, John–Hi!!
I’m sitting here with tears in my eyes. I was never fortunate enough to meet Pippa, but I feel I came to know her, just a little, through the stories and photos you have shared. {{Hugs}} to you both.
Thanks, Paula.
Pippa surely must have been a person in cat’s clothing. I suspect we are all shedding tears with you and Meredith for the loss of such a dear pet. What a good life you gave her. This may sound outlandish to some, but I once heard one of the great yogis of India say that animals do evolve to human form eventually, and that every time we pet, or hold, or love an animal it hastens their evolution. Whether we believe that or not, how comforting to consider we may meet our furry friends again, or that we are at least helping them in ways we don’t realize. Their unconditional love is such a ray of light. May it keep shining on you both!
Thank you, Jean.
Dear Robin and Meredith, so sorry to hear about pippa. Crying as I have just read My email. May she Rest in Peace. Dolores x
Thanks, Dolores.
I am thinking of Browning’s poem, “Pippa Passes”–
“The year’s at the spring,
And day’s at the morn;
Morning’s at seven;
The hill-side’s dew-pearled;
The lark’s on the wing;
The snail’s on the thorn;
God’s in His heaven—
All’s right with the world!”
Sadly,your Pippa has passed. The inevitable brings grief, but she was loved, and she knew it, in gratitude for that much, all we can say is “all’s right with the world.”
Thank you for that, Elaine.
Such a loving tribute – she was a very lucky cat and you were lucky to have had her in your lives. I’ve been in rescue for many years and understand how difficult it is to lose a dear friend. It always comforts me to know that I’ve been able to make a difference in the life of an animal. I hope you are comforted as well.
We are–thank you, Dorothy.
I was so sad to read this news not long after you posted it, but, alas, my original comment disappeared into the ether the moment I pressed “post”, so I wanted to be sure to return offer my condolences to you and Meredith. My original words were much the same as others’ have shared here, but I’ll add that Pippa certainly chose her people well, so I hope you always take comfort in that.
Thank you, Leslie.
Tears in my eyes at reading your post about Pippa, as we went through the same thing with our dear Kitty, she was a grand old lady of 23 when we had to call the vet out to her 5 years ago now. People will say it’s only a cat, but to their owners, they are much more than that and when you have to let them go it breaks your heart…..Pippa had a wonderful life with you and I know that you will miss her greatly. May Pippa rest in peace over the rainbow bridge…..very sorry for your sad loss.
Thank you Susan.
I am so sorry about Pippa. I know my Will’s days are numbered and it makes me sad to even contemplate. She had a good long run and was deeply loved. What more can any of us ask?
Thanks, Laura.
Our heartfelt condolences on your loss. We LOVE cats and understand how you both must be feeling. Cats become like little people with BIG HEARTS and are a huge part of the family. Treasure the Love & the Happy memories she gave to you. She was special – Love & Blessings xx Diane & Doug Isle of Wight.
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Thanks, Diane.
Robin, I was so sorry to hear about Pippa. You and Meredith gave her lots of love and care. Surely our animals know that. Cats know who their friends are. Anyway, I wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and Meredith.
Chris, Thank you–good to hear from you.
Robin and Meridith we are so sorry to hear of the loss of beautiful Pippa. She looks incredibly like our cat Oscar. She had a wonderful life with you and she is now at peace and free from pain. Hope you are both OK. Love carol and John Nolan xx
Thanks carol.
My deepest sympathies to you and to Mrs. Ellis for the loss of Pippa. Our fur children leave terrible dark holes in our hearts when it is time for them to leave us and no tears are ever enough to salve the loss – or to erase the joy and happiness they trail in their wake while passing through our lives.
Thank you, Alix.
Dear Robin, Meredith and Midnight, I am so sorry for your very sad loss of Pippa. It’s never easy letting go of a beloved pet but she is at peace now, suffering no longer. And you can rest easy in the knowledge that you and Meredith gave her a wonderful life full of love. What more could any cat want or expect? With much love to you both at this sad time. xxx
Thanks, Pauline.
Grief is the price we pay for love
What a lovely kitty Pippa was, and what a moving tribute you have paid her. The picture of Midnight visiting her brought tears to my eyes…he, too, has lost a precious companion.
They wrap themselves right around our hearts, don’t they? Sadly, the price we pay for such love is that their lives pass so much more quickly than do ours, most of the time…
So we cherish them while they are with us, and cherish the fond memories afterwards… and when the time is right, honor them by finding another cat to wrap himself or herself around our hearts and to make his or her own place in our lives. But right now, it’s time to remember and to honor beautiful Pippa, and all she brought during her seventeen years. Thank you for making those seventeen years happy for her – she was a very much-loved kitty, and that love will endure.
Best wishes to all of you,
Thanks, Susan.
I am so sorry about your dear Pippa. It sounds like she had a wonderful long life.
Libby Nelson
We lost our beloved kitty Beau three weeks ago. Sadly, we share in your loss and heartbreak. Our deepest condolences to you and Meredith. Please know that our little companions will be waiting for us over the rainbow bridge.
So sorry for you both. Pets are family too and so loyal and trusting that it makes it even harder to say goodbye. They enrich our lives. This was a beautifully written and tender piece to bid Pippa farewell
Thanks, Kathy.
Please accept my sincerest sympathy on the loss of Pippa. I know too well the now empty spot where she would sleep in the sun, the special meows for attention and treats. I recognize the instinctive and unintentional looking and then the realization that she is not to be found. You were lucky to have held her in your lives for such a long time. There will be a new kitty to love and you will love again. Just not yet…Victoria
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2015 21:49:54 +0000 To: vasmiser@msn.com
Thank you, Victoria.
I cried when I read your post regarding the loss of your dear companion, Pippa. She was such a beautiful cat. May Pippa finally be at peace, and may the memory of Pippa’s great love for you and your great love for her be with you always. Peace to you, your wife and Midnight as well. And may you all find comfort in knowing that Pippa truly had a wonderful life.
Thank you, Anne.
So sorry for your loss. Pippa was a wonderful cat, But you did the best you could for her. I wish you that soon a lovely lively kitten will join your family to give you joy and love.
Thanks, Marina.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Pets are the best of friends and to lose them is devastating, but remembering the happy moments they gave us can really help! I hope it will.
We will, Rita.
Dear Robin, So sorry to hear about Pippa, I know how heartbreaking it is to lose a beloved pet. Such a beautiful picture of her in the window. Best wishes, Vicky Gough.
Thank you, Vicky for those kind words.
So sad. So sorry. Such beautiful writing.
Thank you, Rita.
I sent a word to Meredith after Pippa’s passing but I would like to say to you that we were very lucky to have had a couple of weeks caring for her. She never warmed up to Bug but we warmed up to her golden heart. She had a beautiful life with you.
Lovely Janet, thanks.
I have been in hospital and starting the long road to recovery since an RTA caused by a careless driver on Remembrance Sunday. I suddenly thought I must see how your beautiful Pippa is following the last post I read. This sad news has made me weep in a way I haven’t at all I have been through. How much worse for you and Meredith who shared so many years with this gorgeous, special puss. I know the joy it brought me to be reuinited with my (ginger) Jimmy when I left hospital and the comfort of having him lying alongside me, his head gently resting on my leg splint in the wee small hours when I have lain awake. My condolences to you both. All cats are beautiful but Pippa was clearly a very special one, like my Jimmy.
Thank you, Susan and hope your recovery continues as it should.
Oh my dears!! So sorry for your loss. I feel as if a beloved friend has left us. Thank for making her final moments so comfortable and her passing so incredibly beautiful!! Love!
I’m so sorry to hear of Pippa’s passing .
It is always hard to lose an old friend and companion .
I think there is comfort to be found in the thought of a life well lived and in wonderful memories.
With best thoughts to you both at a difficult time.
Fran. Shaw
Such a surprise to see Pippa come to life again on my computer screen this morning nearly two years after her passing thanks to a comment by Maureen. Yet is was lovely to read Robin’s description again of Pippa and her last beautiful autumn day, much like it is here in NYC right now. Just to be reminded that this beautiful orange kitty had such a good life is a nice way to start my day.
I am surrounded by five of my own who are contentedly napping in a straight line down my left side. The others are scattered here and there, also not yet ready to start their day. Cats do make life so beautiful, don’t they?
Robin,
I am so sorry for your loss. Just last week, I had to bury my Sundance. It had only been a few days earlier I realized he wasn’t well. His fur was dull and he’d lost weight. He had very long hair, so he didn’t look thinner, but he felt thinner when I stroked his back. I looked for him to take him to the vet that morning and he’d gone off to die alone.
I found him a couple of hours later and put him beneath a quince shrub in the backyard. His pal, Zeus, a Chihuahua, supervised the burial from a few feet away.
It’s so very sad when we have to let them go. It will be awhile before I stop listening for the jingle of the bells on his collar.
Pippa was very fortunate to spend her life with you.
All my best.
Jan
Dear Robin, I lost my ginger cat, Sinuhe, in April He was 14 and died from Liver failure. I was going to take him to the vet that day as he was looking yellow and found him gone in my living room. I was heartbroken and so upset. He was a very lovely cat. So, we all know how it feels to lose a animal . I am still heartbroken . In June I was able to adopt a 5 month old from the vet. He is a tabby with lots of white called Dougall MacDuff. He is so sweet but bad. If he doesn’t get his treats, he starts knocking everything on the floor until he gets them. We all miss our kitties and always will. Pippa was lucky to have a good home as all of these cats we adopt.
Marge
I’m really, really sorry for your loss; Pippa was a beautiful cat and, judging from the way you remember her, her life must have been a very happy one.Thank you for sharing your emotions, even in such a sad moment, with us.
I feel close to you, because in twelve months’ time we have lost two cats, mother and son. Each of them had a terrible accident, at one year’s distance one after the other – even if we live in a quiet country area, sorrounded by fields and trees. Each time we ran to the vet, hoping desperately to save their young lives -they both were one and a half year old. But she could only help them to cease their sufferings. We felt we had lost very close friends of ours and it was a very difficult moment. Some people, even our relatives, thought we were fool because of the grievance we felt for our pets….But as we are fool, in some people’s opinion, we have adopted other cats and now, together with our senior cat, Red, we have welcome in our family a young female, MInou, and a funny, lovely, dynamic three month old kitten, Kal.
I hope that you will soon meet a young little cat, who will bring happiness in your house and in your “furred family”.
All the best,
Marina